Azimut Yachts

Azimut Yachts was founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli. Initially, the company focused on chartering and sailing boat distribution. In the early 1970s, Azimut began designing its own yachts. The first motorsailer, the AZ 43 Bali, was launched in 1970. In 1971, Azimut partnered with Amerglass to produce the Azimut 32, a fiberglass series yacht. By 1975, Azimut took over a shipyard in Savona, which allowed for the construction of larger yachts. The company introduced its 'Flybridge' collection with the Azimut 105 in 1982. In 1985, Azimut acquired Benetti, a shipyard known for semi-custom and custom megayachts, which expanded Azimut's presence in the larger yacht segment. Throughout its history, Azimut has focused on serial production of yachts, incorporating designs from various naval architects and external design studios. The company has expanded its production capabilities over the decades, establishing multiple facilities in Italy. Azimut Yachts operates under the Azimut|Benetti Group, which is one of the largest yacht building groups globally. The company's production focus over the years has included flybridge yachts, sport cruisers, and megayachts, often characterized by their exterior styling and interior arrangements. Azimut has invested in research and development, particularly in areas such as carbon fiber construction and hull design, to optimize performance and reduce weight. The brand maintains a global sales and service network.