Following on from the announcement of positive results for the close of the previous season during the Cannes Yachting Festival, the world renowned group continued to celebrate as they won six awards plus a special award going to Paolo Vitelli.
Hosted alongside the prestigious Cannes Yachting Festival, the world famous World Yacht Trophies award ceremony has now run its 18th edition, once again recognising the staggering Made In Italy ethos of the Azimut|Benetti group.
Organised by the industry known French publication Yachts France, the ceremony was dominated by the Italian fleet. In addition to winning a collection of awards for the outstanding vessels, special attention was particularly given to Paolo Vitelli as he received a special 'Outstanding Career' trophy for his entrepreneurial vision, development and immeasurable input into the industry.
In this long year of celebrations, we continue to receive awards and acknowledgements from a world that I have always loved and to which I have dedicated the past few decades. The Cannes Yachting Festival in particular has offered us some truly unique moments, with the announcement of our brilliant results last year, the celebration of our 50th anniversary with our international customers at a magical evening event, and our gratification at the great interest and appreciation shown for our latest models, testifying to how the yachts built by our two brands excel in all categories, from 12 up to 100 meters. I could not have imagined a better conclusion for this boat show.
A significant first for the Italian group was the win by the Giga yacht FB277. For the first time in their historic 50 years of service, the representative 107 metre vessel stood on top of the podium as Yacht of the Year in the category for boats over 270 feet (82 metres).
As one of the three Giga launches from the 2019 season, the iconic vessel is powered by an electric diesel propulsion system and has been entirely designed by the inhouse Benetti team. Constructed with an aluminium superstructure the FB277 has a maximum beam is 15.2 meters with a gross tonnage of 3,300 tons.
Key features are in abundance for the stunning Giga yacht, starting with a fully certified touch-and-go helipad. Health and wellness facilities are a luxury indulgence onboard with a spa including hammam and massage rooms, a top of the range gym and a large swimming pool on the sundeck.
Azimut Grande S10
Flagship for the Azimut S Collection, the Azimut Grande S10 has been awarded the Best Exterior Award for vessels in the 80 to 98 feet category. As the end result of a design collaboration between Alberto Mancini for the exteriors and Francesco Guida on interiors, the S10 brings a new dimension to the Italian fleet which gives it an effortless charm.
While boasting a classy but sporty feel, the design elements for the yacht comprise of architectural influences of a villa overlooking the sea with sporty characteristics typical of the automotive industry. Alongside the elegance of a larger megasailer, it is clear why the judging panel at the World Yacht Trophies chose the S10 and it comes to no surprise that the vessel also won the award for the most innovative boat of the year.
Azimut S8
Following the surprise announcement of the upcoming attendance of the vessel at the Monaco Yacht Show, the S8 went on to win the Best Evolution Product award at the prestigious World Yacht Trophies ceremony.
Measuring up at 24.63 metres the S8 is at the peak of technological innovation for her category thanks to the extensive use of Carbon Tech and triple propulsion Volvo Penta IPS. Featuring designwork by long term collaborators Alberto Mancini and Francesco Guida, the S8 has a four cabin layout on the lower deck with a closed off galley on an intermediate deck plus a comfortable lounge and dining area set up on the main deck.
Azimut 78 Fly
Winner of the Best Layout award for yachts in the 64 to 80 feet category, the new flagship Azimut 78 Fly is the latest addition to the CarbonTech generation from the Italian fleet.
Alberto Mancini has created a striking design with patinated exterior lines and a modern, futuristic look. With the same prestige level of style reflected on the interiors, Achille Salvagni builds on the iconic exterior by adding further sophistication and elegance in to the spacious volumes of the eyecatching vessel.
Benetti M/Y Metis
Winner of the Best Exterior Design for yachts between 164 and 270 feet, 63 metre Metis has been defined as 'a modern and timeless yacht' which maintains 'Benetti's sense of sophisticated elegance'. With exteriors designed by long term collaborator Giorgio M. Cassetta, Metis features a long bow with vertical straight, allowing for generous spacing onboard and plenty of opportunities for innovative solutions.
The stunning exteriors captured the judges attention for the category, with the private deck being a key feature in the decision. Interiors for M/Y Metis were designed in collaboration between UK based design studio Bannenberg & Rowell and german brand Birgit Otte Interior.
Azimut Atlantis 45
Awarded for the stunning creation by Neo Design, the Azimut Atlantis 45 was presented with the Best Interior Design award for the 45 to 64 feet category. Described as sophisticated and welcoming, the spacious interior features the kitchen and dinette in the front area, boosting functionality for everyday living onboard.
Two cabins are situated onboard, comprising of an owner's cabin and a guest cabin amidships. Both cabins feature their own bathrooms with separate shower cubicles.
