Azimut Leonardo 98

Introduced in 2001, the Azimut Leonardo 98 brought an unusually open arrangement to the Italian builder’s large flybridge range. Stefano Righini designed the exterior, while Carlo Galeazzi developed the interiors. Production continued through 2010, with 28 examples built. Its profile combines curved glazing, a substantial flybridge and an overhanging stern seating area. Construction took place in Italy, including at Azimut’s Viareggio facility.

The defining feature is the connection between the saloon and aft cockpit. Four curved glass panels rotate outboard, while an opening roof above the lower helm admits additional light and air. Together, these openings allow much of the main deck to function as a continuous indoor-outdoor entertaining space. The saloon incorporates curved seating and a bar; an open staircase connects the cockpit area with the flybridge, which carries a second helm, dining seating, sunbathing space and a circular spa pool.

Accommodation varies between individual yachts. Four-cabin arrangements generally provide a full-beam owner’s suite amidships, a forward VIP double and two twin guest cabins, accommodating eight guests. Some examples have three guest cabins, while certain four-cabin boats carry additional Pullman berths. Separate crew accommodation can comprise two cabins for four people. A lower-deck galley and a food lift serving the main-deck bar separate service functions from the principal entertaining areas.

The GRP hull and superstructure sit on a planing platform. Early specifications give approximately 30.15 metres overall, a 7.15-metre beam, a full-load draft of 2.10 metres and displacement around 92 tonnes. Twin MTU 16V 2000 M91 diesels rated at 2,000 hp each are a documented installation, driving propeller shafts through V-drive transmissions. Maximum speed is approximately 32 knots, with fast cruising around 28 knots. An instrumented trial achieved 31.4 knots maximum and 27.7 knots at 1,900 rpm.

Early and later examples differ in dimensions, tankage and accommodation details. Later specifications include an overall length of 30.75 metres, fuel capacity of 10,980 litres and fresh-water capacity of 1,800 litres. The early configuration carries approximately 10,200 litres of fuel. Individual yachts have also undergone engine replacements, interior alterations and equipment refits, so build year alone does not establish the machinery or layout. The subsequent 100 Leonardo is a separate model, not an interchangeable designation.

The original deck arrangement includes personal-watercraft garages aft, a folding central transom platform and a recessed foredeck tender compartment with a crane. Equipment fitted to individual examples includes twin generators, a watermaker, bow and stern thrusters, air conditioning and a hydraulic passerelle. The combination of fast passage speeds, substantial outdoor spaces and separate service accommodation lends itself to crewed Mediterranean-style coastal cruising, family holidays and entertaining at anchor.