At its top speed, the 56 Fly is a very quiet yacht. We measured 70 dB at the helm (similar to the sound of a television). 

Johnny Rocco, the gangster character played by Edward G. Robinson in director John Huston's 1948 movie Key Largo, says: "Yeah, that's right. I want more."

In the case of yachts, we are just like him. We want more light, more space, more volume-all of which usually results in more weight, and, consequently, less range and performance, from what Rich Report has gathered.

We don’t want to sacrifice what we already have and want to keep to get more, but Absolute Yachts 56 Fly managed to achieve exactly that. This Italian-built yacht is all about charisma, as the builder says. This yacht is in between this year’s 60 Fly debut and next year’s 52 Fly.

In my opinion, the 56 Fly's snub-nosed bow and big windows forward resemble the eyes of a sea turtle. The notched, cut-down bulwarks on the sides, as well as the fretted quarter rail on the aft deck, greatly enhance the full-height picture windows. As a result of these design elements, the views out and the connection to the sea are emphasized.

In profile, the 56 Fly is dominated by glass, much of it structural. Overhangs on the side decks and a raked-aft transom appear on the hull, but they do not actually exist. The height of the transom to the aft deck is only low. The hydraulic swim platform and aft deck are separated by a stainless-steel guardrail rather than a conventionally opaque upper balustrade. Its "cockpit terrace" is left bare like most of the flybridge above, so owners can choose from a wide range of Terraforma modular furniture.

Within, there is a galley aft, which is enhanced by the views between the overhead cupboards and the work surface. There is a dinette and lounge amidships near the galley. at An adjacent side-deck door is located next to the helm console to starboard. Because their center sections open, and there is a dinette and lounge amidships near the galleyket seats.

Solar panels atop the optional hardtop make 1.5 kW of peak power available during the day. It should be enough to rAn amidships lounge with a dinette is located near the galleyhe air conditioning) without the need to burn diesel fuel.

A mix of mattes and satins cover the main salon's oak veneers in light- and dark-stained shades. 

In addition, the sole is made of oak, and it has been treated with a non-slip lacquer. Instead of carpeting in the staterooms, owners can upgrade to the same finishes.

There is quite a bit to choose from in those staterooms. Nearly everywhere has headroom that exceeds 6 feet 4 inches. When the yacht is docked stern-to, the owners' stateroom will be facing forward, where there will be less engine noise. The elevated windows provide ocean views and ample space around the forward-facing king berth.

The VIP stateroom is full-beam amidships and large enough to be considered a home for some owners. There is a transverse berth in the smallest stateroom, which doubles as the day head, across the companionway to port. A low crawl space runs from amidships to the bow thruster through a door in the stateroom's closet. A door handle would have given it away if it wasn't for it. Strategic stores should be located there.

Owner-operators can convert the crew cabin into a fourth stateroom by installing an en suite with twin berths in the transom. Lazarettes occupy the space otherwise. The aft deck has a pantograph-style door and a half-hatch. Through this door, owner-operators or crew members can access the engine room.

In common with the rest of Absolute's model range, this yacht is powered by a pair of 600 hp Volvo Penta IPS800 diesel engines. Top speeds are reported to be between 27 and 28 knots. The Trim Assist system was engaged at half-load. At a fast cruise of 23 to 24 knots, the 56 Fly’s range is a theoretical 300 nautical miles. If owners traveled at 10 knots, they might be able to run for 500 nautical miles at a leisurely pace.

In spite of the height of the foredeck, visibility is unobstructed from up on high. The 56 Fly is easy to drive, whether you're at the lower helm or on top. The bow rises steadily to 3.5 degrees under acceleration before dropping half a degree at the top of the speed and rpm range.

In spite of the relaxed sea conditions on board the 56 Fly - no wind and virtually no swell - Absolute Yachts says the 56 Fly is built for offshore passages even in 40-knot winds and 13-foot seas.

This 56 Fly, which was destined for Hong Kong, was not equipped with a Seakeeper 9 gyrostabilizer, which is typical of this model. Additionally, this hull lacked the Dynamic Positioning System, passerelle, and crew cabin options that demonstrate the builder's ability to customize the Absolute 56 Fly to the highest degree.

Owners’ Retreat

Most of Absolute's 48-75-foot Navetta models have a forward owner's stateroom, and those that don't are older. This past year's new models, the 48 Coupé and 60 Fly, both have the master forward, as does the 56 Fly.

The Lineup

There are nine Absolute Flys, seven Absolute Navettas, and one Absolute Coupé in Absolute's 17-model range.

Where it’s Made

Most final commissioning and pre-delivery inspections are conducted at Absolute's shipyard in Podenzano, Italy, 75 miles or so inland. Most sea trials are conducted at the marina in Varazze, 100 miles southwest.

Models from Absolute are now given project names and motifs, giving them a little more personality. Absolute calls its 56 Fly model “Charisma,” which stands for attractiveness and charm that inspires devotion. In the laminate on a bottom corner of the main salon window, this word is adorned with five stylized origami boats. No words, just the image.

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