AZIMUT MAGELLANO 66: FAMILY MATTERS

A yacht can be sterile place. Crews (understandably) do their absolute best to keep interior surfaces spotless and superstructures saltwater free, but sometimes, in the process, this obsession with tidiness can take away a yacht’s character, and character is something that Azimut has definitely injected into the latest evolution of its Magellano 66.

CROSSOVER

Just from its exterior design, the latest Magellano looks like it wants to haul anchor and go for a cruise. It’s definitely not a ‘marina princess’ and that was Azimut’s idea from the start. Introduced in 2009, the Magellano was the industry’s first ever crossover yacht, offering the ruggedness of a trawler with the amenities of a luxury flybridge. It’s a combination that really hit home with adventurous boaters, and the latest M66 aims even more squarely at the traditional owner.

RETRO STYLE

Azimut has gone the retro route with its latest Magellano. The overall silhouette is the same as its older sister’s, however there are updated windows in the P.L. Ausonio Naval Architecture & Azimut Yachts R&D Department’s designed hull. The most obvious change over the original is the addition of the wooden slats on the aft pillar. Combined with the wooden gunwale strip and the light coloured waterline graphic, the latest M66 really looks the part; a sports trawler/ trawler coupé, even.

All in the detail: We’re big fans of the 66’s simple design details, such as the wooden slats in the aft pillar.

60S FEEL

Sterile is definitely not how you would describe the M66’s interior; quite the opposite in fact. The main salon has an almost 1960s ambience to it; open, warm and friendly. You can imagine children toys dotted around the interior without being out of place and the circular window that separates the galley is a magical touch. With substantial thought being put into the salon, as well as the foredeck lounge and cockpit, the M66 has the overall feel of one big beach club.

The lower deck layout places the Owner’s suite amidships and this large-but-cosy cabin once again uses a circle to good effect, this time in the form of a mirror, placed above the bed. Thanks to the M66’s 5.54 metre beam, there’s plenty of space to laze around, something encouraged by the natural light let in by the large windows and the relaxed overall ambience. Completing the M66’s accommodation is a VIP cabin in the bow, which is joined by a single to port and a twin cabin starboard.

Up top, the flybridge finishes off the M66 nicely, with a totally open feel courtesy of the minimalistic hardtop supports. Guests can make the most of the unobstructed view from the numerous sunpads and sofas, with the skipper also having a commanding view from the helm station. Pushing the throttles forward results in a 23-knot top speed courtesy of a pair of MAN i6 engines pushing out 850hp each. However, cruise speed us a leisurely 19 knots, which is much more to the M66’s style. As far as characterful yachts go, the latest Magellano is tough to match. It’s built to be enjoyed and with its retro chic charm, it looks as good as it cossets.