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Text and photographs by Antonio Bignami
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AZIMUT 68 PLUS
The 68 Plus has been built in the brand new Avigliana-based Azimut
yard: 21 metres of modern and elegant design, based upon the
design ethic of producing a substantial, elegant, sophisticated
and innovative boat. Most importantly, this is a boat which,
conceptually, could be accepted in all markets, and which should
meet the requirements of the most refined connoisseur.
In fact, the Azimut Group has successfully launched not only a
splendid boat but also a brand of production philosophy of
extremely high technology, together with the highest quality
standards. This writer finds it difficult adequately to describe
this masterpiece, relying on the pictures taken and memories of
the extras on the 68 Plus.
The length overall is actually calculated without the aft bathing
platform, which adds another meter to the total; the side glass
windows, in addition to the trademark elliptical shape, are
mirrored and electrically operated from beside the cockpit.
In the master suite, amidships, large vertical portholes have been
included so increasing the interior lighting; the guardrail is
completely new and redesigned, with a cross-over amidships. Beyond
the aft entrance door, there are also two side portholes in the
american style; the access ladder to the bathing platform is
motorized and can be concealed together with the mounting ladder
so that the aft is clear when manouvering. The fairlead with
anchor chain at the bow pulpit and the aft fairleads are
electrically wound. The effort and attention given to the detail,
styling and design is truly innovative.
Post-modern design concepts, typical of the fifties, have been
applied tastefully! Hinges, handles, even the flybridge furniture
that hides a fridge, barbecue and sink, resemble 50's style.
World Boat for Azimut 68 Plus, a motor yacht that will play a
leading role in all the seas of the world.
 TECHNICAL DATA
Designer: Stefano Righini external layout; Carlo Galeazzi
Interior design: Technical Office Azimut
Builder: Azimut; Via Martin Luther King 9-11; 10051 Avigliana (Turin) Italy; Phone +39 011 93161; Fax +39 011 9367270; Web site www.azimutyachts.net
EC Category type: "B"
LOA: 21.60 m
Beam: 5.50 m
Maximum width: 5.50 m
Draft from lower tip of propellers: 1.65 m
Displacement: 38,000 kg
Maximum passenger capacity: 18
Berths: 8+3 in 5 cabins
Test boat power: 2 x 1,150 HP MTU 12V183 TE 93
Total installed power: 2,300 HP
Declared power: about 2000 HP
Total engine and reduction gear weight: 3,500 kg
Displacement/installed power ratio: 16.52 kg/HP
Type of transmission: in line shaft with five-blade propellers in semi tunnel
Maximum declared speed: 33 knots
Cruising speed: 30 knots
Declared fuel consumption at cruising speed: 390 1/h
Range at cruising speed: approximately 370 miles
Fuel capacity: 2 x 2,400 l
Freshwater capacity: 1,200 l
Price with standard equipment and test boat power: Lit. 3,150,000,000 (ex VAT)
Notes: possible motorization 2 x 1,000 HP MTU 12V 183 TE 92 (speed: 27/30 knots; standard price Lit. 3.090.000.000 ex VAT)
CONSTRUCTION CHARACTERISTICS
Hull: deep-V hull with a 16° deadrise aft and variable transverse sections
Hull construction material: fibreglass
Deck materials and fittings: fibreglass
Bow area: pulpit, anchor winch, anchor, chain and various
peaks, mooring equipment, teak decks, sundeck with cushions, fuel
and water access, side exits
on side deck, two side doors in the wall of the two side decks.
