Azimut has been tweaking the design of the 72 since it was introduced in 2015. Now, it’s having another evolution; the exterior design is by none other than Alberto Mancini and the interior is by Fabio Fantolino in his first collaboration with a boat builder.
Powered by a pair of MAN V12 1,400hp engines, this yacht achieves an impressive top speed of 32 knots. Azimut has created quite the package with this model and it has a starting price of €3,300,000 ex VAT. Read on for our in-depth review.
Review Video
The Azimut Fly 72 has a fresh interior courtesy of Fabio Fantolino, who is new to designing yacht interiors but has over 20 years of experience in architecture & design. It's great how Azimut isn't afraid to collaborate with talent from outside the yachting industry, and the result is absolutely lovely. The blend of bronze and matt wood throughout the yacht has created a real contemporary vibe. In previous models, Azimut sometimes steered towards the bold, even divisive, interiors - but here, the balance is spot on. It's so different from pretty much everything else in the sector and it really stands out.
The mix of matte and glossy timber, bronze, and other materials, along with nice accents on storage cabinets, has a much more subtle, contemporary vibe. The lamp detailing, seen throughout the saloon, continues in the guest accommodation, offering lovely, consistent touches that elevate the space. A good example is in the lighting motif used throughout, with duplicated ceiling-mounted fixtures that hang vertically, diffusing warm light from underneath. This clever design element adds a sophisticated touch without being over the top.
The 72 has an amidships galley, which I’ve noticed is making a bit of a comeback recently. Positioned close to the forward dinette, it encourages a sociable atmosphere and it just makes perfect sense. Although there's an option to enclose the galley with full-height walls and a sliding door, I think having this option might ruin the open feel of the saloon and lower helm.
The lower deck houses a four-cabin, four-bathroom arrangement. When going down the companionway, there are a few level changes and a rather big step. Azimut has provided a big handle to steady yourself, but this may cause issues for some.
Entering from the cockpit, the saloon immediately impresses with its smartly designed storage for glassware, installed near the entrance right where it's most needed. The saloon itself has a well-connected seating area, which integrates with the cockpit to create a cohesive social space. Low-level furniture enhances the open feel so nothing is blocking the windows, including the pop-up TV - hidden until needed.
Moving forward, there’s a dining table with L-shaped seating around it next to the galley. The stone material on the table is lovely, complemented by the beautifully shaped seats and lighting details.
The galley, amidships in the saloon, features loads of storage beneath the counter and space for a big fridge-freezer. The galley is equipped with a large sink, induction cooktop, dishwasher, and all the expected stuff. This arrangement is practical and stylish, with a significant counter space connecting to a mini dinette forward. There are large windows in this area, which should give a glorious view as you cook or prepare drinks.
Though not the largest for a boat this size, the galley still has an impressive design. The forward diner next to the helm offers a more snug setting for a coffee or breakfast while on passage. Elevated and with excellent visibility, this area provides a cosy spot to sit next to the skipper, easily accessible from the galley.
Owner's Cabin
The owner’s cabin is located amidships and down three steps, is a fabulous space. The interior design is spot-on. The flash of colour on the storage units is a vibrant touch, and the timber and bronze mingle nicely. Also, the lamp detailing matches those in the saloon. The cabin nearly spans the full beam and shares space with a walk-in wardrobe. The ensuite here is executed beautifully, too.
The forward VIP double has excellent headroom and a lovely look and feel. Thought has gone into every element of the finish; it's a space with soul. The detailing is smart and practical, featuring eye-level lockers and hanging storage on both sides. The ensuite attached to this cabin is particularly generous, making it the standout among the guest accommodations.
The port-side double cabin is cosy, and though access to the bed is limited to one side, the bed itself is a good size. Complemented by natural ventilation and light from a porthole and a hull window. This cabin also features an ensuite that doubles as the day head.
Amidships, the third guest cabin is on the starboard side at the bottom of the companionway. This twin cabin is neatly arranged, tapering towards the top to provide ample leg room. It includes well-sized single berths, natural light, an ensuite, and a hanging locker.
