5 ways of understanding Azimut, one of the leading builders of luxury yachts in the world

August 17, 2022

12 minute read

One of the most influential yacht shipyards in the world, the Azimut-Benetti group spearheads innovation and ingenuity when it comes to designing and building yachts. This conglomerate has formed numerous ties with yacht enthusiasts around the world, always adhering to the feedback of their loyal clientele.

Photo credit to azimutyachts.com/en/

Ensuring their legacy continues to live through their designs, the Azimut-Benetti group constantly strives towards perfection, without sacrificing the quality of the finished product. Their name is their guarantee because to experience life on an Azimut-build yacht is to know heavenly bliss in an earthly form.

This methaphisicality is certainly due to the most physical of all laborers – craftsmen, artisans and metalworkers, whose tireless works enable professional designers to outfit the interior of every yacht with rare and expensive materials. Most of the details and accessories are made in-house, meaning that deadlines will always be respected and never crossed.

Incredible levels of quality inspections are implemented daily in each and every yacht shipyard owned and operated by the Azimut -Bennetti group, keeping the production up to the highest possible standard.

Investing in high-end technology, as well as in the education of its employees, Azimut constantly improves their way of doing business, from upgrading the logistical chain to improving their capacity to produce everything needed for building a superyacht in-house.

Because of this, Azimut can guarantee a level of excellence in the final product that is rarely observable with the competition. The master craftsmen and artisans employed by Azimut go through extensive seminars so they could specialise further, ensuring the highest quality of their product.

To better understand what makes Azimut „tick“, here are 5 major points of their history, development and product:

The philosophy of Azimut Yacht Shipyard

Because of its reputation, the Azimut-Benetti group tends to attract talented young individuals from all around the world, who are passionate about yachting and yacht building. This allows them to stay ahead of their competition, always one-upping their previous models and upgrading their overall approach to the yachting lifestyle.

Partnering up with established design firms, expert engineers and world-renowned master craftsmen, while also having a dedicated in-house design team allows Azimut to produce yachts of excellent quality and unparalleled performance.

Azimut takes great pride in fully personalizing the yacht-building process, which starts with live interviews with potential clients about what they really want out of a superyacht – do they want an extension of their home on the water or a refuge from the world? Or do they not really care about comfort but rather focus on speed?

Whatever the case, Azimut approaches each project like it was their last, fully immersing themselves in each and every step of the construction process. After the initial interviews are done, the yacht shipyard moves on towards projecting and construction, keeping the clients informed about each introduced variation and every implemented change.

History of Azimut

Azimut, based in the town of Viareggio – Italy, was founded by Paolo Vitelli in 1969. The first work they had done was organising charter expeditions for sailing boats, but that quickly grew into an entire industry, centered around representing several luxury yacht shipyards and selling their product.

In the 1970s, Azimut switched from an exclusively charter market into the construction of luxury vessels. Its first project, the AZ 43`Bali, was a fiberglass-made boat, massively produced and an instant success. This allowed the company to expand and grow, evolving its range of yachts; the next major success came with the introduction of AZ 32` Targa in 1977.

Their next triumph came several years later, in 1982, thanks to Azimut 105` Failaka, the highest-grossing mass-produced fiberglass yacht at that time.

Shortly after their triumph with Failaka, Azimut forever sealed its place as one the most prominent and successful superyacht shipyards in the world; they managed to bring Benetti, a famous luxury yacht shipyard, into their fold, diversifying the range of their product.

The 90s brought with them a slew of new boatyards acquired in the Italian town of Fano, as well as reconstructing Benetti shipyards in Viareggio and building a completely new yacht shipyard in Avigliana, Italy.

The beginning of the 21st century brought Azimut out of the Mediterranean and into the global yacht market. Opening offices all around the world, Azimut even began successful negotiations, followed by lucrative deals in China in 2008.

In 2013, Azimut acquired yet another famous luxury shipyard by the name of Atlantis, further expanding Azimut`s range and offer of luxury yachts. 2019 brought with it a celebration – Azimut`s 50th anniversary, which was commemorated all around the globe, with manifestations in New York, Italy, Dubai and France.

With the success that spanned half a century, the future looked bright for Azimut. 2020 saw Marco Valle establish himself as the CEO of both Azimut and Benetti, with the task of safeguarding the identity of each brand, keeping their distinguishable attributes and history intact.

