Azimut is a firm believer in the new system developed by Watchit, with the 82 Fly and Seadeck 7 being among the first boats to be fitted with the technology. The system, known as Watchit Eye, utilises GPS, AIS, a dedicated radar and artificial intelligence to provide an anti-collision function.
A key distinction from other instruments that rely solely on radar or AIS is Watchit Eye’s capacity to detect kayaks, tenders or swimmers in the vicinity of the boat, as well as rocks or passing boats. In short, Watchit Eye can see everything that floats and risks colliding with the vessel on which it is mounted.
It is a warning system that sends all the information to a control unit interfaced with the on-board plotter. It is a real aid to the captain, as it does not automatically prevent collisions but instead activates an alarm so that the person at the helm can intervene. The software excludes anything that does not pose a real danger and only activates the alarm if there is a risk of collision. This prevents false alarms, which, especially in busy sea areas or crowded harbours, do not occur repeatedly.
During the sea trial of the Azimut 82 Fly, I had the opportunity to see it in action and to appreciate its effectiveness. For example, just outside the Cannes breakwater, I encountered some floating debris that Watchit Eye detected. I went over to them on purpose, then changed direction to avoid them. And on the plotter in the wheelhouse, the alarm that had been activated then went off. It seemed to me to be a very useful system, especially when you’re on board a boat which, because of its size and structure, doesn’t let you keep everything floating around it under control all the time.
(Watchit Eye: what the eye can see, the heart won’t grieve over – Barchemagazine.com – January 2026)
