Absolute’s all-new 56 Fly is not the fastest flybridge motoryacht in its size segment but it has bags of style and is one of the best in terms of space utilisation
Slotting neatly between last season’s 60 Fly and the soon-to-come 52 Fly, Absolute’s all-new 56 Fly has a lot going for it. The design is typically Absolute – bold, distinctive and instantly recognisable. With its snub-nosed bow, big hull windows, cutaway bulwarks and unusual chopped stern with a slight reverse rake (which perversely enhances the perception of length), the 56 stands out, even in this hotly contested sector.
What little transom there is stops at deck height, topped by a half-height glazed balustrade and a stainless steel guardrail with side gates to separate the aft cockpit from the oversized hydraulic bathing platform a couple of steps below. Like the cutaway bulwarks, it’s all about opening up the views, strengthening the connection with the water and helping foster a genuine beach club vibe.
Like the expansive flybridge above, that ‘cockpit terrace’ is left deliberately bare so that owners can pick and mix from a range of Terraforma modular deck furniture that has been designed for Absolute. They can also buy whatever they want from other sources of course but, being relatively heavy, the Absolute furniture doesn’t tend to shift around of its own accord. That said it can look a bit untidy if chairs are left out of position by guests at the end of the day and off season, you would probably want to store it inside to protect it form the weather.
Elsewhere, it’s good to see that the flybridge hardtop option includes built-in solar panels with a 1.5kW peak power capability. In addition to the batteries, that’s enough to cope with normal daytime electrical demands, as long as you don’t need to use your air-conditioning. That makes for a cleaner, quieter life aboard because you don’t always have to run the generator at anchor or even connect to shore power when berthed.
INTERNAL REFINEMENTS
The main saloon includes a well appointed aft galley with views to port between the overhead cupboards and the work surface. It also includes a very comfortable amidships lounge/ dinette area, plus a very handy side door for the skipper. The owner also gets to choose whether to have one or two bucket seats at the starboard helm console. Either way, thanks to the Absolute’s cutaway bulwarks, those picture windows to either side deliver fabulous views out and let masses of light in. They’re also all the better for having big centre sections that drop down to provide more fresh air as and when required - and that’s vital when operatin
