Azimut Yachts: Performance And Luxury At Sea

Azimut is an Italian boatbuilder known for its best-in-class engineering, construction, and fine finish. The company was founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli and has since become one of the top shipyards in the world in terms of volume, with a focus on the comfort of owners and guests on board. Azimut boats are designed for a range of activities, including overnight cruising, day cruising, and watersports. The brand produces flybridge yachts, semi-displacement yachts, and superyachts, with models ranging from 10 to 39 meters in length. With a commitment to quality and style, Azimut has become synonymous with sophistication on the water.

The range of Azimut boats

The Italian yacht manufacturer Azimut offers the most extensive range of yachts in the world, with vessels ranging from 37 feet to 116 feet in length. The company was founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli and has since become synonymous with sophistication and best-in-class engineering, construction and finish.

The company's first major work began with a contract at the Amerglass shipyard, producing boats in fibreglass. Over time, Azimut expanded its range to focus on both the lower and high-end segments of the market. The AZ 32' Targa, launched in 1977, became known as the "Ford T" of the boating world, while the Azimut 105' Failaka, launched in 1982, catered to the luxury market.

Today, Azimut boats are equipped with inboard, outboard, inboard/outboard, outboard-4S, and other drive power options, available with diesel, gas, electric, and other propulsion systems. The boats are designed for various activities, with a deeper draft and narrow beam contributing to their popularity for overnight cruising, day cruising, and watersports.

The price range of Azimut boats varies depending on the model and specifications. On YachtWorld, for example, prices range from $100,044 on the lower end to $12,192,593 for custom, more luxurious yachts.

Some of the most popular and iconic Azimut models include the 62S, Atlantis 43, 62, 68S, and S6. The company continues to introduce new models, stimulating interest and offering a diverse range of options for yacht enthusiasts.

The awards won by Azimut

The Italian yacht builder Azimut has won numerous awards for its vessels. At the Cannes Yachting Festival, the Azimut|Benetti Group received the Shipyard of the Year award for their consistency in business management, long-term strategies, and ability to research innovative pathways. The group also received awards for Innovation in the 14–18.50-meter segment with the S6, as well as Best Interior Design with the Azimut 55 in the 14–18.50-meter category and the Azimut Grande 32 Metri in the 24–38-meter category. Both winning models were designed by Achille Salvagni and are characterised by a refined and timeless elegance.

In addition, Azimut, in collaboration with Volvo Penta, won the Boat Builder Awards 2024 in the "Collaborative Solution between a Builder and its Supply Chain Partner" category. This award recognised the introduction of the first hybrid-electric version of the Volvo Penta IPS Drive on the new Azimut Seadeck 7. The hybrid-electric package allows the yacht to moor and sail in fully electric mode at speeds of up to 11 knots, switch smoothly between electric and thermal motors, and achieve a 40% reduction in emissions.

The history of Azimut

Azimut initially chartered sailboats and later developed into a luxury yacht-building company. The company's first major work began with a contract at the shipyard of Amerglass, a Dutch company producing boats in fiberglass. The first boat model produced by Azimut was the AZ 43' Bali, a mass-produced fiberglass boat. This was followed by the AZ 46' Targa, which was a great success with customers.

In 1979, Azimut expanded its activities and began to design new yachts. The company expanded its range, focusing on both the lower and high-end segments of the market. In 1985, Azimut acquired Benetti, a heritage-rich boat builder based in Viareggio, Italy, and known for its prestigious megayacht concepts.

In the 1980s, Azimut began to focus more on the production of luxury yachts, launching models such as the AZ 80' Carat and the AZ 105' Grande, which were well-received by clients and critics. In the 1990s, the company continued to expand its business by acquiring several other Italian shipyards, including restructuring the Benetti shipyard and constructing new shipyards.

Over time, Azimut has become known for its best-in-class engineering, construction, and fine finishes, creating some of the most elegant designs on the water. The company strives to set new standards in the industry, applying innovative designs, technology, and layout solutions.

