With the new model in the 70-foot segment, the Italians have perfected the navetta concept
Absolute Yachts have been the regional market leader for many years, especially in the segment of navetta ranging from 50 to 80 feet. This semi-displacement hull type has been getting more popular for a while now, and is especially sought after in, and with owners who want as big a range as possible.
Expansion of the Navetta range
Absolute have decided to expand their Navetta range with another model – the Navetta 70, which debuted at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September last year. Alongside the flagship Navetta 75, the new Navetta 70 is at the very top of her range, representing the pinnacle of the Italian shipyard’s offerings and appealing to aficionados of smaller yachts. As for her aesthetic, it’s obvious that Absolute designers have done everything possible to make sure all their models are in sync, and their creative signature is obvious to all who know what they’re looking at.
Design language and exterior aesthetics
The new model has a tall hull that appears to get taller towards the bow and ends with a bow that tapers towards the waterline, giving it a very ergonomic design. Mid-hull there and on the bow are the signature large rhomboid windows, as well as air vents, which give the model a slightly sportier look than graced the previous models.
The entire superstructure is glazed by tinted glazing that ends at the bow, with the recognizable curved windshield. The highest deck is a spacious flybridge, protected by a large hardtop that covers the entire bow.
Smart use of deck space
First thing aft is the spacious swimming platform that doubles as a parking space for the tender, with a hydraulic lowering system. There, hidden by dark tinted glass, is the entrance to the skipper’s cabin, with two separate beds, as well as steps, located next to Absolute’s distinctive side panel ends, covered with ribbed blue plastic. Beside to the glazed wall that serves as protection in the middle of the aft area there is a folding table, with sofas on both sides.
Next, the door leading to the salon is adjacent to the bar starboard, while port there is the staircase leading to the spacious fly bridge which stretches over half the total length of the yacht. Its spacious aft section is left empty for freestanding deckchairs or benches.
On the right side there are a sofa and a small table, while the bow is protected by hard-top and serves as an al fresco dining room seating six. On the left side there is a spacious outdoor kitchen, available with appliances arranged in a U-shape, or in a linear manner.
Bow features and forward layout
Main deck bow hosts the bridge, with one seat enjoying excellent visibility, surrounded by sofas for those who wish to share the view with the skipper.
Right in front of it, there is a C-shaped sofa enjoying the view towards the top of the bow, a coffee table and a large sunbathing area that stands out on the deck as a separate island. The bow is easily reached via large and safe side passages, and the bow is elevated by three steps from the main deck.
Interior style and layout
As interesting as the exterior is, the interior, starting with the salon, is truly impressive. Light wood, rounded edges of every surface, white ceilings, white kitchen and light fabrics on the sofas all contribute to creating a pleasantly futuristic space.
Near the entrance, there is a semicircular galley on the left, and a large dining table on the right. In the middle of the salon on the right side, there are two sofas joined to form a large letter L and one small coffee table between them.
To the right of this space, the main staircase leads below deck, to the master cabin in the bow and to the guest cabins in the hull, or up to the bridge. The command post is elevated, few steps higher than the salon and separated from a wooden element that still allows communication with the salon.
The command console is served by two seats, and hosts a centrally placed steering wheel and as many as four large touchscreen multifunction Garmin displays. The fifth display monitors the engines, and thus, we can say that this boat has what is called a glass cockpit in aviation.
Accommodation: Master and guest cabins
The spacious master cabin can be found mid-deck in the bow, it has a double bad looking toward the aft and enjoying a nice view towards the open sea through the spacious side windows. The cabin is furnished with a chest of drawers, as well as a dressing table on the left side. The private bathroom located in the very bow, and has a toilet, two sinks and a spacious shower cabin.
Lower below deck, there are guest cabins; two singles sharing a bathroom, and a VIP cabin, in the very middle of the hull, only slightly behind the master in terms of size and luxury.
The VIP cabin has a spacious bed, a desk and an interestingly designed bathroom only separated from the cabin by large sliding doors. In addition to all cabins, there is enough space on the new Navetta 70 for a spacious closet and storage room in the bow, below the master, as well as a wine refrigerator.
Performance and sea trial results
Absolute Navetta 70 lives up to her name: it is stable, with minimal tilt in turns, smooth on waves, and it is a pure pleasure to walk around even at full speed.
On our sea trial, the unit carried 13 passengers, half full fuel tanks and 2/3 full water tanks, and achieved a maximum speed of 27.5 knots at 2450 revolutions and a consumption of 380 liters per hour.
The optimal cruising speed achieved was 15.5 knots with a consumption of 189 liters per hour, while recommended speed for achieving maximum range is 8 knots, with the two 1000hp Volvo Penta D13-IPS1350 engines consuming only 39 liters per hour.
With the new Navetta 70, Absolute have absolutely perfected the navetta formula, and we can already tell this new model is looking at a bright future in her class, and popularity with owners buying for charter in Croatia, as well as for personal use.
Text Mlađan Marušić
Photos & video Absolute
