On Test. Absolute Navetta 68: the pleasure of sailing

We sea trial the brand-new Absolute Navetta 68 on a warm summer day.

Absolute Yachts’ latest creation enters the range between the Navetta 58 and the flagship, the Navetta 73, maintaining the key characteristics that have determined the success of the line.

Indeed, the watchword remains space that, intended to offer guests absolute comfort, translates into the desire to spend a long time on board, whether in the port, at sea or at anchor. And this is a thought that perfectly summarizes the concept that Absolute proposes to boat owners with its Navetta models.

Testing the Absolute Navetta 68, we find out a renewed attention not only to design but also to interior and exterior details that further embellish this new model, which is an unmistakable sign that the shipyard is aiming even higher.

Absolute Navetta 68 Sea Trial

As soon as we climb on board, we realize the key characteristics of the boat. A cockpit with a width of 4.5 meters and a length that is more than the half of it accommodates an outdoor table and the aft seating. Perfect for outdoor dining, this environment immediately suggests the possibility to benefit from large living spaces.

The same feeling accompanies us in the dinette, an open space that encloses a U-shaped galley, a table for 8 and a large saloon with double sofa and pop-up tv screen. Here, getting close to the forward helm station, we find out the great functionality of this configuration. The galley, in fact, can easily serve both the interior and the exterior while the saloon is enveloped by large lateral windows that, in addition to flooding it with a great amount of natural light, also offer a unique view on the sea. A remarkable solution is offered by the handrail on the side-deck, whose railing-shaped structure does not obstruct the view. Designed by Minotti, furnishings are extremely elegant.

The interior helm station is on a higher level than the deck and separated from the aft living zone by an electrically-operated folding wall. While maneuvering to exit the port, we realize how functional the latter is: when open, its amplifies the view and therefore facilitates mooring maneuvers; when closed, instead, it provides the saloon with additional privacy.

Out of the port, we realize that, inside the boat, the engine noise is really minimal. And this is confirmed when we start our speed and consumption test.

From when we get the boat on plane, at 14 knots and 1,800 rpm, to when we reach the top speed at little less than 2,400 rpm, the noise produced by the two IPS 1200 engines seems not to change. From the dinette, we notice that the noise it equal to around 72 decibels. Navetta 68 is silent and the navigation inside her is comfortable.

Steering this yacht is not difficult at all. Precise and fluid, the boat is extraordinarily seaworthy.

Although the top speed – 25 knots – is undeniably interesting for a boat for which sportiness is definitively not the main characteristic, the best is shown when sailing at cruising speed. Planing at 20 knots is a pleasure, as is sailing at a displacement speed of 10 knots. The latter is the perfect speed for long-range cruising and night sailing since fuel consumption is really low – less than 6 liter per mile – and guarantees a range of almost 600 nautical miles.

During our test, the sea is flat and we decide to intercept the wake of the other boats to test the hull performance. Then, we make some concentric circles crossing our wake. The turn radius is astonishing for a boat like this. The Absolute Navetta 68 cuts through the waves without problems and maneuvers remain always soft.

Climbing on the flybridge, we immediately notice that it has everything we need. In addition to the additional helm station, indeed, it is equipped with an outdoor galley with wet bar, an additional outdoor table with sofas and a large area with chaises longues in the stern.

Steering the boat from here is equally pleasant. The feeling at the helm, with the wind in our hair, is very similar to the one you can get on a sporty fly, even if both the size and the boat type are very different.

While returning to the port, we explore the night area on the lower deck. The version we have tested is equipped with two double cabins, a twin-bedded cabin and a large storage compartment. Moreover, a crew zone with two berths and one bathroom has an independent access from the stern.

The master cabin is positioned forward and on a higher level than the other cabins. Furnished with a large central bed, it benefits from the light entering from the windows on each side. Decorated with fine materials, including the sophisticated upholstery behind the headboard, the cabin has a large en-suite bathroom that, equipped with a double washbasin and an extra large shower box, has nothing to envy to the services of a 5-star suite.

Few steps lead to the rest of the cabins. The VIP one in the stern, very similar to the master cabin, is equipped with a private bathroom. The other cabin, located on the starboard side of the boat, has instead two beds. The bathroom is accessible from the corridor and can also function as a day toilet.

Conclusions

The Absolute Navetta 68 has proved to be the ideal yacht for medium- and long-rage cruising.

Silent and easy-to-steer, she has good performance at both planing and displacement speed, always guaranteeing high-level comfort to her guests. To cover many miles without using too much fuel will be easy and gratifying on this yacht.

On board the Navetta 68, transfers will be therefore not only useful to reach your destination but, as stops at anchor, will become an integral part of the “cruising” experience you can enjoy with this excellent yacht.

Absolute Navetta 68 – Performance

Engines : 2x D13-IPS 1200

Test Conditions: calm sea, fuel 50%, water 30% and 9 passengers on board

RPM	Speed	Fuel Consumption (l/h)	Fuel Consumption (l/nm)
600	5	10	2
1,000	8.1	36	4.4
1,200	9.8	58	5.9
1,400	11	86	7.8
1,600	12.5	128	10.2
1,800	14.5	173	11.9	Planing speed
2,000	18.3	229	12.5
2,200	21.5	278	12.9
2,370	25	330	13.2