First debuted at the 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival, the new Azimut Grande 26M has more to her than meets the eye. Despite being the smallest offering available in the Azimut's Grande series, the Italian builder has packed the Grande 26M with more features than most superyachts of the same size.
For the owners of the 22 units already sold, the Azimut Grande 26M successfully pushes the boundaries of what was possible for a compact superyacht – largely thanks to her innovative low-emission propulsion package. And so, to invite more potential owners to muscle in on the prize, the builder reveals more about how the Grande 26M design really works.
Eco-friendly propulsion
The Grande 26M is the first Azimut yacht to carry a Large Pod 4600 propulsion system. Created in partnership with ZF, the new Pod system is the result of Azimut’s investment in environmentally-friendly research and product development which began more than a decade ago.
In combination with the yacht’s carbon fibre superstructure – which is 30% lighter than similar constructions – the propulsion system can deliver 20% lower fuel consumption than a similar-sized boat travelling at an average speed. These percentages are currently unmatched and have been achieved without compromising performance.
Compared with the POD systems already available on the market, the hybrid-ready POD 4600 system is the first solution for larger boats with top speeds between 20 and 30 knots. The system is equipped with a unique pivot that eliminates the need for a rudder and the associated drag. Consequently, the Grande 26M can reach 28 knots effortlessly and has improved manoeuvrability at low speeds due to a higher torque.
The Azimut Grande 26M is just one of the brand’s many Low Emissions Yacht models that can guarantee a 20 to 30% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to market competitors.
Packed with innovation
Designers Alberto Mancini and Achille Salvagni have kept technology, style and livability at the forefront of the design, as well as incorporating a few new inventions such as the Deck2Deck™ Terrace. Once boarded and on the aft of the yacht, guests will find that, at the touch of a button, the opening teak-clad garage door lies flush with the edge of the main deck. The result is a large 18-square-metre on-the-water terrace, that appears to be suspended between the sea and the sky. An ideal lounge space or a dining area, the Deck2Deck™ Terrace can be completed with any range of furniture an owner desires, including an eight-person walkaround dining table with an ocean view.
A tactful interior layout
The interior layout has been devised to offer a lot of freedom between living areas as well as privacy where it is most needed. In terms of crew and guest interaction, crew members can seamlessly access their lower-deck quarters from the side walkway at the wheelhouse or via the stairway from the galley. All of the crew cabins have been placed at the bow of the yacht to increase the privacy of the guests.
The remaining four guest staterooms are located on the deck below and also benefit from the separated guest and crew traffic flows. These features and the huge 50-square-metre flybridge have never been seen before on a yacht of this size.
Taking over the forward section of the main deck is the full-beam owner’s suite, where floor-to-ceiling picture windows keep a strong connection to the outdoor world and flood the area with light. The cabin and bathroom are connected by an open dressing area that also has its own cell-shaped windows. With curved and flowing lines a consistent feature throughout the interior, the design is complemented by neutral decor and minimal furnishings to keep the space open and airy.
Serene spaces and organic design
Interior designer Achille Salvagni had plenty of volume to play with when designing the Grande 26M. The Large POD propulsion system requires a smaller-than-usual engine room which, along with the light carbon-fibre superstructure, frees up more interior space without affecting the yacht’s weight.
The designer chose to implement organic architectures inside the yacht to work in harmony with the outdoor environment. Salvagni’s intention can be seen through the warm hues and soft shapes in the furnishings and ceilings. The choice of teak flooring gives warmth to the interiors and widens the space thanks to the way the boards and angled at 45 degrees. In contrast, playful colour accents – such as the cobalt blue sofa and the orange coffee table – are eye-catching details.
The Azimut Grande 26M not only contributes to the brand’s focus on sustainability, but pushes forward Azimut’s spirit for innovation and design that is well-recognised throughout the world of yachting.
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