To a certain extent, it’s true that each country builds yachts to particular stereotypes associated with its populace. Australians build rugged boats destined for adventure, while an Anglo fastidiousness pervades many British vessels. Americans, not surprisingly, are all over the board with our boats — a true melting pot. The same cannot be said for the Italians. In Italy, elegance reigns supreme. An example of this phenomenon is the 72 Fly from Absolute, which is headquartered an hour or so northeast of Genoa in the small town of Podenzano.
The thing that really draws you to the 72 is her lines. Low profile and aggressively swept back, the silhouette is that of a boat built to impress, both from afar and when on board.
The yacht has three outdoor entertaining areas. Her cockpit has a settee and dining table that makes an ideal place for an alfresco meal. The bow deck constitutes another outdoor space. There, a second dining settee is complemented by a sun pad, so you can perfect your tan while moored in some discrete cove off the Amalfi Coast. (How very Italian.)
But as nice as these areas are, it’s the namesake flybridge that represents the 72’s marquee spot to commune with the great outdoors. An ergonomic helm can seat two, so the captain won’t be left longing for company, and sight lines are excellent in all directions. A sprawling U-shaped settee to starboard creates the main social space, while a grill, sink and refrigerator to port make sure everyone stays refreshed.
Another sun pad forward and free space aft for lounge chairs or water toys round out the area. There’s also an outdoor shower built into the radar arch. And for my money, an outdoor shower is the best kind of shower, particularly after taking a dip in the ocean.
Indoors, the yacht is just as well-equipped. Absolute concentrated on making the salon both ergonomic and well-lighted. To the latter’s end, sizable windows serve not only to whittle down the boat’s profile, but also to let in tons of light. Below are four very private, very comfortable staterooms, though the full-beam, en suite master amidships will leave everyone on board feeling a bit jealous of the owners.
And jealousy, of course, is something that Italians are intimately familiar with, since the rest of the world envies their flair for the elegant.