Crew Accommodation
The Azimut Fly 72 has a nice little crew setup, accessed through a door at the transom and down a shallow staircase. There's no dedicated crew mess, and one of the berths is a bit more open-plan, with only a curtain separating it, but it's practical. There’s also a separate cabin featuring a single bed, a bit of storage, and air conditioning. The crew also has their own bathroom, which doubles as the location for the washer and dryer. There’s even additional access from the cockpit via a ladder. This space is decent for two crew members.
The upper helm seat offers a good amount of adjustment, allowing you to get comfortably close to the enormous Azimut wheel. The throttles fall easily to hand, and the joystick control combines the proportional thrusters and the shafts of the MAN diesel engines to provide IPS-style manoeuvrability. You can also use the bow and stern thrusters separately with well-placed switches.
The separate co-pilot seat is a great addition and has a bolster function for additional comfort. The view from here is very good, even when seated, thanks to the high windscreen. When the seas get rough, you can raise the seat to gain better visibility. There’s also a camera, making it easier to berth from up here, but it might be easier to do it from the third control station down in the cockpit. While the position of the flybridge hatch restricts the view of the bathing platform, you can still see and communicate with crew members effectively.
Lower Helm
The leather seats are fully adjustable and come with some of the most comfortable footrests I’ve used. The standing position at the helm is particularly nice, giving you added confidence when the sea gets rough. The massive Azimut wheel is a now familiar sight, and the throttles and joystick are right at your fingertips.
The MFDs are within easy reach, featuring a pair of Raymarine MFDs and a remote panel for those who prefer not to use the touch screen. The bulk of the lower dash is finished in an attractive matte wood but there's a little black panel that groups the remote for MFDs, Autopilot screen, and thruster controls to keep everything tidy. It's the best-looking helm in the sector, no question.
The alignment with the side door is a bonus, allowing the skipper to easily access the side deck. This helm station is not just about looks; it’s practical and has real-world usability.
The 72’s transom has a hydraulic bathing platform that lowers into the water for launching and retrieving the tender. It’s a feature every Mediterranean cruiser will appreciate, complete with a passerelle for easy access when moored stern-to. There are two doors on the bathing platform, the starboard side providing a generous storage void, and the other access to the crew cabin.
The cockpit offers a traditional layout with wrap-around seating facing inwards and a lovely teak table at its centre. A sunshade drops down, providing not only protection from the sun but also a bit of privacy when stern-to. There’s also a handy service area with a sink, an ice maker, and storage underneath.
Side Decks & Foredeck
The foredeck of the Azimut Fly 72 is one of the standout spaces on board, and rightly so. It’s big, well-proportioned, and boasts plenty of space for lounging. From the sofa to the table and floor space, every element looks great and feels classy. The wooden detailing is particularly nice, though I wonder how it will hold up under relentless sun and saltwater.
There’s clever functionality here too. The seating can extend from bench mode to a sun pad, offering flexibility. It’s a bit heavy to manoeuvre, but the result is adding a spacious sunbathing area. The canopy, supported by carbon fibre poles, provides much-needed shade and stows away neatly when not in use.
Moving down the starboard side deck, it’s clear that Azimut has thought about the crew’s needs. The side decks are wide with high toe rails, making them safe and easy to navigate. Substantial mooring gear and boarding gates align with the cockpit for easy access.
A third docking station on the starboard side, complete with joystick control and bow and stern thrusters, ensures that mooring stern-to is simple. You’ve got the main helm station and another up on the flybridge, but this wing station offers an optimal view of the aft end, for precise handling.
Flybridge
You'll immediately spot the black powder-coated railings, while down on the lower deck, it’s stainless steel. This design choice is now a signature look for both the Magellano and Fly ranges.
The aft section features furniture that looks like they are casually placed here and there, despite all of it being fixed. It creates a terrace-like atmosphere, helped by the glass balustrade at the back. This area also doubles as a dedicated sunbathing spot.
The wet bar is smartly designed, with a particularly lovely detail being the wooden raised panel, ideal for lining up drinks. There are options to have a grill, a sink, cooling options, a bin, and an ice maker installed here. You can also add a pop-up TV as a cost option.
