Unassuming, and without pretention, the 26-meter model from Azimut Yachts’ Grande line ticks all the luxury boxes while maintaining a modest profile among superyachts. The lovely Alberto Mancini exterior styling plays well with interiors by Achille Salvagni, emphasizing the brilliant use of space and eclectic, playful highlights throughout the yacht.
The smallest of the Grande series, joined by larger Azimut builds in the 27-meter, 32-meter, 36-meter, and Trideck models, the 26 provides all of the line’s incredible features in a compact, efficient, attractive, and comfortable design. Add improved performance from the ZF Pod 4600 drive with larger diameter high efficiency counter rotating propellers, high efficiency/low emissions sipping 20 percent less fuel usage than comparable, hard chine planing yachts, and space for ten guests served by three crew, and you have one of the most surprising, enjoyable, stylish entry level superyachts currently on offer.
A cool design feature is the aft deck terrace extension of the transom that folds up at anchor to reveal the tender and storage garage below while creating an open air, walk around cockpit dining area on the terrace above. Unheard of in a yacht this size, the feature creates an overlook of the sea and stern deck for a great water view with easy social connection. A pair of stairs to port and starboard lead to the stern deck beach access. A service bar sits to port and stair up to the flybridge lie to starboard.
Stepping forward, the massive salon windows continue the open, airy feel upon entry, with refreshing organic curves in furniture and details, pebble shapes in furnishings, uplifting sea glass color palettes, and fun design features. Think angle poise lamps over the dining table, sea glass shaped pillows, and strategically placed organically shaped windows to delight and enchant every guest.
The forward main deck master maintains the oversize windows that really makes the suite feel bigger than its size, with a generous bath and step-down wardrobe in the bow.
Whimsical shapes right out of an Alexander Calder mobile cut curved windows in surprising places. It is a spacious, comfortable, delicious master presenting glorious views, especially from the desk.
Four additional ensuite lower deck guest cabins, three doubles and one twin, ensure truly luxurious comfort for ten guests. Beachy colored leathers, fabrics, and woods are complemented with touches of chrome, polished steel, and enameled metals. Marble and chrome in the baths serve the luxury theme, while teak woods and black accent hardware give an edge to the overall aesthetic.
This Maxi Fly design sports the largest flybridge of its class owing to the semi-raised pilothouse. The starboard helm station on the flybridge boasts two cushy seats and a stylish sofa to port, all under the convertible sunroof of the hardtop. A glossy white built-in cabinet with storage backs up the helm. Another L-shaped sofa aft wraps around a large dining table to port. A beautiful glossy metallic bar with wood bar top, stools, and storage sits to starboard. The aft deck has plenty of space for posh, pebble-pillowed sofas, chairs, and chaises, out from under the protection of the hard top.
The wheelhouse is equipped with a very comfortable white leather helm chair with foot rest and standing bolster. The view of the three multifunction screens as well as the way forward and the view to port and starboard is clear and conveniently unimpeded. A foredeck sofa and sun pad embellish the superyacht personality, emphasized by separate crew and guest paths on all decks, preserving guest privacy for service on stairs and walkways while improving crew accessibility.
Photos: Azimut Yacht Media | Words: K.L. Turner
