Azimut Seadeck 7

GREEN ONYX MARBLE ISSUE

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N°

42

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2025

[ COVER STORY ]

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Reducing environmental impact. Design solutions developed to bring down the barriers between exteriors and interiors. A reinvented aft space to host a new lifestyle that’s all about wellbeing. The second model in the Seadeck line by Azimut Yachts builds on the holistic concept inspired by a collaboration with Alberto Mancini and Matteo Thun & Antonio Rodriguez – and Volvo Penta’s hybrid-electric technology means it’s even greener

by Désirée Sormani - ph. courtesy by Azimut

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e wanted to create a yacht that marked a radical

to create a celebration of sociability. Two opening wings, inspired by

change in the relationship with nature. Seadeck is

Benetti’s Oasis Deck® concept, further expand the aft area. On Seadeck

a floating island that enables owners to break away

they serve to help remove the visual barrier created by the bulwark.

from everyday life and live in total contact with

Respect for the environment underpins the concept – the use of materials

the sea”, says Alberto Mancini, originator of the

like cork instead of teak, varnishes made from natural products and

concept and exterior design of the innovative Seadeck line for Azimut

fabrics obtained from eco-sustainable, recyclable or recycled sources (like

Yachts (part of the Azimut|Benetti group). There are already two Seadeck

the carpet made from fishing nets recovered from the sea). They are also

versions available – the 6, presented at the Milan Design Week 2024 and

light, in order to cut weight and therefore consumption. A mechanism aft

the Venice boat show in the same year and the 7, unveiled at the Cannes

reveals a striking staircase – this descends into the water at various levels,

Yachting Festival 2024. They will soon be joined by the Seadeck 9, the new

facilitating access to the water. One striking detail highlights the Seadeck

flagship. Seadeck embodies everything we wished for during the Covid

7’s relaxed spirit – the hammock on the starboard wing, which invites

period – a yacht that is a safe island, to be enjoyed with family and friends,

guests to board the yacht and leave their worries and stress behind them.

somewhere we can enjoy the moment to the full.

Seadeck 7 differs from her sister, especially in her dimensions, 21.7 metres

Seadeck 7 is the world’s first yacht to combine hybrid propulsion with

against the 17.25 metres of the Seadeck 6. The result is an exterior design

the Volvo Penta IPS system, based on Volvo Penta’s revolutionary

with deckhouse further towards the bow and a living area with open

hybrid-electric pilot technology. The hybrid-electric package is the result

galley beside the helm station, further integrated into the exterior terrace.

of a collaboration between Azimut and Volvo Penta, and the prototype

The intense attention to detail is augmented by a careful study of light –

installation was completed in parallel with the development of the Seadeck

together with the colour palette of light, calm tones, this enhances the

7 to ensure total integration. This system enables the Seadeck 7 to sail

concept of on-board wellness. Azimut chose Matteo Thun and Antonio

in full-electric mode at up to 11 knots and remain at anchor with zero

Rodriguez for the interior styling (Seadeck 6 marked their yachting debut

emissions for a maximum of 12 hours. This provides a reduction in CO2

and influences the entire line). “We thought they were the best people

emissions of up to 40% during an average year of use. The designers’

to interpret the Back to Nature and Wellness concepts”, says Giovanna

work was driven by a desire to maximise contact with the sea and respect

Vitelli, President of the Azimut|Benetti Group. The two architects took

the yacht’s environment. This progress towards sustainability, based on

a subtractive approach to the task, implementing a Conscious Design

technological research and development, has been a crucial element in

approach. “We prefer to talk about awareness rather than sustainability”,

Azimut’s operations for 20 years. The result is Low Emission Yachts,

he says. “What we do is all about removing and simplifying”. It’s a

technologically advanced models that provide reductions in emissions of

redefinition of luxury with an emphasis on well-being, using natural

between 20% and 30% at the most frequent speeds. This progress towards

materials. It means finding elegance in simplicity and practicality with

more ecologically-aware craft now reaches a peak with Seadeck.

a stylistic coherence throughout the yacht, from the main deck down

The heart of the Seadeck is the Fun Island. This on-board space has been

to sleeping area, whose layout comprises four cabins (a VIP forward, a

reinterpreted and redesigned to offer an immersive experience in nature

Master cabin aft and two guest cabins amidships).