Type of Azimut yachts

There are several ranges that comprise the Azimut yacht fleet:

  • Flybridge Collection – the name says it all – Azimut yachts with a flybridge
  • S Collection – traditional Azimut designs
  • Magellano Collection – covers the range from 43 to 76 feet
  • Atlantis Collection – a range of open yachts between 30 and 60 feet, considered to be day-trip yachts
  • Grande Collection – superyachts span more than 100 feet in lengths
  • Verve Collection – newest additions of Azimut yachts

Notable Azimut yachts

When it comes to notable yachts made by Azimut, one of the first examples that need to be showcased is the Magellano 25 Metri revealed in Viareggio, the unofficial yachting capital of the world, during September of 2020.

For this reason, Azimut released a promotional video unlike any ever seen on the market; it communicated the main virtues of the Magellano 25 Metri in a humane and empathic way, accentuating the role that emotions and art have in yacht design and the yachting lifestyle.

Magellano 25 Metri, revealed the link between a superyacht, art and human emotions in a way that is understandable to all potential clients. Thus, this yacht became the focal point of old knowledge and new technologies, with subtle design features adopted from tried and true yacht shapes finding their place among its amazing naval architecture.

Being a true trailblazer, Magellano 25 Metri relies on heavy use of carbon fiber and new battery technology, while also revolutionizing some of the features of exterior spaces on yachts under 30 meters.

The flagships of Azimut`s superyacht collection are the Azimut Grande 35 Metri, introduced in 2016 and the Azimut Grande Trideck. These types were designed to carry Azimut`s name into lengths exceeding 30 meters, and they succeeded wonderfully.

The Trideck implemented a „three decks + one“ approach, where the cascading terrace effect creates an impression of bigger and larger decks. The central lounge has plenty of space for free movement enabling relaxed and casual living on board.

Thanks to the avant-garde design, the Trideck allows for seamless transitions of experiences from the outside in – enabling nature to take its place in the yacht`s interior.

Both the Grande 35 Metri and Grande Trideck types are very eco-efficient, being the newest members of the carbon tech generation, which reduces the weight of the superstructure by 30%, in turn lowering fuel consumption.

Type: Azimut Grande 27 Metri

Notable example: Dawo

Dawo is a versatile and well-rounded yacht, measuring 27 meters, and is more than capable of adhering to any wishes of her potential clients. Dawo can accommodate up to 10 guests, allocated in 5 well-appointed cabins, which include a master suite with a hydraulic fold-out balcony on the main deck.

The interior of this wonderful yacht is the work of prominent Italian designers, that seamlessly implement subtle traditional features into a bigger contemporary picture. Designed with an Italian signature, Dawo will surely be a comfortable and inviting venue for all future clients to spend their holidays on.

Digital entertainment features on Dawo are plentiful and will make each stay as appealing as possible, with Wifi and Bluetooth speakers, enabling you to create the mood using your phone.

Dawo`s 4 crew members will make sure that each potential client receives the full scope of 5-star hospitality; always at your disposal, professional, multilingual and multiskilled, the yacht crew are the unsung heroes of every superyacht.

With a cruising speed of 24 knots and a top speed of 28 knots , Dawo is more than capable of delivering a breathtaking itinerary based on island-hopping or long-range cruising.

dawo yacht charter side view
Dawo Yacht Charter

Type: Azimut Grande 35 Metri

Notable example: Heed

Heed is an award-winning Azimut, honored by the 2018 World Superyacht awards for the yacht`s innovative exterior design and use of space in the interior.

Heed`s sensational interior decor is a product of ingenious Italian designers, which blends seamlessly with a very stylish exterior and an unusual bow shape. Heed`s performance satisfies strict standards that Azimut enthusiasts came to expect of a yacht built by this excellent yacht shipyard.

An attractive feature in the master stateroom is the hydraulic balcony that extends the reach of the master cabin into the sea. Heed can accommodate 11 charter guests, allocated in 5 wonderfully-appointed cabins.

A capable crew of 6 will be responsible for the guest`s comfort and well-being, serving cocktails, chilled champagne, snacks and canapes, as well as Michelin-level dishes during breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Heed can achieve a not-so-modest cruising speed of 21 knots and reach maximum speeds of 26 knots, enabling this superyacht to cover more ground in less time and with less fuel spent, thanks to her cutting-edge wave-piercing bow technology.

This gives Heed`s potential clients a chance to elevate their superyacht experience, fully immersing themselves in the wonderful sensations of gliding on open water.

heed yacht charter sailing in the sea
Heed Yacht Charter

Type: Grande 116

Notable example: Artemy

Artemy is a perfect example of an Azimut-made yacht: beautiful, elegant and graceful on the outside and comfortable, relaxing and enjoyable on the inside. Built in 2008, Artemy has received many refits through the years, enabling her to offer the same service her more newly-built sisters would.

