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The two guest cabins, each with en suite heads, are well lit by generous side windows and deck hatches, with plenty of breathing space and headroom throughout of at least 6'4". The forepeak VIP is not especially large, but with a big hanging locker on each side as well as under-berth stowage, it makes practical use of the available space. The head is rather impeded by the radius of the opening door, but it's probably better this way than having the door opening out into the corridor. A twin cabin is on the starboard side, with en suite head access.
The layout of the master cabin is particularly successful, with a diagonally offset double berth and useful quantities of stowage space—under the berth, in drawers in the small sideboard, and in the large hanging locker to starboard. Much of the volume on the port side has been necessarily sacrificed to the crew cabin, but Galeazzi has made a clever feature out of this diagonal bulkhead, using it to lead the eye towards the dressing table, which is set up high in its own little alcove. The owner's head is also a good size—although anything left on the shelves in the shower compartment seems destined to get wet.
a d v e r t i s e m e n t
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Unusual for a vessel of this size, the soles in the forward accommodation areas are all on one level. There aren't even any thresholds to trip over in the doorways. The same luxurious big-boat feature is also found on the main deck, which is on a single level all the way from the stern to the helm station. This is displayed to particular advantage by the layout, with its long, unimpeded central walkway, and by the amazing Plexiglas cockpit bulkhead, which is hinged along its upper edge and disappears into the hardtop. Opened up, the entire main-deck area becomes one daytime living space, with a sliding sunroof as well as opening side windows to keep everyone cool. There is a big hi-lo TV to port—you can watch it in either position—and with the three folding fabric stools deployed, the dining table seats six in comfort.
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With the cockpit bulkhead hinged up, the single-level main deck becomes one vast party pad. |
Farther aft, the cockpit opens out towards the transom, the sofas curving away on each side to accentuate the uninterrupted expanse of floor. The cockpit table can be lowered to turn the aft sofa into a sunlounging area. The way the seat back provides support on three sides makes this especially versatile and comfortable. In the stern the center section of the transom and swim platform lifts up in one piece to reveal the tender garage, which is big enough for an 11-foot Zodiac jetRIB.
Clever design touches are a particular feature of the 70. There are the side table lamps, with hi-fi speakers built in. On the foredeck an innocuous-looking hatch opens up to reveal a pair of speakers and an iPod docking station. The decked walkway around the front of the windscreen is practical as well as distinctive. Teak grill side tables in the cockpit add a touch of superyacht style, while the bespoke, angular deck hardware emphasizes individuality.
And perhaps that is the point: How better to express your individuality than aboard a 40-ton, 50-knot rocketship?
For more information on Baia Yachts, including contact information, click here.
SPOTLIGHT ON: iPod Docking Station
What could be neater than this foldaway iPod locker on the 70's foredeck? It comes complete with a pair of waterproof speakers and a power supply, and because it sits at the aft end of the sunpad, right on the centerline, both sun-worshippers up here will be able to enjoy the music. But while everything is buttoned up nice and tight when the locker is closed and latched, your iPod will be exposed to the elements when the locker is open. So definitely don't try to listen to it underway—especially at the Italia's top speed of just under 50 knots—for while the 70 is a dry boat, you'll still probably eventually end up with one rusted-out iPod.
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iPod Docking Station |
Is this the neatest feature on the Baia Italia 70, or does the nod go to that sexy curved cockpit-saloon bulkhead that disappears slowly into the cockpit overhang at the touch of a button? Now that's a tough call.—A.H.
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This article originally appeared in the December 2007
issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.
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