| Azimut 105 |  |
After taking Principessa on a 2,000-mile maiden voyage among Corsica, Sardinia, Capri and Naples, Captain Eckart said, “During my time aboard TV, we made some suggestions to Azimut, who followed them up on subsequent 116s and the 105. As a result, I’d say the 105 is a superior prototype.”On the safety front, for instance, Eckart asked for and received sensors in the yacht’s spacious garage that shut down the electrical system if gasoline vapors are detected. Why? Because in addition to the 14-foot tender and jet ski, the space houses a small cabin for the engineer and deckhand. “The transom-door mechanism is also more robust with a better air seal,” he said. Another safety feature: The wheelhouse and fly bridge helm stations cannot be activated concurrently. The system has to be switched over. Although this is a simple push-button operation on the 105, the captain noted, it nonetheless requires a partial stop. “The boat is RINA-surveyed, and they followed the build process throughout, so I really have no qualms about safety issues.” The 105’s deep-V displacement hull (with a 10.5-degree deadrise aft and a 17-degree amidships) was designed in cooperation with Sydac, the applied simulation engineering firm, for better performance and sea handling. Principessa is equipped with MTU 16V 2000 power plants that, according to the specs, give her a cruising speed of 24 knots at half load. But Captain Eckart prefers a more sedate 20 to 22 knots for guest comfort and fuel economy. Even at a top speed in excess of 27 knots, the electronic power steering is light and responsive with none of that tedious wheel-spinning before she locks onto her new course.
 High-level detailing is found throughout the 105, including leather headboards in the guest room. (Click image to enlarge)
In addition to comparing the 105 to the 100 Jumbo, it’s also worth evaluating the new line against its larger sibling, the 116. Just as the flagship is a huge step up in terms of volume over the 105, she also represents a proportionally large step up in price. Thanks to the 105’s clever design and wide beam, the new yacht feels much larger than her overall length indicates, especially on the fly bridge. Depending on the needs of individual owners, the Azimut 105 is not only an intelligent successor to the Jumbo, but also a viable value-priced alternative to the 116.
 Even the aft-deck dining table was not overlooked. Wood inlays on the edges take it one step up from ordinary. (Click image to enlarge)
Principessa will be officially launched during the European fall boat show season. At press time, the second Azimut 105 was scheduled to make its U.S. debut at the Miami boat show in February 2006.
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