VIAREGGIO, ITALY – In a significant moment for one of Italy’s most renowned shipyards, Azimut has successfully launched the first unit of its new Grande 30M. The vessel entered the water at the company's historic Viareggio facility, an event celebrated by the dedicated craftsmen and professionals who brought the project from concept to reality.
This launch marks more than just the debut of a new model; it signals a new direction in design philosophy and technological integration for Azimut's flagship Grande Series. The Grande 30M is the product of a fresh collaboration, uniting the distinct talents of exterior designer Alberto Mancini and the interior architecture studio m2atelier for the first time on an Azimut project. The yacht is now undergoing final preparations for its formal world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival this September.
A New Synthesis of Design
The Azimut Grande 30M is defined by the creative synergy between two of Italy’s leading design forces. The collaboration introduces a fresh aesthetic to the 30-meter class, balancing dynamic exterior forms with a revolutionary approach to life on board.
Exterior Lines by Alberto Mancini
Alberto Mancini was tasked with sculpting the exterior lines of the Grande 30M, bringing his signature blend of sleek, automotive-inspired dynamism and timeless nautical elegance. While known for creating powerful and fluid profiles, Mancini’s work on the Grande 30M respects the established DNA of the Azimut brand while pushing its boundaries. The result is a yacht that appears both athletic and sophisticated, with clean surfaces and a strong silhouette that conveys performance and comfort in equal measure. The design emphasizes a visual connection to the sea, with expansive windows and thoughtfully arranged outdoor spaces that flow seamlessly from one to the next.
"Barefoot Luxury": The m2atelier Interior
For the interior, Azimut partnered with m2atelier, a design studio making its debut with the builder. They have introduced a design philosophy termed "Barefoot Luxury," developed specifically for a new generation of owners who prioritize a more informal, relaxed, and authentic onboard experience.
This concept moves away from overt formality and instead embraces natural materials, soft textures, and a harmonious, understated color palette. The goal is to create an environment of serene comfort where owners and guests feel immediately at ease, encouraging a direct and genuine connection with the surrounding marine environment. The "Barefoot Luxury" approach is a response to a clear shift in how owners wish to use their yachts—less as formal status symbols and more as private, tranquil sanctuaries for family and friends.
Pioneering Propulsion Technology
Beyond its design, the Grande 30M makes a significant technological leap forward. Azimut has equipped the new model with a state-of-the-art propulsion system from Rolls-Royce, making it the first yacht to feature this specific mtu and pod drive combination.
This advanced system departs from traditional shaft line propulsion, where engines are connected to propellers via long, fixed shafts. Instead, the Grande 30M utilizes steerable underwater pod units, which house the propellers and can rotate to direct thrust precisely.
This technology delivers several key advantages:
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Enhanced Efficiency: The mtu pod solution provides a remarkable 15% increase in efficiency compared to a conventional shaft line system. This translates directly into lower fuel consumption and, consequently, reduced CO₂ emissions, aligning with Azimut’s focus on sustainable solutions.
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Superior Maneuverability: Pod drives offer unmatched agility in tight quarters, such as marinas. The ability to vector thrust allows for sideways movement and effortless pivoting, making docking a far simpler and less stressful operation.
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Reduced Noise and Vibration: By placing the drive units outside the hull and eliminating long shaft lines, pod systems significantly reduce the transmission of noise and vibration into the living spaces, resulting in a much quieter and more comfortable experience for everyone on board.
This move underscores Azimut's commitment to innovation, integrating solutions that not only enhance performance but also lessen the environmental footprint of its yachts.
The Road to Cannes
The launch in Viareggio is the culmination of months of meticulous work and represents a point of pride for the shipyard. The Grande 30M now enters a period of sea trials and final outfitting before its highly anticipated global debut.
The yacht will be officially presented to the international public and the yachting press at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival. As one of the premier events on the global yachting calendar, Cannes provides the perfect stage for Azimut to showcase the yacht's unique combination of Mancini's design, m2atelier's interior concept, and its next-generation propulsion.
The introduction of the Grande 30M is set to make a significant impact on the market, offering a compelling new option for owners seeking a yacht that is efficient, elegantly designed, and perfectly attuned to a modern, informal lifestyle on the water.
Stay tuned to NAVIS for more updates and a full report from the world premiere of the Azimut Grande 30M in Cannes.
