Azimut Grande Trideck Review (2021 Edition)

The Grande Trideck is so packed with intelligent design that it is hard to know where to begin. It is fast, efficient, spacious, and very splendid indeed. But due to this being the yard’s first tri-deck yacht, we'll start outside. 

Weighing in at 300GT, the Grande Trideck is the design work of Alberto Mancini, the man behind many of Azimut’s flybridge and Grande ranges. It is a typically muscular and imposing design, delivering three excellent decks constructed from a mix of GRP and carbon fibre. This results in a displacement of 190 tonnes — 30% lighter than the smaller Grande 35m. 

Decked Out

The Grande Trideck's design introduces many captivating features, including the striking mezzanine sun terrace nestled between the main deck and the beach club below. This innovative layout not only enhances the yacht's aesthetic appeal but also offers guests an array of unique and memorable experiences.

The mezzanine configuration creates four tiers of aft deck spaces, providing opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment. Moreover, it addresses a longstanding challenge in yacht design by reimagining the main deck aft area, historically underutilized and exposed. Shielded by the mezzanine, this expansive space now delivers luxury and privacy, promising to become the focal point of social gatherings and leisure activities.

Central to the Grande Trideck's draw, however, is its exceptional beach club, boasting a spacious waterside terrace, comfortable seating, and well-appointed toilet and shower facilities, all infused with a distinct sense of style. Made possible by a starboard-side garage arrangement, which positions the tender athwartships, this beach club sets a new standard for yachts under 40m (131ft), if not beyond.

While the upper and sun decks further elevate the vessel, our focus now shifts to interior design, a showcase of Azimut and designer Achille Salvagni's visionary interpretation of yacht luxury.

Eco-Lux

The interior design of the Grande Trideck is a sight to behold, with its organic curves, sculptural detailing, and an abundance of space. Azimut stands out as a pioneer in shifting the onboard focus away from cramming every square meter with amenities, opting instead to emphasize the enjoyment of the space itself.

In a departure from the traditional approach — where the emphasis is often on maximizing seating, cabinets, and tables — Azimut prioritises the breathing room and appreciation of the yacht's voluminous 300 GT and beyond. Far from being impractically minimalist, the design ethos revolves around creating specialized areas that are both fully functional and inviting, with ample storage solutions discreetly integrated throughout.

The Grande Trideck's clever design extends to its cutting-edge lithium battery bank, which quietly supplies up to 130KW of electric power, facilitating total zero-emission operation in silence. Azimut aptly dubs this innovation "Hotel Mode," ensuring uninterrupted power for the yacht's domestic and ancillary systems for up to four hours during the day or eight hours at night.

Beyond its onboard design and ergonomic layout, a stroll around the yacht reveals the unmistakable imprint of Azimut's attention to detail, reflecting a remarkable level of care and consideration. While other builders may prioritize uniform luxury, Azimut distinguishes itself by blending state-of-the-art production techniques with a genuine sense of personality, resulting in a vessel that delivers bundles of charm and character.

As you step into the main salon of Azimut's flagship, you are immediately enveloped in a transformative experience.

The first thing that strikes is the sense of space, amplified by the lounge seating gracefully positioned within the full-height glass borders of the salon, inviting unrestricted movement and exploration. As your gaze adjusts to the surroundings, details begin to emerge: light comes from the deckhead, while avant-garde angled lamps rise from cabinets, creating a surreal yet captivating ambiance. The seating itself appears to hover, imparting a sense of weightlessness.

In this area, relaxation reigns supreme, setting the tone for an experience that permeates every corner of the yacht. 

Trideck Choice

Indeed, the absence of a dining area in the main salon contributes to its spacious and airy ambience. However, there's no need to fret, as the dining area is thoughtfully situated on the upper deck, embracing the innovative tri-deck design to offer a secluded retreat.

Here, a striking circular bar-to-dining table takes centre stage, featuring a high-low base that is as functional as it is visually captivating. The private lounge atmosphere is further enhanced by the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, with the sky lounge leading out onto a private deck, providing guests with the option to dine alfresco while enjoying total privacy.

Meanwhile, the galley area on the main deck, positioned adjacent to a cleverly designed crew area, ensures smooth service and convenience. With internal and external crew access points, guests have the flexibility to tailor their dining experience according to their preferences, whether they seek utmost privacy or personalised service with a view.

