Waves lapping gently, warm sun on your back as you tan, a cool drink just within reach. The Mediterranean has always been the backdrop to such yachting fantasies with the jet-set annually cruising carelessly across the summer azure seas. Yet the Med may have some serious competition from the Gulf, as the region looks to outdo its northern neighbour. According to Frederico Martin, ceo of Azimut Benetti (Mike are you sure this is correct, the website gives another name for ceo), the largest yacht-builder in the world, the Gulf is on the verge of a veritable yacht explosion.
The Mediterranean may always remain the favoured destination during the summer months but the Gulf with its favourable climes can still become a favoured nautical destination, at least during the winter months. At the moment if a boat owner wishes to sail during the winter period, the Caribbean is the favoured destination but the Gulf is a closer option and with an additional 30,000 to 40,000 berths becoming available in the area in the next five years, more and more boats may be spending their winter months cruising the mild waters of the Gulf.
Originating from Italy, Azimut has had a long tradition for being a favourite luxury brand for this region’s royals. Soon after the company was founded in 1969, it sold its first yachts in the region to the Al Sabah family in the 1970s. They loved them so much, they bought in bulk. Azimut may just be selling in bulk once more if the positive reaction to the launch of the 31 metre103S is anything to go by.
At first sight, the 103S is an imposing vessel with large vertical windows cut into six small cubes set in the hull that has a distinctive Bordeaux colour scheme. As is typical with flybridge yachts this vessel has two bridges. The captain can pilot the boat from the main deck or from the upper flybridge from where it is easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces due to a larger field of vision. Of course there is always the advantage that from the upper deck he can also catch a few rays.
The interior is composed of clean, crisp lines with discrete lighting, lending an air of contemporary elegance. Particularly striking is the master bedroom. This stateroom offers a generous space for relaxing or catching up on a bit of work. Natural light flows in from the large picture windows. Three other cabins offer comparable levels of comfort, including a VIP stateroom with en suite bathroom for preferred guests. The 103S can easily accommodate four couples plus crew.
On the main deck, the most striking features are the three longitudinal ceiling mounted windows. This set up offers a glass roof layout that is fully retractable. The panes themselves are tempered with an ultraviolet filter to prevent the deck from heating up to uncomfortable temperatures. At night, backlit panels diffuse lights to create a cosy and relaxing ambiance. The interior colour scheme cleverly mirrors that of the exterior spaces. Although made from different materials, the fabric on the deck loungers, for example, is the same colour as the furniture inside. With the fully retractable French doors, you are left with the sense that the cabin flows as naturally as the wake at the aft this vessel
But the 103S is not just about luxury. It is also a potent piece of boating machinery that can reach a top speed of 34 knots. Two 2434 HP MTU diesel engines provide the pulsing power to the Rolls-Royce KaMeWa water jets. These powerful engines allow the boat to glide effortlessly across placid, limpid waters or to slice through foaming waves at with breathtaking ease.
Yachts such as the 103S are set to become a necessity rather than simply a luxury boy toy. As the Jumeirah Palm nears completion, many there will find it convenient to moor a stylish boat in their back garden. For those who have bought a place in The World, a reliable and powerful boat will be a must because there are no roads linking the project to the mainland. Similar offshore projects are being developed throughout the region. With yachts set to become a more common recreational and even commuting choice amongst well-heeled Gulf residents, Azimut may well have laid down the gauntlet in launching their new yacht at the Dubai Boat Show.
Contact
Art Marine
Dubai, UAE
Tel +9714 3039710
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