While contemporary modern interior design has been tried, and generally failed, to take over the superyacht world, it seems it is booming in yachts under 35 metres, as proved by one of the star's of the Dubai International Boat Show earlier this year with the world premiere of the Azimut 103S.
Seeing Dubai and the whole Middle East region as a growth market for the luxury yacht owner, a strategy upheld by Dubai-based dealer ART Marine being awarded the Dealer of the Year award and the 103S being sold within hours of the show opening.
Blasting onto the market in 2004 with the 68S (Boat Owner December 2005) Carlo Galeazzi's clean-lined Italian interiors were well matched to the experienced exterior design of Stefano Righini, creating a new epoch of sports yacht that has influenced many other builders.
While some builders create a range by simply making larger or smaller versions off the same template, all Azimut's ‘S' range models vary, particularly with the 62S and its bold two-cabin layout, launched at the Genoa Boat Show last year and brought over this summer by ART Marine.
Lying with a full compliment of ‘S' models at Dubai Creek Marina, the 62S was dwarfed by the 103S beside her in terms of size, but seemed to match her larger sister in terms of style, sporting the charismatic six-panel square portlight in her topsides.
The 62S's high topsides create a striking profile that oozes the feel of speed. Hip-high guardrails support the guest progressing forward, while also adding to the overall look in being sculpted to reflect the sheerline, which also smoothes in the exhausts and air intakes to disguise the rudiments of powerboating.
The aft hydraulic swim platform sits at a natural level for stepping onto from the pontoon berth, and can also be used as an alternative to the lazarette to store a tender or PWC, especially if instant access to the water is preferred. With a tender in place, the hydraulic passerelle hidden under the starboard transom companionway slides out to offer clear passage to the main deck, skipping the three teak covered steps.
No longer could the open air, aft section of the 62S be referred to as a cockpit, or even ‘aft deck', as it is styled to match fluidly with the saloon to fulfil the ‘inside-out' concept, promoting the sense of lifestyle above traditional seagoing ways. Following the track of teak from the passerelle, a massive sunpad dominates the main deck aft, providing ample room to laze out, or use the inclined transom as a backrest. Joining the sunpad, a small double bench to port faces a wet bar, grill and fridge to starboard.
Shoulder-width sidedecks stretch from both quarters to the foredeck, providing safe passage forward, which is a good thing as I imagine the large coachroof sunpad would be well used with its adjustable backrests and drinks holders.
The smoothed in anchor locker lid houses a massive space for warp and fenders, with a dedicated chain area separated so as to run smoothly through the electric anchor winch. From the bow looking aft, the low superstructure is topped by a radar arch fashioned more like a car's boot spoiler than a traditional arch, allowing a free track for the electric hardtop to slide smoothly backwards to open up the interior even further.
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