Mauro Giamboi and Van Oossanen reveal flagship design in Azzurra yacht range

Italian designer Mauro Giamboi and Dutch studio Van Oossanen Naval Architects have revealed the latest design in their new Azzurra superyacht range, the Azzurra 48. Measuring 48 metres, the design is the flagship of the semi-custom series, which also includes the 40.2-metre Azzurra 40 and the 36-metre Azzurra 36.

First unveiled in April this year, the new superyacht range is said to offer "a cohesive family of vessels" that "reflect the current market" - looking at owner demands, proven technology and timeless design. All three vessels share a signature Italian exterior by Giamboi – characterised by an asymmetric hull and deck lines – and a highly efficient naval platform using Van Oossanen's Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF), which provides up to 20-30 per cent fuel savings at cruising speeds.

As the flagship of the range, the Azzurra 48 seems to stand as the pinnacle of the collaboration between the designer and design studio, who claim the 48-metre to "redefine what a mid-size superyacht under 500GT can be".

Contemporary, fluid grey lines are decorated with fold-out balconies, while the clean open deck layouts on board seamlessly merge the indoor living with the outdoor. The elongated aft deck, complete with an infinity glass-backed pool, relaxed lounge space and fold-out platforms that extend the deck over the water, blends into the stylish main saloon, fitted with curved sofas and a formal dining table forward.

Accommodation on board is for up to 18 guests and a crew of 11. The guest cabins are notably innovative; eight cabins (plus two Pullman berths) can transform from twins into doubles (and vice versa) in "mere minutes" thanks to "sleek panels and hidden mechanisms". A highlight of the accommodation, however, is the upper deck owner's suite, which boasts a private studio and a forward balcony with a plunge pool.

Other features on board include a wellness spa on the lower deck, offering a steam room and massage suite.

Despite her slick and commanding profile, the Azzurra 48 has been designed for exploration and extended voyaging, boasting a reinforced structure for icy waters, a raised pilothouse for panoramic views and even an optional helipad. The captain’s cabin is also adjoined to the pilothouse to increase operational efficiency.

“Our collaboration on the Azzurra 48 showcases how thoughtful naval architecture and hydrodynamic innovation can redefine comfort and efficiency in a yacht of this size and class", said Perry van Oossanen.

Azzurra 48 is projected to offer a maximum speed of 16 knots and a range of 4,250 nautical miles at an 11-knot cruising speed, powered by either twin Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines (IMO Tier III) or twin MTU 12V 2000 M96L engines.

Each of the designs in the Azzurra series are offered with diesel-electric propulsion options to reduce emissions and "elevate cruising tranquility". Key specs of the Azzurra 48 include a volume of 499GT and a nine-metre beam.