Azimut S10 Review (2019 Edition)

Azimut’s S Collection revolutionised the modern sports yacht, incorporating a large sunroof for the salon and stunning hull-side windows for the master cabin. The sophisticated and detailed finish reflected both luxury and performance.

With the S10 and the recently launched Azimut S7, it seems Azimut is aiming to progress further. The yacht's construction incorporates Azimut's Carbontech, integrating carbon fibre to reduce weight in strategic areas while enhancing on-deck performance. As a nearly 30m (100ft) performance yacht, the S10 presents a fitting appearance.

While its smaller sister ships, the S7 and S8, may boast slightly cleaner exterior lines, the S10 undeniably represents one of the finest embodiments of Azimut’s snub-bow design.

What sets the S10 apart is the generous space and luxury it provides. In comparison to the 24m (80ft) S8, for instance, the S10 offers a significantly larger yacht. The spotlight shines on four distinct social areas at deck level and a spacious master stateroom, but impressive details abound throughout the vessel.

Azimut has effectively utilised the extra length of the S10, resulting in significantly more interior space compared to the S8.

The deck salon and aft deck areas blend, offering a vast array of luxurious options across three distinct areas. Accessing the interior accommodation from the aft deck via a series of doors, you encounter a dining area that extends the deck’s teak sole and overall ambience. The dining area can be integrated with the outside world through side windows that can be lowered to create a more open space.

Moving forward, you reach the salon, which can be partitioned, if necessary, using quadruple sliding doors. Alternatively, these doors can be neatly stacked away to provide a nearly complete opening.

The salon serves as the focal point of social gatherings, featuring plush carpeting around its perimeter. Large glass panels overhead ensure ample natural light, with the option to tint them at the touch of a button. Along the starboard side, deep low-level furniture provides comfortable seating, while a long cabinet runs along the port side. The only interruption to the layout is an optional day head, which stands out as a practical addition towering over the seating area.

One key factor contributing to the space and flow of the deck-level accommodation is the absence of a galley. This design choice allows the expansive full-height side windows to be fully appreciated, unobstructed by the cabinets and structure typically associated with a cooking area.

Instead, the galley is discreetly located below decks in the crew area, accessed from behind the dining area’s sideboard. An enjoyable and practical feature of this arrangement is a dumb waiter, integrated into the same sideboard, facilitating the swift delivery of food to guests.

Forward of the salon, a wide curved stairwell guides you below decks, where four cabins await. Azimut has carefully designed each cabin's layout, with a forward VIP cabin featuring an offset berth and high gloss finishes, and a tidy double cabin with a berth running across the beam.

The master stateroom boasts ample size, with a full island berth positioned unusually facing aft. Flanked by a lounge and dressing area on each side, positioned beneath impressively large hull windows, a spacious closet, and an ensuite with an enormous shower stall, the cabin exudes a welcoming atmosphere — further enhanced by a hidden bar area, providing guests with another reason to linger.

As a sportsbridge yacht, the S10 features two distinct helm stations. The upper helm is designed for frequent but shorter stays and is fully equipped with triple MFDs. There is space for two individuals behind the wheel, and to starboard, seating and lounging areas accommodate approximately five or six people near the skipper.

The lower helm is of greater technical interest. It features two supportive helm seats, excellent visibility, and side door access, which is well-designed.

The helm console itself incorporates a large array of display screens, which upon closer inspection reveals a single giant widescreen that can be customised to display various ship’s systems, navigation, and engine data. When not in use, the screen retracts completely to provide an unobstructed view forward. Azimut has considerately installed two MFDs so that full navigation systems can still be operational even when the main console is not engaged.

This is where the S10 excels the most. There are numerous areas on deck to enjoy. Along with the sportsbridge and fold-out transom terrace, there are five distinct areas to enjoy, and this number increases to six if you include the inside-outside dining area.

Let’s envision a day on the water. The kids are relaxing on the waterside terrace, where the tender garage accommodates a RIB and PWC. Moving up a few steps to the deck level, other sun-seekers are enjoying the expansive lounge area with its facing sofas that can convert to pads, complemented by two large wet bars. The shaded and more secluded lounge beneath the sportsbridge overhang is perfect for a quiet read or a game of cards, perhaps.

For lunch, you activate the side coamings around the aft lounge, which rise to support an overhead awning, providing shade during your meal.

Later that day, for the journey back to port, some of your group relax on the foredeck, where sun pads and seating are situated right at the bow, offering views through the cutaway bow sections. Others join the captain on the sportsbridge, where the views and sense of speed are exceptional.

Beyond the practical aspects, there's the craftsmanship. Solid teak, stainless steel, and carbon fiber combine to create something sophisticated and impressively sturdy. The finish around the foredeck is particularly striking, where all three materials converge. Similarly, the design and finish of the aft deck are stunning, featuring a central skeletal stairwell, teak-slatted overhang, and thoughtful use of lighting.

On the practical side, stowage across the decks is excellent, with deep and wide side decks. A bulwark gate adds convenience, while the molded and glazed side screens at the aft side deck entranceway provide both shelter and safety.

Azimut is known as a style leader and takes pride in meticulous fit and finish. For its S models, it has consistently aimed to create something exceptional, such as the beautifully aged leather on earlier yachts.

With the flagship of its S range, Azimut has pushed boundaries further, incorporating carbon fiber, stainless steel, and teak on the decks, along with an attention to detail throughout the yacht, requiring minimal additional enhancements.

This yacht is undoubtedly a premium offering. While similar-length models may be available for less money, it justifies its price and offers a comprehensive base package. With the inclusion of navigation and stabilisation systems, there is very little left to desire.