An evolution of Absolute’s successful Navetta 52, the new 53 homes in on what it truly means to live at sea, focusing on elegant design and livability.
Words: Chloe Braithwaite; Photos: Absolute
It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that many yachts built today include liveability as part of the brief: luxury and creature comforts are part of the basic package. But rarely is a yacht penned with such a design as to feel like a home at sea; Italian shipyard Absolute’s Navetta 53, however, has done just that.
The 52.6 vessel that premiered at the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival is picking up where the Navetta 52 left off. Absolute’s latest creation is a leap forward in design and liveability, offering a blend of elegance, sophistication, and practical functionality.
The focus of the 53 was space. Several females were involved in the design and build of this model, so it’s not surprising that clever touches and thorough attention to detail are found throughout.
A MASTERCLASS IN SPACE
Where the Navetta 52 had a fixed aft lounge that obscured views from the cockpit, the 53’s aft deck feels much more spacious. The bulky sofa is gone, replaced by freestanding furniture designed in-house.
The result is light in terms of furniture mobility and the actual light that now spills into the cockpit. The original fibreglass transom has also been replaced with a sleek, black, transparent glass divider – a modern touch that brings the design into 2024.
This new open cockpit design has been so successful that it will eventually become the standard across the entire Navetta range. This open-plan space is a blank slate for owners to customise according to their own wishes.
Inside, the saloon feels more significant than its actual measurements. This is mainly due to the tall ceilings and large windows, which allow plenty of natural light. The open-plan layout also lends itself to a feeling of spaciousness. The galley overlooking the dining space is a proper kitchen equipped with an induction hob, oven, and ample storage.
Opposite, a plush sofa is perfect for aperitifs and drinks. The dining area enjoys a fold-out table surrounded by a separate built-in U-shaped sofa.
Forward of the sofa is the helm station. The helm seat boasts a cleverly positioned footrest, offering additional stability for those unable to reach the floor – another clever touch, along with the wine cooler under the seat. A glass pilot door, usually only seen on much larger superyachts, offers additional visibility and is an aesthetically pleasing design element.
As the Navetta range is popular in the northern European market, the designers placed less emphasis on air conditioning and more on natural airflow throughout. The pilot door helps with this, in addition to making mooring a breeze—pun intended.
ITALIANATE DESIGN
Absolute’s Italian DNA can be seen in the craftsmanship and quality of finishes. The furniture is made of real wood, not a composite material, and the matte finish elevates the interior design. It’s also exceedingly practical: easier to clean and harder to smudge with errant fingers. The 52 Fly, an earlier model, was the first to move from the glossy finish, and a matte finish now comes as standard.
In addition, everything is fashioned in-house. The idea was that technicians would be close to the build to keep a close eye on production and quality, and it worked: even the most minor elements throughout were executed to perfection. Every seam and stitch is beautifully, lovingly, painstakingly installed. Even the fibreglass hull is done by hand, not vacuum, to ensure a solid, clean finish.
Accommodation is just as lovingly detailed below the main deck. At the bow, the 53 follows what Absolute calls the ‘old school model,’ with a VIP located as far forward as possible. All recent models have had the master cabin located here rather than the VIP.
Every Absolute model’s VIP and master cabins are fitted with a generously proportioned bed, and this VIP cabin is no exception. To optimise space, the bed’s headboard placement follows the bow’s curve. And, like the rest of the yacht, it feels spacious and well-considered.
The thick, wooden ‘pocket door’ slides into place, saving space. Though it doesn’t block out all sound, it does dampen it sufficiently so that the cabin is tranquil. It is worth noting that en-suite bathrooms enjoy a full, proper shower here and throughout the yacht. Again, the terms ‘spacious’ and ‘liveable’ come to mind.
Aft, the owner’s full-beam cabin is larger than the VIP, with plenty of storage: a full-height wardrobe, safe, under-bed drawers, and a desk. Large windows offer plenty of natural light and the chance of great views. A maximum of 14 guests can be accommodated on board. The crew quarters below the aft cockpit can house one crew member.
FORE AND UPPER AIRY DECK AREAS
A beautifully designed sitting and lounging area on the bow offers spectacular views. A wooden fold-out table can comfortably seat three or four. A new convertible sunbed not seen on earlier models transforms the table into additional seating for another four, taking the count to eight. This is thanks to a solid cushion that acts as either the backrest for an extra seat or the headrest in sunbed mode.
Above, the flybridge has been redesigned with the same idea as the cockpit, so the built-in sofa seen on the 52 has been removed in favour of modular furniture, offering a terrace-style space with unimpeded, 360-degree views.
A fully equipped kitchen with a barbecue, an ice maker with an ice box, a fridge to port, and a solid dining table and starboard make alfresco dining incredibly convenient. Up front, an open skipper’s seat is located centrally, and it feels social, with seating surrounding the helm station. This is also a departure from the 52, which had the helm off to the side.
Overall, with its variety of gathering spaces and comforts, the Navetta 53 really does feel like a home away from home. Clever, thoughtful touches offer not just strategic storage but the feeling of a space completely optimised.
From the modular furniture design in the cockpit and flybridge to the tall ceilings, large windows, full-sized showers, and beds indoors, it’s easy to picture extended days at sea on board.