By Tom Thompson Italy is synonomous with the word style. Everything the Italian people do has a certain unique flair that makes their products highly desirable. Take automobiles for example. Today, many cars look like they come from a cookie cutter, but Ferraris, Maseratis and Lamborghinis are a breed apart from the rest, with a look and feel unto their own. So naturally, when it comes to boats, the Italians have an edge there, too.
Most luxury yachts are head-turners, but then there's the Italian concept of a luxury yacht.
A perfect example is the Azimut AZ 46, or Quarantasei, as they call it. Even at rest, this boat is kinetic. The lines flow, from the sweep of the sheer to the elliptical port lights and the curve of the electronics arch that blends with the flybridge. And the wood accents are something to behold. The woods are finished with seven coats of a resilient varnish to give an appearance of considerable depth.