The Azimut Grande 30M Is a Floating Glass House

Dozens of craftspeople gathered with the executive team of Azimut Yachts to celebrate the christening of the first launch in the Azimut Grande 30M yacht series. Although s a modest-size project—94 feet/29 meters—the semi-custom megayacht treats owners and guests to a more immersive cruising experience with features not typical of this end of the market.

When Azimut announced this new series in 2023, it revealed a twist on the Azimut Grande’s Infinity Skydeck. “Infinity Skydeck” refers to the one-level layout from the aft-most corners of the upper deck to the alfresco relaxation area forward of the skylounge. It isn’t uncommon for some shipyards and designers to incorporate a step or two down into the forward lounge. The Azimut Grande 30M is still one level here, but also has what the builder calls a Glass House. Nearly the entire skylounge is glass, with the floor-to-ceiling sections on three sides sliding open. Especially when they’re open, but even with them closed, a stronger captivation and engagement with the seascapes naturally occurs. Essentially, the skylounge ceases to be a closed-off area, instead becoming a shaded extension of the aft alfresco area. The two look and feel more connected, too, to an infinity pool fully forward.

This reimagination of the Infinity Skydeck comes courtesy of Azimut collaborating with Alberto Mancini. Similarly, the designer and shipyard turned their attention to the Deck2Deck Terrace, the convertible aft deck and garage. The garage hatch, enrobed in teak, can raise even with the main aft deck. This creates an extended lounging area, with a sort of balcony.

Azimut is intent on attracting the rising generation of yacht buyers, who relish a more casual lifestyle. The design studio m2atelier executed the “barefoot luxury” directive, using lots of wood and other natural materials. The ambience throughout the decks is light and bright, particularly because of the full-height windows. Even the stairway connecting the decks allows light to continue filtering through, because of floating treads.

With an expected top speed of 25 knots, the Azimut Grande 30M relies on MTU’s new podded propulsion. Pod drives from ZF boost efficiency, and in doing so should reduce fuel consumption by about 15 percent compared to traditional shaft drives. Further aiding performance, Azimut employs extensive carbon fiber in the hull and superstructure. The weight reduction and a new hull design additionally should lower emissions up to 30 percent compared to comparable traditionally built yachts.

If you’re interested in getting aboard, the superyacht is premiering at the Cannes Yachting Festival next month.

Alberto Mancini Yacht Design albertomancini.com

Azimut Yachts azimutyachts.com

m2atelier m2atelier.com