While both the main and upper salon layouts of Azimut's flagship offer owners the opportunity for customization, it's essential to proceed with caution before making significant alterations to the easy-living layout that Azimut has crafted. However, there are numerous no-risk options to consider.

On the upper deck, one such option is adding an ensuite cabin between the lounge and pilothouse. This versatile space can serve as a valuable extra guest cabin or even as the captain's quarters, offering a superbly elevated position and a degree of separation from the guest accommodations below decks.

Stateroom V2.0

The owner's stateroom on the main deck has a dreamy, relaxed, and effortlessly cool ambiance, mirroring the salon. The centerpiece of the stateroom is the floating bed and cabinetry. Expansive windows flood the cabin with natural light, while a study and lounge area are strategically positioned before each glass section.

Storage and wardrobes are cleverly concealed behind panels, ensuring a clutter-free environment. The ensuite bathroom, located forward in the bows, showcases ingenious design, with the wider part of the boat dedicated to the stateroom itself. Despite this, there is ample room for features such as a circular copper bath and a generously sized stone-finished shower stall.

The five or six-cabin layout includes four guest quarters below decks, accessed via a backlit onyx-style spiral staircase — a real superyacht feature. The layout offers equality for each cabin, with two doubles and two twins, enjoying a similarly-sized ensuite with a large shower. This same mix of deft design and lightless of touch covers each cabin, with large hull-side windows and storage areas adding to the spaces.

The helm of the Grande Trideck embodies a sleek and modernist aesthetic, reminiscent of contemporary automotive design. While many yacht helm stations draw comparisons to luxury car brands like Rolls Royce, the Grande Trideck's helm takes inspiration from the futuristic styling of the BMW i8. Featuring a clean black facia, the helm conceals multiple multifunction displays (MFDs), providing the captain with comprehensive access to navigation and monitoring systems. 

While the test boat features a single helm seat, there is ample space for additional seating if desired, allowing for customization to meet individual preferences. The inclusion of guest or crew seating, discreetly tucked away, adds a thoughtful touch, ensuring comfort and convenience for all onboard.

Furthermore, the presence of twin side deck doors enhances accessibility and safety, providing easy access to the exterior decks from the helm station. These well-planned details contribute to the overall functionality and versatility of the helm area.

As we have already waxed lyrical about the lower decks, we will now head to the sun deck. The tri-deck design creates an entire uppermost deck that pays complete homage to the joys of deck lifestyle, day or night. The space is perfect for an evening retreat, or rather, a party spot.

There are 7-star rooftop bars that couldn't beat this sundeck. The expanse of the deck is partly covered by a hardtop, but can alternatively be laid out as the owner desires. The circular bar and forward BBQ area, however, we feel is a must, but then again, so does the low-level seating that glides aft before sun loungers take over. 

Moving down an easy flight of steps is the upper aft deck, leading off the sky lounge. Together, you enjoy complete dining and lounging privacy, inside or out. The deck layout is again open to customization, and we implore you to choose Azimut’s beautifully curvaceous suggested seating plan.

Main Deck Moment

Back at the main deck, the private, convivial lounge area is sure to be a popular area. A broad teak table feels like a place for families and friends to gather, served by bar modules or the nearby galley. The cozy, usable feel of the main deck is further enhanced by chunky, architectural A-frames to each side, protecting guests from piercing winds — or prying eyes.

That still leaves one of the best foredeck lounges you'll find under 50m (164ft). Feeling every bit a separate deck, as opposed to something perched on the yacht, lounge seating and sun pads vie for your attention beneath shady awnings, surrounded by thoughtful teak inlays for personal items and a central hot tub.

The Grande Trideck could not have arrived at a better time. The market for 30-40m yachts is incredibly strong, with demand creating lead times that extend past three years.

This new Azimut, however, not only adds a superb model to the market but also creates a design benchmark that makes buying a yacht of this size about as rewarding as can be.

Pricing will vary according to each owner’s specification, and although the Azimut Grande Trideck sits at the upper end of the 40m (131ft) spectrum, the design, style, finish, and sheer usability of this yacht support its price.

Lastly, there's a notable aspect of value to consider. Just as we've witnessed the emergence of new 50m (164ft) yachts posing a challenge to existing 60m (197ft) vessels, this Azimut measuring 38m (125ft) presents a formidable competitor for certain yachts ranging from 45-50m (148-164ft). Despite being considered the 'smaller' boat, it does so with the potential for lower running costs.