Grande by name, Grande by nature. The Azimut Grande 35 Metri, premiered at the recent Cannes Yachting Festival, is the flagship of the yard’s semi-custom megayacht line. Aptly, she really is huge. Step aboard, and you’re immersed in the ambience of a yacht much larger than 35 meters (115 feet). Penned by Stefano Righini, who defined both the concept and the exteriors, the megayacht offers creative solutions for her size. In fact, she has a wide body (a maximum beam of 24’6”, or 7.5 meters) a raised pilothouse, and an optional third deck. That possibility doesn’t affect the balance of volumes, either, keeping the overall look ultra-dynamic.
Carbon fiber construction for the superstructure boosts volume, thus offering more comfort onboard. The larger-superyacht features that result include a side garage. It hosts a 16-foot (5-meter) tender and a PWC. This leaves the Grande 35 Metri’s stern completely free for a magnificent 129-square-foot (12-square-meter) beach area fitted out with Paola Lenti furnishings. Righini’s hallmark trapezoidal bow increases available space forward, too. Here, you’ll find a sun-lounging area with sofas, sunpads, and a hot tub.
Furthermore, the third level (with access aft from the upper deck) adds 323 square feet (30 square meters) for a second helm and convivial areas. There’s a bar with stools (above), plus a huge, foldable, height-adjustable table and Poliform chairs for 10 guests. The cleverly designed hardtop, which shelters this area, has orientable strips to adjust the shade required.
The interior, by Achille Salvagni, is contemporary in design and very much in his personal nautical-perfect style, with lots of flowing lines and streamlined shapes. He designed all furnishings, which Azimut subcontractors made. The atmosphere throughout the Grande 35 Metri is serene and sophisticated in its simplicity. Creamy panels alternate with dark-brown, polished mahogany, while Carrara marble does likewise with open-pore oak. Salvagni feels it is important to alternate visual and tactile experiences onboard. The juxtaposing is interrupted only by a series of inserts in materials such as treated brass, bronze, and polished stainless steel.
Elegance and flowing lines are the leitmotifs aboard the Grand 35 Metri. They start from the warm, welcoming saloon (above). Guests first meet a stainless steel-topped bar that serves both the interior and the aft deck. A low, circular sofa dominates the scene and invites guests to simply relax and enjoy each other’s company. A Palladium leaf coffee table at the center has a sculptural aesthetic. Huge windows flood the saloon with natural light and provide marvelous views, too. All the artwork is either by Salvagni or handpicked by him.
Salvagni’s eye for detailing extends to the spiral staircase linking the decks. It’s a stunning piece of design. Even the backlit onyx steps have different finishes on their outer and inner surfaces. Respectively, they’re white lacquer and mother of pearl.
As finely detailed as the four guest cabins (two VIPs and two twins) are, featuring leather, the owner’s suite is elegant. Forward on the main deck, it’s broad and bright (above), featuring the same palette and interplay of dark and light as the relaxation spaces. A king-size bed takes center stage, with the closets directly behind. In fact, the entire space revolves around the bed and the silk-effect carpet beneath it. A desk with bronze details doubles as an office nook and vanity. Meanwhile, the curve of the hull is clearly visible in the en suite bath. It acts as a reminder that the Grande 35 Metri is actually a yacht, rather than an apartment.
That said, the high point of the owner’s suite is the balcony, exceptional for a megayacht this size. Azimut engineered a carbon-fiber-framed section of the full-height window to pivot outward. The balcony floor, meanwhile, automatically glides into view from beneath the cabin. Pop-up stanchions complete the picture.
Ultimately, in customary Azimut fashion, the Grande 35 Metri makes getting to anchorages to use that balcony a short trip. Twin 2,400-hp MTUs give a reported cruising speed of 21 knots and top speed of 25½ knots. However, what makes the yacht stand out is the hull design. It blends traditional displacement benefits with those of planing yachts, plus has a wavepiercer design, further for better performance. Note, too, that Azimut-Benetti R&D Center strove for noise reduction at maximum speeds as well. Ultimately, Grande style and performance are not mutually exclusive.
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