The Grande 44M is Azimut’s new flagship and marks the Italian shipyard’s entry into a new segment. At 44 metres in length, the model is the largest yacht in the Grande series. Models over 24 metres in length now account for more than two-thirds of Azimut’s production value. The first Grande 44M has now been launched in Viareggio.
Four decks thanks to lightweight construction
The extensive use of carbon fibre is a defining feature of the yacht designed by Alberto Mancini. Over 1,000 square metres of the material have been used, which, according to the shipyard, makes the superstructure eight tonnes lighter than a comparable GRP construction. It is this weight saving that has made the four decks possible. The top deck houses the wheelhouse, which is integrated into the silhouette.
This means that the upper deck below is free of all technical equipment and is entirely at the owner’s disposal. The bel étage features private terraces with views of the horizon. The carbon fibre components are manufactured at the new Composites Hub in Massa, a centre run by the Azimut Benetti Group specialising in glass and carbon fibre.
A transparent pool above the beach club
At the stern is the mezzanine deck with a Sea View Terrace. A special feature is the pool with a transparent floor, which creates light-refraction effects in the beach club below. The interior design is by m²atelier in Milan. The forward upper deck can be used in various ways: as a dining area for twelve people, as a media room or as a guest area. Large windows offer a 180-degree view of the forward outdoor lounge with a fire pit.
Propulsion and emissions reduction
The Grande 44M is part of Azimut’s so-called low-emission fleet. According to the shipyard, CO₂ emissions are expected to be up to 30 per cent lower than on comparable yachts of conventional design. Hull-Vane technology plays a part in this: a carbon fibre foil is positioned underwater at the stern and is designed to minimise the wake and generate additional lift. The foil weighs 400 kilograms; a steel structure would weigh 1,500 kilograms.
The hull design combines a fast displacement hull at the bow with a semi-planing hull at the stern. This design was developed by the Azimut-Benetti Group’s research department in collaboration with P.L. Ausonio Naval Architecture. It is intended to optimise fuel consumption across the entire speed range.
Hybrid system and solar panels
The mild hybrid system is based on two electric motors, each with an output of 50 kilowatts, which are configured as shaft generators. A battery compartment with a capacity of 188 kilowatt-hours can be expanded to 230 kilowatt-hours. Asea Nautica developed the system in collaboration with Azimut-Benetti. With the generators switched off, the Grande 44M is expected to be able to remain at anchor for three to four hours during the day and eight to ten hours at night. During this time, there are no exhaust emissions or engine noise. When travelling at 15 knots, the battery pack recharges fully in two hours. The fourth deck features 30 square metres of integrated solar panels, which help to meet the vessel’s power requirements.
Technical Specifications: Azimut Grande 44M
- Length: 44 m
- Carbon fibre surface area: over 1,000 square metres
- Weight saving on superstructures: 8 tonnes
- Hull Vane weight: 400 kg (carbon fibre)
- Electric motors: 2 x 50 kW
- Battery capacity: 188 kWh (expandable to 230 kWh)
- Solar panel area: 30 square metres
- Operating time whilst at anchor on battery power: 3–4 hours (day), 8–10 hours (night)
- Battery charge time at 15 knots: 2 hours
- CO₂ reduction: up to 30 per cent (manufacturer’s figure)
- Units sold: 7
- Exterior designer: Alberto Mancini
- Interior designer: m²atelier architecture studio
About Azimut
Azimut was founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli and is part of the Azimut|Benetti Group. The shipyard builds motor yachts ranging from 42 to 144 feet in length across seven series: Verve, Atlantis, Magellano, Fly, S, Grande and Seadeck. Its headquarters are in Avigliana, near Turin. There are five production sites in Italy: Avigliana, Fano, Viareggio, Savona and Varazze. Another shipyard is located in Itajai, Brazil. Azimut is represented in 80 countries through sales and service centres, as well as representative offices in Hong Kong, Fort Lauderdale, Itajai, Palma de Mallorca and Monaco.
Sören Gehlhaus
Stellvertretender Chefredakteur BOOTE EXCLUSIV