and a new way of being together on board a yacht. The swim platform is

The flybridge of the Seadeck 7 is designed not as a sun bridge but a crow’s

not just an open-air terrace, it blends seamlessly into the interior and is

nest like those on board old-time sail ships and some modern megayachts;

fully a part of it – when the large deckhouse windows are open this creates

it is a comfy, intimate sanctuary where guests can tuck themselves away

an integrated space and guests inside, in the open air and even in the water

and scan the sea horizon.

can interact with ease and enjoyment. All the physical barriers are lowered

azimutyachts.com

Seadeck 7 differs from her sister in a number of aspects, especially her dimensions: 21.7 metres against the 17.25 metres of the Seadeck 6. The result is an exterior design with the deckhouse located further forward. The Seadeck 7 is also the world’s first yacht to combine hybrid power with Volvo Penta IPS propulsion, based on revolutionary Volvo Penta hybrid-electric pilot technology.

This marks the first time a yacht combines Diesel engines, electric motors, and batteries with the efficiency of Volvo Penta IPS drives, allowing it to cruise in pure electric mode at up to 11 knots and remain at anchor with zero emissions for up to 12 hours without a generator on board. At the moment it is still in the prototype stage, but Volvo Penta will soon be making it available on the market

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The living area and terrace form an integrated space. The intense attention to detail is complemented by a careful study of the welcoming, suffuse light that emphasises details. Together with the palette of calm, warm colours this enhances the concept of on-board wellness. Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez took a subtractive approach to the task, implementing a Conscious Design approach

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Concept and Exterior Design Alberto Mancini, founder of AM Design

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adeck was created to fulfil a new market demand that no longer involves those who seek to sail at 40 knots and be first to arrive in port – it targets owners with a green heart, people who care for the sea. The yacht creates a new type of sea travel, one that places great emphasis on the concept of openness and transparency and also involves a radically different approach to nature. In this way, by introducing the Fun Island, Seadeck becomes a floating island that enables the owner to break away from daily life and live in total contact with the sea.

The Seadeck 7 extends the line, with the Fun Island concept given an even fuller expression.

If I were to explain it in terms of my automotive background, I could compare Seadeck to a comfortable, elegant SUV. The deckhouse blends harmoniously into the yacht’s lines, emphasising even further the idea of interconnection between interior and exterior, with this interior space expanded and perfectly linked with the platform and its roomy wings. These elements are not intended to obtain an extra metre, they are much more closely linked to the central sunbathing area. By dropping down, the gunwales give me a wider view and more connections. The interior ceiling of the Seadeck 7 has a skylight – not the classic opening type, but a sort of sunshade that creates an attractive play of light and shade throughout the day. It’s skilfully evoked in the décor by Thun and Rodriguez, resulting in an almost zen-like setting. It’s a very pleasant area for a family because it has unified, interconnected spaces. The open-air lounge aft resembles a sea terrace, like a house with private access to the water that descends to various levels. All this eradication of barriers opens up the view aft and the side, too. There’s a total visual interconnection with the sea, emphasising the concept of well-being and relaxation.

On the Seadeck 7, for example, we wanted to add an additional space like the flybridge, another place that encourages peace and serenity. For me, working on this yacht line has been an evolution. A new challenge I accepted eagerly.

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Seadeck 7 is a floating island. The drop-down bulwarks aft are not designed to obtain an extra metre of floor space, but are intended to expand the view and create a closer connection with the yacht’s surroundings. This effect can also be enjoyed inside the yacht

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Interior Design Matteo Thun Antonio Rodriguez

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he Seadeck concept complements our approach to architecture, where the indoor and outdoor areas always integrate smoothly. For us the exterior context is important and we always try to make it extend into the exteriors, whether in a residence, hotel or hospital. Bringing nature into the interior is a part of our philosophy of architecture – all despite the fact we had never worked in the yacht-building industry. We found the research involved in developing a contemporary, light and aware solution for the whole Seadeck line was extremely interesting. It was a new adventure for us, but was also simple, because it meant transposing the concepts the studio already offered onto water – the desire to strip elements away to allow the heart of the space to emerge, creating somewhere where it’s easy to feel good. The shell created by Alberto Mancini was optimal. The large windows and immediate connection between interior and exterior enabled us to work in a style that was coherent with our way of thinking. The great luxury of the yacht isn’t the yacht itself, it’s the opportunity to go

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wherever you wish. We’ve created a simplicity of style where the exterior spaces are always different during the cruise.