Forward, there’s a dining area opposite the wet bar, all underneath a great glass sunroof. It’s electric and controlled by a button on the radar arch, the roof slides back to invite a refreshing breeze. Even when closed, it allows plenty of natural light to flood the area. Up front, another sunbathing space offers a lovely spot to relax.
Accessed through a watertight door in the crew space, over quite a big step, but once inside, the space is really good - over 6ft of headroom. The room around the engines is impressive considering the size of the MAN V12 blocks. Outboard of the engines, there's a reasonable amount of room too.
The fuel tanks are positioned up front, with fuel filters mounted on them for easy access. Twin generators are mounted aft, one on top of the other, and they are easy to get to. It's incredibly well-lit, neat, and organised. It's nice to walk around as well without any chequer-plating that can hurt your knees and feet - overall, a well-engineered space.
Our Verdict
Azimut is braver than most when it comes to interior design and this isn’t the first time it’s worked with a designer from outside the marine sphere. The recipe is just right here, though. It’s fresh and different with compromising usability and a real breath of fresh air in a sea of homogenous interior looks. It’s a great-looking craft with excellent deck spaces and arguably the best foredeck in the class. Azimut has refined this into one of the best contenders in a competitive sector.
Reasons to Buy
- Interesting interior design
- Strong performance
- Four ensuite cabins
- Good crew space
- Excellent foredeck
Things to Consider
- Interior will divide opinion
- No crew mess
- Level changes on the lower deck
Looking to own a Azimut Fly 72? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Azimut Fly 72 Yachts for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Azimut Fly 72, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used yachts for sale and find your perfect yacht today!
Rivals to Consider
If guest accommodation is your primary focus, the Azimut Fly 72 offers well-appointed spaces for up to eight guests with its four-cabin layout option. The full-beam master cabin stands out with its en-suite bathroom, hull-side windows, and walk-in wardrobe. The Absolute 72 Fly (Mark 2) and Sunseeker 76 also cater to groups of eight guests in four cabins, providing an exceptional level of comfort for family getaways.
In terms of cruising speed, the Azimut Fly 72 delivers a steady 26 knots but falls short compared to the Princess Y72, which cruises at an impressive 30 knots. The Fly 72 emphasises stability and comfort over outright speed, catering to a different set of priorities. For those not in a hurry, the Absolute Navetta 75 cruises at a leisurely 17 knots, focusing on stability and the joy of the journey rather than the destination.
Each yacht brings unique features to the table. The Princess Y72 impresses with its extensive range of 1,500 nautical miles, ideal for long voyages. The Schaefer 770, with its shallow draft, can navigate waters inaccessible to deeper vessels. The Princess Y72 also has a top speed of 35 knots, making it a standout for performance enthusiasts.
Considering a new yacht? Explore Azimut's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.
Specifications
- Builder Azimut
- Range Fly
- Model Fly 72
- Length Overall 22.57m
- Beam 5.62m
- Draft(full load) 1.82m
- Hull Carbon Fibre
- Cabins 4
- Berths 6
- Crew 2
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 5,200 Litres
- Fresh Water Capacity 1,100 Litres
- Engine Model 2x MAN V12-1400
- Engine economic speed 14.8 knots
- Engine max range (speed type) 451 (nm)
Azimut Fly 72 Layout
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Flybridge
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Standard flybridge layout
![Flybridge Azimut Fly 72]()
The fixed seating, aft, creates a great terrace area for sundowners
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Optional pop up TV
![Flybridge Azimut Fly 72]()
There is the option to add a pop-up TV to the wet bar
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Main Deck
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Standard open galley
![Main Deck Azimut Fly 72]()
The open-plan amidships galley arrangement is well-positioned opposite the dinette
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Optional enclosed galley
![Main Deck Azimut Fly 72]()
If the boat is going to be run with crew there is the option to enclose the galley for greater privacy
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Lower Deck
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![Lower Deck Azimut Fly 72]()
Four cabins, four bathrooms and a decent crew space on the lower deck
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