Azimut is expanding the boundaries of its lineup with the Grande 44M, the largest superyacht ever built by the Italian shipyard. This new flagship goes far beyond simply setting a size record, offering a fresh take on contemporary luxury, where design, innovation, and sustainability come together in a project designed to redefine the onboard experience.
The shipyard’s new flagship
With the launch of its first vessel, the Grande 44M marks another important milestone in Azimut’s growth in the superyacht segment. Today, more than two-thirds of the shipyard’s production value comes from models longer than 24 meters, a figure that confirms the brand’s strong position in this market segment and the trust placed in it by yacht owners. This success is also reflected in sales figures: even before the official launch, seven units had already been purchased by end customers.
However, the Grande 44M represents much more than just a new flagship. The project encapsulates the evolution of Azimut’s philosophy, which centers on a different way of conceiving the superyacht: spaces designed around the owner’s needs, stylistic innovation, advanced technologies, and an increasingly direct connection to the sea.
Four Bridges for a New Concept of Space
One of the most innovative features is the yacht’s architecture. The extensive use of carbon fiber—which accounts for more than half of the structure—has made it possible to significantly reduce the weight of the upper sections of the yacht and to develop a unique four-deck layout that differs from traditional configurations.
The fourth deck houses the wheelhouse, which is seamlessly integrated into the exterior lines designed by Alberto Mancini, thereby freeing the Upper Deck from any technical functions. The result is an entire deck dedicated exclusively to the owner, enhanced by spacious private terraces overlooking the sea.
The Mezzanine Deck, previously introduced on the Grande Trideck, also returns at the stern; here, it has been reimagined with the spectacular See-Through Pool: a pool with a transparent bottom that allows light to reach the beach club below, creating a striking visual effect and enhancing the connection between the spaces.
The interiors, designed by m²atelier, follow the same philosophy. The large glass surfaces enhance the view of the outdoors, while the spaces have been designed to easily transform according to needs: a panoramic dining room, an entertainment area, or additional space for guests. Each space is designed to offer maximum flexibility and adapt to the lifestyle of the yacht’s residents.
Technology and sustainability at the heart of the project
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Grande 44M also represents the pinnacle of Azimut’s technological innovation. The new flagship joins the shipyard’s Low Emission fleet, achieving a reduction in CO₂ emissions of up to 30% compared to a traditional yacht in the same category.
The most significant contribution comes from the use of over 1,000 square meters of carbon fiber, which has made it possible to reduce the weight of the superstructure by approximately eight metric tons, while increasing interior space without compromising stability, efficiency, or performance. This achievement was also made possible by the Azimut|Benetti Group’s Massa Composites Center, a facility specializing in the advanced processing of composite materials.
Another standout innovation is the Hull Vane®, the carbon fiber foil developed in collaboration with the Dutch company of the same name. Installed at the stern, this component reduces hydrodynamic drag, limits the formation of the wake, and generates additional thrust, improving fuel efficiency, comfort, and handling by reducing pitch and roll. The choice of carbon fiber was also crucial in terms of weight: approximately 400 kilograms compared to the 1,500 kilograms an equivalent steel solution would have weighed.
Rounding out the project is the new Dual Mode hull, developed by the Azimut|Benetti Group’s Research and Development department in collaboration with P.L. Ausonio Naval Architecture. This unique configuration combines a bow section inspired by fast displacement hulls with a semi-planing stern, ensuring efficiency and low fuel consumption across the entire speed range.
The focus on sustainability continues with the installation of 30 square meters of solar panels on the fourth deck and the Mild Hybrid system developed in collaboration with Asea Nautica. Two 50-kW electric motors, used as shaft generators, work in conjunction with a 188 kWh battery pack—expandable up to 230 kWh—allowing the vessel to remain at anchor without generators for 3–4 hours during the day and up to 8–10 hours at night. This allows the owner to enjoy the harbor in a quieter, vibration-free environment with significantly reduced emissions. Furthermore, while sailing at 15 knots, the system is capable of fully recharging the batteries in about two hours.
World Premiere in Cannes
The official debut of the Azimut Grande 44M is scheduled for the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival, where the new flagship will be unveiled to the public for the first time and is poised to be one of the most important and highly anticipated new releases of the entire show.
