Robb Report rewards the excellence of Azimut- Benetti Group

Azimut|Benetti Group wins two highly coveted Robb Report “Best of the Best” prizes, awarded each year by one of the world’s most highly-reputed publications in the luxury segment. M/Y “Spectre” is a 69-meter mega yacht that symbolises Made in Italy excellence. The exteriors are designed by Giorgio M. Cassetta and the interiors by the Benetti Interior Style Department. M/Y “Spectre” stands out for its sporty performance, hull technology by Mulder Design, and Total Ride Control® by Naiad Dynamics[1]. Azimut Grande 25 M, presented at the Cannes Yachting Festival last September, was awarded the highly sought after prize for the elegant design of the interiors by Achille Salvagni and the roomy, versatile outdoor deck areas designed by Stefano Righini.

In Azimut|Benetti Group’s 50th anniversary year, the company established in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli triumphs once again, with two yachts winning “Best of the Best” prizes awarded by the US edition of the Robb Report, the prestigious magazine with an authoritative voice in the luxury industry.

M/Y “Spectre”, a custom-built 69-meter yacht, wins the prize in the “Best of the Best: Motor Yachts from 200 to 300 feet” category. This is the third top international award presented to M/Y “Spectre” (the previous two were in Asia and Europe), testifying to how this outstanding yacht continues to receive praise for her high build quality, technology, superior performance and cruising comfort. Build with the highest quality and attention to details typical of Made in Italy, M/Y Spectre is a state of the art yacht with an innovative layout, fast, light and highly technological.

One of the winning features of “Spectre” is, in fact, her “High Speed Cruising Hull”, designed by Dutch firm Mulder Design, which delivers incredible performance by significantly reducing the total weight. The top speed of 21.2 knots is 30% faster than a conventional displacement hull and the yacht has a range of 6,500 nautical miles at a speed of 12 knots. “Spectre” also features innovative Total Ride Control® technology by Naiad Dynamics1, significantly improving cruising stability and onboard comfort.

The sporty exteriors by Giorgio M. Cassetta accommodate generous interiors, in a dialogue characterised by influence without imposition. The interior decor designed by Benetti’s Interior Style Department has a modern feel embellished by steel detailing and sculpted glazing, in an atmosphere that conjures up the 1930s Art Deco style found in New Orleans and Florida, which in turn takes its inspiration from late 19th century French Liberty style.

Azimut Grande 25 Metri, a yacht that represents a happy combination of charm and technology, wins the celebrated prize as “Best of the Best: Motor Yachts under 100 feet”. This is the second international award after her win at the Christofle Awards early in the year. A sleek yacht with a wind-sculpted look that offers plenty of space for the open air life, Azimut Grande 25 Metri is designed around contact with the sea. Her innovative, sweeping lines are the result of the partnership between Stefano Righini, who designed the exteriors, and Achille Salvagni, who has created finely decorated and furnished interiors that are flooded with natural light; the Robb Report jury was captivated and won over by the work of both of them.

The most striking features of the spaces designed by Stefano Righini are the vertical bow and huge windows, which offer an unprecedented view of the sea. Another key characteristic is the cutaway gunwale, which maximises the view outside from the living area through full-height glazed surfaces.

The interiors, on the other hand, create the smooth and flowing atmosphere that is a stylistic hallmark of Achille Salvagni, who prefers sleek curves to rigid geometries. His original take on the living area is another element of surprise, doing away with the conventional separation of the sofa area from the dining area in order to create space for a single, sophisticated setting decorated with great care and personality.

The winners have already been announced online and will be published in the June issue of Robb Report.