Comfort, interior space and large outdoor areas. Absolute’s new 70-foot yacht is designed for long voyages
by Niccolò Volpati
See, not see. This is a defining feature of Absolute’s new 70 Fly design. The ‘I don’t see’ feeling comes from standing on the quay. The boat is huge, with three decks and an overall length of twenty-one and a half metres, as well as a beam of almost five and a half metres. After all, Absolute has always been a shipyard that does not compromise on comfort or volume. No matter how hard you try, volume needs space to develop. However, the new design helps to lighten the lines. This is thanks to the truncated stern, open gunwales – especially at the cockpit – and a handrail that continues the line of the side. In short, the Absolute 70 Fly does not look like a massive boat, whether viewed from the side or from the stern. In fact, it appears lighter and less imposing than its actual size. The ‘I see’ feeling, on the other hand, is what you experience when you step on board because, as well as the open gunwales and stern, there are also traditional panoramic windows in the dinette and cabins on the lower deck.
The dining area is in the saloon, but thanks to the panoramic windows, even in this area, you feel as if you are overlooking the sea. The interior spaces feel spacious, thanks in part to the abundant LED lighting.
The only place on board from which you cannot see the sea is the engine room. This accentuates the feeling of a space in continuity with the surrounding environment. In practice, it seems as if there are no barriers between the boat and the sea. There is also a large stern platform with a lifting capacity of 750 kg, capable of accommodating a large tender. This teak-covered hydraulic platform features a sliding mechanism on rails and integrated non-slip steps. When submerged, or at the waterline, it is a sort of beach area on the sea. The aft locker has generous volume, ideal for storing water toys, and an electric vertical sliding mechanism that does not get in the way when open.
Four cabins, all very comfortable. Between the owner and guest cabins, there is room for eight people on the lower deck.
On the main deck, you always feel connected to the outside environment, as the cockpit has no fixed furnishings and, towards the stern, instead of fibreglass, there is a glass parapet that does not obstruct the view. One feature appreciated is that the floor is step-free, so everything is on the same level. I liked the way the helm station and the living area were divided in the saloon layout. Although it is simple, consisting of a single wooden slatted partition, it is very effective. Wherever you are in the saloon, you cannot see the helm station, yet it is perfectly positioned to keep everything under control when sailing.
The crew cabin is located between the engine room and the VIP cabin aft. If desired, a second fold-down berth can be added.
The Absolute 70 Fly also has other outdoor areas. The bow area is furnished with a U-shaped sofa forward of the windscreen, complemented by a folding dining table with a movable top and a linear sofa opposite. The latter is created by moving the sun deck’s headboard forward. The telescopic table leg also enables the entire bow area to be converted into a sun deck. Finally, there is the spacious flybridge, which extends to the end of the cockpit towards the stern. Here you will find an external helm station, a U-shaped sofa next to the pilot and co-pilot seats, a dining area, an L-shaped outdoor galley with a grill, and another living area towards the stern. Those looking to relax can choose from spaces on both the main deck and the flybridge. The lower deck comprises four cabins and three bathrooms. In addition to the spaciousness, the brightness that filters in through the windows is also appreciated.
The deck areas are so spacious that there is always a second or third option between the living area, sun deck and relaxation areas.
The master cabin is located at the bow of the ship and features a step-free, one-level floor plan. The VIP cabin is located amidships and is so spacious that it is almost indistinguishable from the master. For guests, there are also two double cabins with parallel beds. Both the flybridge and the interior helm stations feature dashboards that can accommodate one or two 22-inch displays, along with throttles, instruments, and a joystick. Everything is within easy reach, and visibility is excellent even from the dinette, thanks to a single centre pillar that does not obstruct the view while sailing. As always, the engine room houses Volvo Penta IPS systems. Specifically, it is the IPS 1350 system comprising two D13 engines, each delivering 1,000 horsepower.
With Volvo IPS, you can’t go wrong. Absolute knows it: manoeuvrability, stability, comfort and low fuel consumption. The design of the sides, stern and dinette removes the barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The helm provides the expected experience. The boat is highly manoeuvrable and easy to handle, with the correct trim at all times. At reach planning speed, the hull will extend parallel to the surface of the sea. The view is always excellent, so you never feel like you are missing out on your surroundings. Thanks in part to Volvo’s IPS, the Absolute 70 Fly turns smoothly and glides gently over the waves it creates as it sails. I exceeded 28 knots at maximum speed, and it took less than 13 knots to reach planning speed. Fuel consumption remains between 11.6 and 13.8 litres per mile and, thanks to a 3,600-litre tank capacity, range increases from 260 to 310 miles depending on cruising speed. This is still a generous figure, allowing you to cross the Mediterranean far and wide. The displacement speed of around ten knots is also interesting, as it provides a fuel consumption of 7 litres per mile. It is an ideal speed for long journeys.
Engine room
Two thousand horsepower, distributed across two Volvo D13 engines, offer a wide range of options. At 13 knots, the boat is gliding
Absolute
Via Petrarca, 4
I-29027 Podenzano (PC)
T. +39 0523 354011
[email protected]
www.absoluteyachts.com
PROJECT
Shipyard technical department
HULL
LOA 21.53m • LWL 17.56m • Maximum beam 5.39m • Draft 1.81m • Full load displacement 53,140 kg • Fuel tank volume 3,600 l • Water tank volume 880 l
MAIN PROPULSION
2x Volvo Penta D13-IPS 1350 • Outlet mechanical power 735 kW (1,000 hp) • 6 in-line cylinders • Swept volume 12.8 l • Bore&Stroke 131mm x 158mm • Rotational speed 2400 rpm • Dry weight 2,458 kg
PRICE*
3,170,000 € Excl. VAT
*The price refers to January 2026
(Absolute 70 Fly – Wonder boat – Barchemagazine.com – Excerpted from Barche, January 2026)