Cockpit layout and equipment: curved settee, various
lockers and storage bins, the entrance door to the saloon is in
curved glass, teak table and chairs for cockpit with appropriate
storage bins in the bow column, access to engine room and
equipment zone in the left column, mooring
equipment concealed either sides, access porthole to the aft
platform electrically operated. Shower with mixer tap, dockside
electric connection
Aft platform layout: hydraulically operated bathing ladder
and gangway, bins
Superstructure and window materials: deck equipment in
stainless steel and windows in tempered glass
Description and characteristics of the flybridge: double
entrance, both from saloon and from cockpit, roll bar, pulpit,
garage with hydraulic cover and tender
hauling and launching system with tender of 3.20 m; amidships
curved fly table and semicircular divan transformable into
sundeck, helm station complete with all electronic switchgear,
pilot and co-pilot seats, galley furniture complete with fridge,
sink and barbecue.
INTERIOR
Layout and internal characteristics: day section with large
saloon on two levels with aft, two opposing settees, bar with
ice-maker, cabinet with Stereo, TV and VCR, steel and teak access
ladder to the flybridge, galley in two typologies, helm station.
Accommodation includes four double cabins, all with en suite
bathroom; the master stateroom is amidships with vanity cabinet,
settee, wardrobes, TV and stereo cabinet (the en suite bathroom in
this cabin has two sinks and the shower stall converts into a
Jacuzzi). The two guest cabins both have twin beds and en suite
bathrooms with shower stall (the starboard cabin can be converted
into a captain's cabin, studio or a fully-equipped laundry).
Last but not least, forward there is the VIP cabin with double bed
and fully equipped bathroom. Aft is the crew area with three beds
and en suite bathroom. Furniture is in cherry-wood, ceilings are
in lacquered wood and synthetic leather, upholstery may be chosen
by the owner.
Internal helm station: winding console with inserts in
leather and burr walnut, ergonomic and electrically operated pilot
seat, which can be rotated completely to the left to access the
charts or computer. Steering compartment with power assisted
hydraulic wheel, electronic controls, compass, VHF, echo-sounder,
GPS with Chart Plotter, radar, engine instruments and indicators
Chart table: on the left in the helm station
Galley: in the centre of the saloon which can be concealed
by a horizontally sliding door in cherry wood, ceramic hobs,
dishwasher, garbage compactor, 290 lt. fridge, microwave oven,
double sink, worktop in shiny black granulon, teak floor, sliding
door,cabinets, cupboards and shelves.
FITTINGS
Standard fittings: other than those described, air
conditioning in all living spaces, bow thrusters, generator, trim
tabs, boiler for hot water, tender on the flybridge
Optional fittings: MMC synchronizers, fittings for
desalinisation equipment.
CONDITIONS DURING TESTING
Wind: none
Sea: Calm
PERFORMANCE
Time needed to reach planing speed: 8 s
Minimum planing speed: 1500 rpm, 15 knots
Maximum speed: 33 knots with 2,300 HP at 2,400 rpm
EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE
Sea keeping ability, turning and behaviour on waves: excellent stability and manoeuvrability.
The Azimut-68 Plus moves very little water to the side, it maintains stability and
performance, is low and fast on the water and looks even better at
speed due to the design and the exterior lines.
Wheel and trim tab response: efficient and precise
Visibility in different weather conditions: excellent from
both helm positions
Docking manoeuvrability: excellent and safe.
EVALUATION OF COMFORT AND FUNCTION
Deck: the layout is excellent as are all the components and equipment
Flybridge: very beautiful and elegant considering its
generous headroom and flexibility
Interiors: charming and elegant, with the full headroom not
compromised by the design requirements
Passenger comfort: excellent
Helm positions: excellent, functional, with futuristic
technology and elegant design.
Chart table: large and innovative
Galley: well designed and functional.
Bathrooms: very large and stylish.
Engine room: excellent
Electrical switchgear and plant: excellent.
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The 68 Plus has been built in the brand new Avigliana-based Azimut
yard: 21 metres of modern and elegant design, based upon the
design ethic of producing a substantial, elegant, sophisticated
and innovative boat. Most importantly, this is a boat which,
conceptually, could be accepted in all markets, and which should
meet the requirements of the most refined connoisseur.
