Absolute is the shipyard that uses unfailing logic to go the extra mile and make every aspect of life aboard as flexible as possible, but on the Navetta 64 they went the extra mile and a half.
A wide, submersible aft platform makes boarding the boat easy and welcomes you immediately to arguably the highlight of the yacht. Right in front of you, what’s typically a garage has been set up as a beach club, which in turn can become a fourth cabin.
The setup is another one of Absolute’s feats of logical thinking. Double sliding doors in smoked glass are fitted with an inflatable gasket so that they’re watertight when the yacht is in motion. Inside, a sofa has a convertible backrest that folds down to become a double bed.
Guests will find everything they need to use the space as both a beach club and a cabin – a sound system, fridge, an air-cooling system, storage spaces, TV and ensuite bathroom. The swim platform can also be shaded by a removable awning.
This beach-club cabin is a real superyacht touch that allows owners and guests to enjoy a day on the water then sleep about as close as you can get to the elements while still staying dry.
The symmetrical steps that lead up to the aft cockpit are elegant and also handy while docking. The cockpit area, with a large table, banquette seating and lateral openings under the gunwale, connects seamlessly to the galley in the saloon and offers easy views onto the water.
Cesare Mastroianni, Chief Commercial Officer and Vice President of Sales, says: “We are very careful about the quality of life aboard, of the functionality of the spaces we offer and how the user can experience them.”
The lattice-patterned inlay on the aft cockpit table already hints that the quality of finishing aboard the Navetta 64 is high. While Mastroianni is proud of the 64’s versatility and functionality, he also says that “a touch of Italian style doesn’t hurt”.
The cockpit and saloon are on the same level and become a single space when the sliding glass doors are opened wide and a window is dropped down into the sideboard, an ideal set-up for preparing and serving a meal. The galley is fully equipped, while there’s even a wine cellar by the lower-deck stairs.
In fact, the saloon is furnished with pieces by Minotti and has spectacular, all-around views through large windows.
Floors in bleached oak and panelling in elm and Canaletto walnut set a colour palette where contrasts are discreet and light, and views through the floor to ceiling windows play the starring role. True to Absolute’s reputation for meticulous planning, the AC vents have been carefully placed to assure optimum air circulation without drafts.
The raised pilothouse is just a couple of steps up from the saloon and guests can watch the action from a portside settee or the second helm seat. Excellent visibility is assured by the raised position and the curved and continuous glass in the windshield.
The foredeck has a C-shaped couch around a table that can flip out and adjust in height. The adjustable head and back rests on the sunpads are another signature Absolute touch and can convert for sitting or lounging just by changing their placement.
The whole foredeck area can be shaded by an awning mounted on removable carbon-fibre poles, a nice touch for those who want to enjoy the air and the view while avoiding the sun.
The large flybridge has lounging, dining and helming areas and is a space that a group can enjoy for an entire day. The aft lounging area can be furnished with Absolute’s new TF Terrace. Atmosphere modular furniture where elements can be used variously as chairs, couches, chaise longue or tables, an ingenious solution that allows owners to set the scene depending on the occasion.
The wet bar under the hardtop comes complete with a fridge, sink and barbecue, and there is a dining table just across from it. The helm station is surrounded by seating so everyone can enjoy the ride. Furthermore, the whole flybridge can be closed off with a removable structure for protection from the elements.
Stairs off the pilothouse lead to three lower-deck cabins and a handy storage area. The full-beam owner’s cabin is fore with a centrally placed double bed, a desk and a settee. This cabin benefits from the largest windows that Absolute has used to date and gets great views thanks also to its slightly raised position.
The VIP cabin is fitted with the same materials as the owner’s cabin and has a centrally placed double bed and a walk-in closet with a safe.
Its bathroom has a large sink that can be screened off by sliding doors or left visible from the cabin and separate cubicles for the shower and toilet. The twin cabin has direct access to a bathroom that can double as a day head.
While it might seem that every space on board has already been used to its maximum potential, this remarkable yacht still has a couple of tricks up its sleeve.
A secret compartment for storing the boat hook and an optional third docking station with a GPS display is hidden in the portside aft window. On the starboard side there is access to a crew cabin equipped with two seats and a table that convert to become a berth.
Of course, a yacht is not all about living spaces. Absolute were early adopters of Volvo Penta IPS pod drives and the Navetta 64 benefits from their smooth and vibration-free ride.
“We collaborate with Volvo Penta on their pod drives,” says Mastroianni with pride. “They have used our hulls to test new products and we have provided a constant flow of feedback. The IPS system combines ease of use with reduced noise, vibration and fuel consumption. We have been very happy with it.”
True to Absolute style, the engine room is orderly and intuitive, with a rational set-up that allows for easy access and maintenance.
The new model is set to make its Asia debut next year, after Hong Kong-based dealer Absolute Marine ordered a hull that’s scheduled to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2021.
After all, the Absolute Navetta 64 – and its fourth cabin with doors to the water – offer proof that even the most rational engineers appreciate the romantic beauty of a starry night at sea. With all the benefits of Absolute’s intelligent build philosophy and safe, solid construction methods, the Navetta 64 is a truly versatile yacht that combines poetry with practicality.