Artemy`s 35 meters of length is a perfect balance between function and form, meaning her performance will not hinder the client`s comfort. She can accommodate 12 guests and allocate them in 6 cabins, spread throughout 2 decks.

With 6 crew members serving the guests, Artemy can offer a luxury yachting experience, regardless of her location. This is mostly due to her impressive list of amenities, which include a sundeck jacuzzi, complete with a private bar, a small army of water toys and a large swimming platform.

artemy yacht charter starboard side view
Artemy Yacht Charter

Value of Azimut yachts

The Azimut- Benetti Group has received the OHSAS Certification, meaning they satisfy the international standard in regards to occupational health and safety management system; they are the world`s first and only big shipyard that has managed to receive this extraordinary recognition.

Since 2004, Azimut was also awarded with the ISO 14001 certificate, guaranteeing a reduced environmental impact of all yacht systems on specific yacht types

Azimut covers numerous corporate partners and is part of a larger conglomerate that spans several countries. In addition, their total production area covers about 450,000 square meters, of which there are nearly 150,000 square meters of enclosed space.

This means that Azimut can simultaneously produce smaller and bigger yachts, without falling behind schedule; Azimut`s largest yacht shipyard can produce up to 300 yachts ( measuring 20-25 meters ) per anum, while bigger yachts are constructed at a somewhat slower pace.

Since Azimut and Benetti joined forces, this conglomerate became the biggest force in constructing, repairing and maintaining luxury yachts around the world, taking the global reins when it comes to everything luxurious on the water.

The group is comprised of world-renowned brands such as Azimut and Azimut Grande, Benetti yachts, Yachtique, Lusben, Yachtique, Royal Yacht Club Moscow, Marina di Varazze and Atlantis. This incredibly large range enables them to offer customers an incredible range of vessels, from 20-meter boats to 70-meter superyachts.

Azimut`s often works with famous names in the yacht design industry, like Carlo Galeazzi, Stefano Righini, Zuretti Interior, Neo Design and others.

Azimut can offer much, in terms of special attributes, technological accomplishments and breakthroughs, like the Magellano type 50, the first motor yacht under 60 feet awarded with the RINA Green Plus certification.

Azimut-build yachts have also managed to collect a slew of awards from all around the world, ranging from best design, best in the category, innovation, exterior, interior and more.

Some of these include the Christofle Award for Best Motor Yachts under 100 feet in 2005, for the Azimut 68S., the World Yachts Trophy for best interior layout in 2010 for the Azimut 72S, the World Yachts Trophy in 2011 for best innovative design for the Magellano 50, the World Yachts Trophy in 2013 for most functional yacht, awarded to the Azimut 80.

Also important to mention is the 2018 Boat International Design & Innovation Awards, awarded to the Azimut Grande 32 for best naval architecture.

Why you should consider chartering an Azimut-built yacht in the Croatian Adriatic sea?

Azimut`s extreme dedication to producing quality yachts enables them to build only the most luxurious and exclusive vessels currently cruising on the seven seas. Every step of their meticulous production process is closely monitored, ensuring the strictest standards of quality control, as well as the professionalism and excellence of Azimut`s employees.

This shipyard fields a small army of competent and capable engineers, designers, carpenters and artisan craftsmen, that do most of the work on the yachts in-house. This gives Azimut a strict and direct impact over deadlines, as well as a personal guarantee of perfection for every yacht made by Azimut.

When starting a superyacht project, Azimut`s transparency in every aspect of its construction process ensures a level of quality that can not be matched by its competition. Striving for excellence in every step of the construction process, Azimut`s integrity guarantees that potential clients will appreciate every aspect of Azimut`s final product.

Sharp and decisive business models allow Azimut to be the benchmark for many innovations that hit the superyacht market. The dedication to beauty that Azimut`s displays in each of its products truly reflects their stance on how emotion and art should impact the final form of every luxury yacht they build.

This becomes obvious to each person that steps onto an Azimut yacht and decides to experience life on a superyacht for themselves. The crew and the amenities of the yacht influence each experience, but this is greatly elevated if the surroundings match the beauty of the yacht. This is particularly true about cruising on an Azimut yacht in the Croatian Adriatic sea.

Croatia has slowly, but firmly established itself as the number one yacht destination in Europe, thanks to the incredible cleanliness of its sea, as well as the magnificent beauty of its shores.

With more than 1000 islands in a relatively compact area, Croatia boasts one of the most indented coastlines in the world, allowing yacht enthusiasts countless options for exploration and privacy. Discover the tranquillity of numerous secluded coves and hidden bays, alongside sandy beaches and lush green nature, all the while enjoying the benefits an Azimut-made yacht entails.