Shipyard Azimut Yachts

Azimut Yachts is the flagship brand of the Azimut | Benetti Group, one of the world’s largest yacht manufacturers and an acknowledged trendsetter in yacht design. The shipyard shapes the industry’s direction by combining cutting-edge technology, engineering excellence and distinctive Italian style in the construction of fiberglass motor yachts up to 44 metres long.

Early milestones

In 1977, Azimut introduced the compact, affordable AZ 32 Targa, so popular that it was nicknamed the “Ford Model T of the sea.” Between 1977 and 1985 the company launched several further successes, including the Failaka 105, described as the world’s first 30-metre fiberglass yacht, built for a Kuwaiti prince. Its success encouraged Azimut to enter the US market: in 1982 it exhibited at the Miami Boat Show for the first time and partnered with Allied Marine.

Joining forces with Benetti

In 1985, Azimut Yachts acquired Fratelli Benetti in Viareggio. Founded in 1873, the renowned builder specialized in large superyachts, taking Azimut to a new production level. During the 1990s the group acquired facilities in Fano on Italy’s east coast, modernized Benetti’s Viareggio yard and built a new facility in Avigliana near Turin. These developments established Azimut-Benetti as a leader in both production yachts and custom-built superyachts.

The hallmarks of success

Azimut yachts are frequently chosen for their outstanding design, an area in which the shipyard has few rivals. For decades, Stefano Righini shaped their exteriors and Carlo Galeazzi their interiors. Acclaimed interior designer Achille Salvagni later joined the team as the expanding range called for fresh approaches.Azimut offers an exceptionally broad range. Alongside classic flybridge yachts and fast, carbon-fibre sports models, it builds the distinctive Magellano series. Launched in 2009 with the Magellano 74, this range helped pioneer the explorer-yacht trend. Combining Azimut elegance with explorer qualities—fuel efficiency, long range, generous interior volumes and excellent seakeeping—the popular Magellano line is notable for its hull design and concept by Ken Freivokh, a designer particularly renowned for sailing yachts.In 2013, the Atlantis brand joined Azimut Yachts, adding another line of strikingly modern open sports yachts. The Azimut Grande series comprises the company’s largest and most luxurious custom yachts over 25 metres. Grande became a defining and highly successful range; the addition of the Grande 44 in 2026 brought the yard towards the approximately 50-metre segment.A reputation built over decades, the continual pursuit of advanced technologies, collaboration with leading exterior and interior designers, expanding production facilities and an extensive global dealer and service network have kept Azimut Yachts among the industry’s strongest players for many years.