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 was launched in Viareggio.
Azimut Grande with four decks
The Grande 44M, designed by Alberto Mancini, is characterised by its extensive use of carbon fibre. Over 1,000 square metres of the material are used, which, according to the shipyard, makes the superstructure eight tonnes lighter than a comparable all-GRP construction. It was only this weight saving that made the four decks possible. Previously, the Italian builders had achieved three decks on the 38-metre-long Azimut Grande Trideck. The carbon fibre composite components are manufactured at the new Composites Hub in Massa, a centre run by the Azimut Benetti Group specialising in glass and carbon fibre.
The top deck houses the bridge, which is integrated into the silhouette. This frees the upper deck below from all technical installations, leaving it entirely at the owner’s disposal. The bel étage features private terraces offering views of the horizon at the bow and, at the stern, an open-air gym. On the forward main deck – the spot where the owner’s suite is usually located on yachts of this size – Azimut has placed a guest cabin which, in its own right, is larger than the one on the upper deck.
A transparent pool above the beach club
At the stern is the mezzanine deck, featuring the so-called Sea View Terrace. A particular highlight is the pool with a transparent floor, which creates light-refraction effects in the beach club below.
The interior design is by the Milan-based studio m²atelier, which has created the characteristically bright and open spaces with metallic accents and generous use of leather on the walls. In the saloon, the glossy light grey of the wall panelling acts as a mirror; its reflections, together with the indirect, longitudinally aligned ceiling lighting, make the room appear larger.
The forward upper deck can be used in a variety of 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 emission reduction
The Grande 44M forms part of Azimut’s fleet of yachts with low operating emissions. According to the shipyard, CO₂ emissions are expected to be up to 30 per cent lower than those of comparable conventionally built yachts. The Hull-Vane technology contributes to 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 construction would weigh 1,500 kilograms.
The hull combines a high-speed 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 (according to the shipyard)
- Units sold: 7
- Exterior designer: Alberto Mancini
- Interior designer: m²atelier architecture studio
About Azimut Yachts
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. A further 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