Azimut is known mostly for its small and midsize production boats, but with the addition of a new model in its Flybridge series as well as the creation of an entirely new series, the Italian yard is reaching more toward and into the megayacht market. It’s all part of a plan to present 14 new boats of various sizes within the next 14 months.
The first of the new Flybridge yachts is the Azimut 82, seen above. While she made her world premiere at the Genoa Boat Show in October, she’ll hit American shores in February 2009, at the Miami boat show. She features a sporty hardtop with a sliding sunshade in the middle, bow seating and sunpads, a good-size L-shape seating/dining spot next to the interior helm and beneath the expansive windshield, and wood soles on the main deck.
As for the new series, it’s called Magellano. The first model will measure 72 feet, just shy of the megayacht mark, but word is that Azimut plans larger craft in the coming years. It’s aimed at owners who have a Flybridge or similar-style yacht and want to cruise more often, over longer distances. Azimut says the 72, set for debut in 2010, should be capable of cruising at more than 20 knots and see a 1,500-nautical-mile range. In addition, as Azimut puts it, “Magellano will be focused on those who have an authentic passion for the sea…and aren’t afraid of adverse weather conditions but nevertheless want to surround themselves with fine details and luxurious finishings.” While no sketches have been released, the series is from the drawing boards of Ken Freivokh.
Since Azimut estimates these and the other new models will double its production, it recently acquired a new facility in Sardinia as well as one in Savona. These will complement existing production facilities in Avigliana and Viareggio.
And in yet other Azimut news, the company announced an extended partnership with MarineMax in the United States. MarineMax will now serve as its exclusive dealer for Florida, on top of being the exclusive Northeast dealer. Sales networks in existence elsewhere will also sell the new models.
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