In the early 2000s, Azimut focused on introducing cutting-edge technologies, such as carbon composite construction and gyroscopic stabilization platforms. The company has continued to expand its product line, introducing new models and strengthening its presence in key markets worldwide.

Today, the Azimut Benetti group, managed by Vitelli's daughter, Giovanna, produces motor boats ranging from 9 to 110 meters under the Azimut and Benetti brands in six shipyards across Italy and Brazil.

The popularity of Azimut models

Azimut is an Italian boatbuilder known for its best-in-class engineering, construction, and fine finish. The company was founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli, a university student at the time, and has since become synonymous with sophistication. The brand works hard to maximise production efficiency and keep prices competitive while continually introducing new models to stimulate interest. Each model in the Azimut range reflects the attention to detail and styling excellence associated with Italian manufacturing.

The current model range includes seven lines: Atlantis, Fly, Grande, Magellano, S, Seadeck, and Verve. There are 36 models currently in production, ranging from 10 to 39 meters in length. The smallest Azimut being built today is the 42 Verve, and the largest is the Grade Trideck at 125' 5".

Some of the most popular Azimut models include the 60 Flybridge, 50 Flybridge, 55S, 47 VERVE, and Verve 47. The 60 Flybridge, in particular, has been described as "raising the bar for excellence" and is expected to become a new icon in its category. The yacht features a sun pad and dining area on the flybridge, with the option to add an additional lounge in the aft. The interiors, designed by world-renowned architect Achille Salvagni, stand out for their flowing lines and streamlined shapes.

Another popular model is the 72 Fly, which has been revamped with twin MAN 1,400MHP engines, achieving a top speed of up to 31 knots. The 72 Fly also offers improved interior space and volume compared to its previous versions.

The Azimut Verve 40, now replaced by the Verve 42, has also been a popular choice, known for its speedy performance thanks to multiple Mercury outboard engines. It serves as the perfect tender for larger Azimut yachts or as a personal day cruiser for those who appreciate Italian style.

The Grande collection of superyachts is another notable range, with the Azimut Grande 27 Metri selling more units than any of the other Grande models above 80 feet.

The best Azimut model

Azimut is an Italian boatbuilder known for its best-in-class engineering, construction, and fine finish. The company was founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli and has since become one of the biggest names in Italian boating. The range of yachts offered by Azimut is extensive, with models ranging from 37 feet to 116 feet in length.

Some of the most popular and iconic Azimut models include:

Atlantis 43

The Atlantis 43 is one of the most popular Azimut models, known for its elegant design and luxurious accommodations. It offers a minimalist vibe while still maintaining the proper Azimut quality. This model provides a unique boating experience that combines style and performance seamlessly.

62S

The 62S is another celebrated Azimut model, renowned for its exceptional acceleration and tight turning circle. With a zero-to-30-knot speed achieved in just 24 seconds, this boat delivers an impressive driving experience. The 62S exemplifies the Azimut philosophy of prioritizing lavish accommodations over numerous cabins, making it a favourite among those who value both performance and comfort.

S6

The S6 is a highly acclaimed model, having won the prestigious Motor Boat Award in 2021. This yacht strikes a perfect balance between luxurious accommodations and high performance, thanks to its extensive use of carbon fibre in the superstructure. The lightweight material helps achieve a full-load displacement of less than 30 tonnes while still allowing for a top speed of over 35 knots.

Magellano 43

Dubbed the "Range Rover of the seas," the Magellano 43 is a hybrid boat in the true sense of the word. Its hull is designed for comfortable low-speed cruising and higher-speed capabilities. This model offers smooth riding, easy manoeuvrability, a luxurious interior, and sturdy build quality, making it a versatile and well-rounded choice for boaters.

58

The Azimut 58, launched in 2008, offers a single-level saloon, a full-beam amidships owner's cabin, and lavish use of real leather and solid limed oak. This model truly embodies unbridled luxury and outstanding quality, providing an exceptional boating experience for those seeking the utmost in comfort and style.

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