| Azimut 105 |  |
The challenge facing Azimut’s design office, naval architect Stefano Righini and interior designer Carlo Galeazzi, was a difficult one. They had to come up with a technologically advanced motor yacht to replace the 100 Jumbo, a popular model that sold 35 units during its 10-year production span, but one that was beginning to show its age. The solution: the Azimut 105. After two years in development, the first 105, Principessa, was delivered last July to her Mexican owner. During a recent exclusive tour and test drive off the south of France, the new Azimut princess proved herself to be a worthy heir to the throne.Viewed from the outside, the 105’s most obvious exterior innovation is the window design. As he did with the Azimut 85, Righini gave the 105 large, sweeping windows on the main deck and wheelhouse with less intervening superstructure than on the Jumbo. The result is abundant natural light within, as well as truly panoramic views. | Click on the Spec tab at top to see complete list of resources. |
 Whimsical S-shaped staircase. (Click image to enlarge)
On the sun deck, two rigid sunroofs support electrically operated bimini tops that extend fore and aft of the radar arch to cover three-quarters of the deck. True to the yacht’s Mediterranean vocation, there are no fewer than four open-air areas where guests can relax in the sun, enjoy a meal or chat among friends. One is a well-equipped bar/galley with fixed stools. Further aft is a hot tub with adjacent sun bed and freestanding chaise lounges.
 Designer Carlo Galeazzi brought lessons learned on the Azimut 75 and 116 to the 105. Furnishings in the dining area. (Click image to enlarge)
“Although a development of the Jumbo and only five feet longer,” said Stefano Buffa of Azimut’s technical department in Viareggio, “the 105 has over three feet more maximum beam, which provides for a roomier interior.” The fact that there is no dividing screen or bulwark between the salon and dining area further enhances this sense of abundant space.
 The bathroom is down four steps and fits nicely into the bow. The four-bedroom layout puts the master on the lower deck. Both floor plans put the 105’s 24-foot beam to good use, creating spacious rooms that belie its actual size. (Click image to enlarge)
Two interior layouts—four staterooms or five staterooms—are available. In the version targeted to the North American market, the owner’s suite is situated on the main deck forward of the wheelhouse with four steps leading down to a split-level bathroom that makes clever use of the shape of the bow. It has room for twin washbasins and a large massage bathtub/shower stall. The four guest staterooms are on the lower deck, accessed by a wide, S-shaped staircase.
 In the five-bedroom layout the master suite is located on the main deck. (Click image to enlarge)
In the European version, there are three guest staterooms, as the full-beam owner’s suite is shifted to the lower deck. A washer and dryer are hidden behind a paneled door between the two forward single guest cabins. The vacant room on the main deck can be used as a library, office, entertainment room or gym, according to owner preference.
 The main salon look and feel like those you’d find at home not on a yacht. Notice the textured feel created by alternating the direction of the grain in the squares inset into the wall panels. (Click image to enlarge)
Carlo Galeazzi’s interior design for the 105 develops the style found elsewhere in the Azimut range, most notably in the 75. His basic premise is that the yacht should serve as an extension of the owner’s home, hence his preference for freestanding furniture that can be rearranged at will. Fittings and accessories are squared off to give the modern, minimalist appearance of home décor that is “unmarine.” The paneling and joinery throughout is in satin cherry, with the grain juxtaposed to create a three-dimensional, tiled effect. The bedspreads in the staterooms echo this pattern with a patchwork design that uses squares of fabric in which the weave runs in different directions. Floor-level curtains add to the home-away-from-home feel. In the highly competitive world of production yachts, Azimut has earned a reputation for attention to detail, and this is evident in the teak caprail, substantial stainless steel hand rails and cabinet doors with beveled lower edges instead of door handles.The owner of Principessa is a returning Azimut owner who stepped up from an 85, seeing the new model as an appropriate advance. His boat is captained by Salvador Villerias Eckart, who makes this his fourth Azimut command. Before Principessa, he captained TV, the first of the company’s flagship 116 series, which gives him unique perspective for evaluating Azimut’s newest line.
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