Stripping away is our narrative method. But take care – this does not mean that we like minimalism. Stripping away means allowing an object’s spirit to emerge, because in reality our striving for formal cleanness lacks nothing – spirit, welcome, comfort and elegance. And we prefer that everything has a material presence. Matteo Thun always says, “You have to touch it with your eyes”. This is fundamental, because it’s the eye that first tells you if a sofa, for example, is comfortable.

We also democratise spaces. Even the cabins are designed to complement the yacht’s style: the owner’s suite is larger than the other cabins, but it has the same identity, the same spirit, the same care. Everything is designed to measure, down to the smallest detail. Light is also extremely important for us – soft and suffuse, it generates a deep sense of relaxation. It’s our sense of welcome – hospitality is a field we often work in and it’s where we are at ease.

Everything is designed to measure down to even the smallest detail, with a stylistic coherence throughout the yacht that has democratised space. This is true in the cabins, too – although the owner’s cabin (above) is larger than the others, they have the same identity. The materials are all sustainable – the fabrics are by Dedar and Rubelli, the washbasins (left) are by Marmo design

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The flybridge on the Seadeck 7 was not designed as a sun deck but as a crow’s nest like those on board old-time sailing ships or some modern megayachts – it’s a comfy, intimate spot where guests can tuck themselves away and scan the sea horizon (there is also a second helm station here)

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The Shipyard Federico Lantero Head of Product Design Azimut Yachts

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eadeck is the result of a careful study of an evolving market, so owners today are exposed to cultural developments and different lifestyles in various design fields - residential, automotive or accessories. The special trend I’m talking about is authenticity of experience, which always becomes more central. In the yachting sector it means thinking of yachts as a means to experience the sea in a direct, more genuine way. The Fun Island is one of the basic concepts in this project, and we sought to add the enjoyment of life in the family to this. Seadeck is a yacht that provides an experience of on-board life, encouraging relaxation and serenity. Mancini has

The helm station of the Seadeck 7 features Volvo Penta’s revolutionary hybrid-electric “helm-to-propeller” package. This is the fourth level of Azimut’s progress towards electrification and greener sailing

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provided a complete interpretation of a mission that was perhaps more distant from his DNA, linked to a car design heritage that was all about speed. However, he succeeded in reflecting the philosophy of our yachts, surprising us positively with the Fun Island concept.

Seadeck is full of challenges. One of these is giving new life to regenerated or recycled materials, transforming them into visually attractive elements. Everyone in the company felt involved in this challenge. Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez did exceptional work on the interior design: with just a few elements they created a super-relaxing interior and their Conscious Design blends perfectly with our philosophy. Seadeck 7 ushers in a new era for Azimut and the fourth level in our progress towards electrification and greener sailing. We’ve made the first, Zero Emission Hotel Mode, available for several years now, and we’ve received positive feedback from clients who can now spend eight consecutive hours moored in a bay in total silence, with generators turned off. The second level, currently available on Seadeck 6, is a boosted Hotel Mode with alternator. This makes it possible to sail with generator turned off, rendering consumption more efficient. The third level of electrification, suitable for larger yachts and installed on the first Azimut Grande 44M, is the Mild Hybrid Plus. This means you have two electric motors (not for propulsion) also capable of providing rapid charging for the batteries. In this way the time the yacht can spend with the generator off, at anchor or under way, is extended, for increased comfort and reduced consumption.

The fourth level, the Full Hybrid System, the result of the partnership with Volvo Penta, has been given its international debut on the Seadeck 7, and now, together with the other solutions installed on board, it enables an aware owner to reduce CO2 emissions by 40% in an average year of use. At the moment it’s still a prototype installation, but Volvo Penta is to make it available on the market as a result of the development carried out during the collaboration.