For 19 consecutive years now, the Azimut|Benetti Group has led the way when it comes to international mega yacht construction. According to the Global Order Book – an annual ranking drawn up by UK magazine Boat International – the group has 97 mega yachts over 24 metres in length under construction, more than any of the other leading shipyards reviewed.
And that’s just mega yachts: Azimut|Benetti’s leadership position has been consolidated across the luxury boating spectrum since – from the late nineties onwards – it acquired new boatyards at Fano, restructured the Benetti boatyards at Viareggio and constructed a new site at Avigliana. Meanwhile, it has also extended its global reach further with other sites in Brazil.
Founded by university student Paulo Vitelli in 1969, Azimut started off chartering sailing boats, soon moved into distribution for prestigious yachting brands in in Italy, then began designing new yachts. In a joint venture with
Amerglass, for example, Azimut gained early success with the AZ 43’ Bali, a mass-produced fibreglass boat. It gradually expanded its range before, in 1985, acquiring Benetti, a venerable brand that had been building boats since 1873 and is credited with having designed the concept of the megayacht.
The merger enabled Azimut to define new styles and industry standards in the boat building industry, including such revolutionary trends as large frameless windows, electric seats and walnut interiors. The company’s ongoing commitment to ground-breaking technology and innovation is amply reflected every new season in the eagerly awaited unveiling of its latest boats. Here we take a look at five of the most recent models…
· Launched on the market in September 2018, the Azimut S6 features an external design by Stefano Righini and internal by Francesco Guida, who opted for a “cosy minimal design that balances elegance and simplicity”.
· The Grande 25 Metri is highlighted by Stefano Righini’s external design, with the internal layout created by Achille Salvagni, who developed an unusual design for the day zone – breaking the usual separation between sofa and dining area.
· With an internal design by Achille Salvagni and external lines by Stefano Righini, the Grande 32 Metri is characterised by a 70 square metre flybridge that accentuates its smooth curves.
· Much of the Azimut 55’s success is attributed to the collaboration between Stefano Righini and Achille Salvagni, with the model described as “an oasis of wellbeing, hiding true gems like the big sun lounging area on the main deck.”
· Designed by Neo Design study, the Atlantis 51 has been “created for people who want to spend the entire day in the open air”… hence the main deck that extends into an expansive al fresco lounge area.
