• Introduction • Paolo Vitelli, President of Azimut Benetti Group with his daughter Giovanna Made in Italy is excellence The Azimut Benetti Group occupies a leading position in the boat-building sector worldwide; its collections are able to satisfy the varying tastes and trends of very different enthusiasts of all things marine. The Group has acquired its leadership thanks to our success in overcoming many challenges, obstacles and contests, yet in every new model we maintain a common denominator, a fundamental ingredient that is apparent in all our production: a large slice of passion. Both...

• the step • 1 2 8 14 3 9 15 4 10 16 5 11 17 6 11 18 7 13 19 From prototype to delivery of the boat: Azimut’s collections are created through a series of no less than 20 passages, all undertaken with scrupulous care. Every action is effected in conformity with detailed procedures and concludes only after passing a stringent series of quality tests imposed by the yard, which can boast no less than three certications: ISO 9001 for the product, ISO 14011 for the protection of the environment and OHSAS 18001 for safeguarding the health and safety of workers. 4 • the step • 20

• the concept • A Good ideas are quality Stefano Righini is responsible for the design and concept of Azimut boats. His work has introduced innovation throughout the world of leisure boating, and his ideas have been sources of inspiration for several yards. How does one create a quality boat? “The design of a boat is multi-faceted affair, a complex process that requires many kinds of experience and all the requirements to be brought together in combination. There are many aspects contributing to the overall quality: ideas, technology, regulations, costs. But in order to be considered a success,...

C- The interior of a large y bridge in a photograph that gives a good idea of Stefano Righini’s philosophy, namely that of assuring dialogue between indoors and outdoors, allowing for the passage of plenty of light and air. D- A two-dimensional drawing of the side-view of a motoryacht at a still traditional phase of a project which then evolves into a three-dimensional simulation to assess volumes and forms. D evolution for me, and I have been able to work with the strength of imagination that leads to an entire range”. Let’s shed some light on the word ‘design’ “As I pointed out at the beginning,...

A Carlo Galeazzi is one of the most innovative architects to work in the eld of leisure boating. His work has led to great changes in the styling of interiors that were still tied to layouts, colours and materials of tastes that had since changed. B- The denition of complex areas, such as the bridge, involves many parts of the yard, since recent technological and electronic innovations, such as new multi-function displays and the arrival of new servo-controls such as joysticks for Easy Docking manoeuvres, are changing the appearance in this zone too. • the interior • Quality from the project...

C-D-E. The choice of materials with which to make the interiors is done in collaboration with the Azimut Styling Ofce, which can look to a large number of suppliers. For most the collections, owners can apply their own taste in a series of details, from fabrics to some layout options. D E large boats the intervention of the owner is always evident.” How important are aesthetics? “In a boat, aesthetics are also the result of a functional study: the central point is that the project must start from within. There are boats in which, for aesthetic reasons, the windows are not positioned where they...

• Collection • A The Azimut Collections A yacht for every owner. This is the principle that inspires the production of Azimut Yachts. Divided into three collections, they share the results achieved by the R&D ofces and quality of the industrial construction processes. Founded to meet the demands of a specic target, every collection boasts strong distinctive elements. For the owner, it is thus easier and quicker to identify which boat best corresponds to his dreams among the models of the Flybridge Collection, the rst to be formed and the largest, the S Collection, presented in 2003 and including...

C.The ybridge motoryachts have built the success of Azimut and still constitute the most complete collection available on the market. The most recent Azimut 40 and Azimut 45 projects have dened new standards for the level of comfort they offer. decor, and technological solutions to improve comfort on board. The y bridge and aft cockpit have become increasingly spacious, with transformable tables and sofas. Within, the y range offers particularly interesting solutions with regard to exploiting the available space. The galley, often positioned in the space between two bridges, becomes a separate...

D-E. Azimut yachts are designed to make use of all the space possible outdoors too, creating different relaxation areas. The forward area with sunbathing elements can be very valuable at times, such as in port, when one seeks a little privacy as far as possible from the quayside. The rigid hard top and almost total covering of the cockpit meet an increasing demand for protection from the sun. D greatest of comfort, without making speed the primary concern but instead aiming to limit fuel consumption. For the hull of this semi-displacement yacht with vertical bow, Azimut sought the collaboration...

• interview • A Pursuing excellence The strength of a major boatyard lies in its industrial organisation, how major objectives and quality are attained while controlling the entire construction process. Dott. Paolo Casani, CEO of Azimut Yachts, explains. What are the special features of the Avigliana site? “The Avigliana site, where Azimut boats up to a length of 72 foot, from the Flybridge, S and Magellano Collections are produced, lies at the foot of the Alps, and is a single establishment occupying an area of 120,000 square metres. This enables us to control all the special phases of the construction...