Guessing the country of origin for a muscular 80-foot flybridge yacht usually comes down to two choices: Italy or England. Astondoa?s yard is in Spain, however, and it has been building beautiful yachts since 1916. In the past 100 years, its launches have run the gamut from wooden fisher boats to 150-foot superyachts with dozens of motor yachts in between. (Astondoa has launched more than 3,000 yachts from its four shipyards.)

The new 80 GLX falls in the center of Astondoa?s 36-foot to 150-foot flybridge motor yacht line. Its aggressive, chiseled exterior by the Astondoa Design Team is in line with the other GLX series. The team did a nice job blending the superstructure?s sizable black windows with the slender white lines of the bridge, giving the area an almost yin-yang appearance. The hardtop on the flybridge features lounges, a wet bar, and tables under a large hardtop with an opening sunroof. An open space at the stern is perfect for social gatherings. For more intimate gatherings, the bow has a table and lounge, with a cabana that slides up for sun protection. The aft cockpit also has a table for al-fresco dining, with three doors into the saloon that open fully, giving a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors.

Astondoa can customize the GLX to each individual clients wishes, such as placing the galley back near the cockpit doors, which will likely appeal to American tastes. Standard European design is highlighted through a layout with an enclosed galley between the helm area and formal dining room. Whatever the configuration, Astondoa takes pride in customizing each of its yachts to meet their client?s expectations. For the most recent launch for a U.S. owner, Astondoa and Italian Cristiano Gatto worked with photos of the client?s Fort Lauderdale home to give the yacht?s interior the same warm, minimalist ambiance. The decor heavily favored a light-colored palette, including a whitewashed oak sole and light oak bulkheads that highlight the grain. The light, warm feel of the joinery was complemented by Spanish leather sofas and stainless-steel accents.

Inside, the 80 GLX?s lower deck has a full-beam master suite with a walk-in closet and a big lounge port side, as well as a large en-suite aft with a glass shower. Forward are two more staterooms with twin beds. In the bow is a VIP suite with a queen-size bed and large hull-side windows. The captain?s cabin is located at the aft end of the yacht?an ideal location for owners who prefer not to pilot the boat themselves.

Astondoa?s third 80 GLX maintained a very ornate feel with wooden floors in large square patterns, and richly finished wood interlaced with marble in the head and staterooms. The diversity of each yacht shows the versatility of Astondoa?s craftsmen. (astondoa.com)