Azimut Yachts History & Heritage
Azimut has emerged as a pioneer in yacht design, consistently charting its course with unmatched style.
The origins of Azimut Yachts date back to 1969, when Paolo Vitelli, then a university student, began his foray into the boating world by chartering sailing boats. By 1970, Vitelli had transitioned into distributing renowned yacht brands, eventually leading to the establishment of Azimut as a builder in its own right. Teaming up with Amerglass, Azimut unveiled the AZ 43' Bali, a mass-produced fiberglass boat that garnered instant acclaim.
Expanding its portfolio, Azimut made waves in the entry-level market with the launch of the AZ 32 Targa in 1977—a fast coupe-style yacht ahead of its time, complete with a revolutionary sunroof. The AZ 32 enjoyed widespread success, laying the groundwork for larger vessels. In 1982, Azimut unveiled the 105ft (32m) Failaka, the world's largest GRP production yacht at the time, signaling a shift towards larger yacht production.
Azimut's acquisition of renowned Italian builder Benetti further propelled its growth, enabling the realization of ambitious projects across various sizes. Innovations such as large frameless windows, sports yacht and hardtop design, hull-side glass, and luxurious interior finishes set Azimut apart, driving industry progress.
The 1990s marked a period of significant industrial development for Azimut, with the acquisition of new boatyards in Fano, restructuring of Benetti boatyards in Viareggio, and the establishment of a new site in Avigliana. These advancements solidified Azimut's unparalleled expertise in yacht construction, extending from yachts to superyachts.
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