In build over the last two years, the all-new Azimut Grande 120SL motor yacht Hull #3 is scheduled for launch in April 2014, as proudly announced by the leading Italian shipyard, Azimut Yachts. The third hull of Azimut Grande Collection, the Azimut Grande 120SL superyacht Hull no. 3 is a striking 36-metre yacht, representing 100% Azimut‐Benetti quality.
Unmatchable style, liveability, and unparalleled comfort; with a maximum speed of 39 knots and two lateral water jets, Rolls‐Royce central booster, it is owner‐customised down to the last detail. With the addition of the all‐new “Crew Network” service, the after‐sales services exclusively designed for Azimut Yachts owners expand even more.
Azimut Grande Collection is an embodiment of the Azimut‐Benetti Group’s production excellence. Made up of planing yachts over 30m, the Azimut Grande is the most exclusive Azimut Yachts collection. And, it boasts the Group’s most ambitious design to date: the 120SL, the product of Azimut’s high‐performance hull design prowess and the boatyard’s skill in creating custom solutions. Azimut Grande 120SL yacht offers the boatowner a wide range of options, catering specifically to the semi‐custom boat market. Over the years, the Group’s offering has expanded to include an after‐sales service network specially designed to enhance the boat owner’s enjoyment. One example is the complimentary Expert Captain Search and Selection service, part of the ‘Crew Network’ service available to all owners of +24‐metre Azimut‐Benetti yachts.
Aside from the location of certain integral yacht components, such as the engines, bilges, and main bulkheads, the boat owner has been given total freedom in the detailing of construction and decor. The overall concept and style of this new design are the work of Stefano Righini, with interiors by Carlo Galeazzi.
As Paolo Vitelli, chairman of the Azimut Benetti Group says: “Azimut Grande represents a tangible response to the needs expressed by our boat owners: it is an appealing and distinctive line that doesn’t cut corners in terms of comfort and flawless performance. Rigorous trials and tank testing have helped develop a high performance keel that can cruise with ease, even in rough seas. Adopting water jet transmissions has significantly limited vibrations and noise, maximising on board comfort for the boat owner and guests”.
What is the aim of the new 120SL yacht? To experience the sea and the yacht without limits, reducing the distinction between interior and outside until it practically disappears.
A goal which springs to life as soon as the gangway comes up: as soon as you climb on board, you’ll find yourself on the main deck. Here, the cockpit and the living area come together to form a unified deck, with commanding views at all times of the day.
This third example of the Azimut Grande 120SL retains all the features which the previous units were renowned for, adding three MTU 16v 2000, 2640 horsepower engines (2450 rpm), boosting the maximum speed to 39 knots.
The internal layout still includes a main saloon with its 60 square metres; 50 square metres of glazing and the additional operable skylight above – which reveals more than 15 square metres of sky and sea ‐ provide an unprecedented sensation: the distinction between inside and outside virtually disappears, there is longer any difference felt between the two.
The liveability and expanse of the interiors is emphasized by opening the glazing which separates the living area from the cockpit to create a single space in direct contact with the sea.
The living area comes standard with a ten‐person dining table and two sofas, it can of course be closed off and climate controlled.
The main deck is an area where boat owners can freely express their taste and personalise the furnishings. Drawing on the boatyard’s design experience, its technical staff are on hand to establish the boat owners’ desires and propose solutions that shape them and bring them to life.
The lower deck layout offered by Azimut is a perfect example of high liveability. The owner’s cabin measures 43 square metres, with 11 of these dedicated to separate his‐and‐hers bathrooms. The two glassed windows offer breathtaking sea views and fill the interiors with natural light.
The crew area with its three cabins – one with a double bed – serves to separate and insulate the owner’s cabin from the engine room, further ensuring quiet and comfort. The layout also includes three guest cabins: one VIP cabin in the bow with a double bed, and two cabins with twin beds amidships, each with a private bathroom. In addition, the lower deck is equipped with an additional day head for day guests.
All the interiors feature a play of contrasting light and dark tones in finishes and materials, with ebony and oak skilfully combined with fine leather and steel and glass elements. The lighting scheme employs recessed LED ceiling lights and spots with continuous intensity adjustment.
Even the exterior is designed and constructed to offer the best possible vacation experience. Towards the bow, a small sitting room and two large sunpads allow for total relaxation, all the while ensuring the necessary privacy. Between the openable roof section over the saloon and cockpit, a flybridge creates an additional outdoor living area equipped with a steering station, Spa Pool, and dinette sofa. At the stern, the swimming platform above the transmissions with stairs going up to the cockpit.
The garage, among the largest in this category, can house a tender of up to 5.5 metres and two jet skis up to 2.9 metres in length.
The three MTU 2000 16V engines are coupled with three Rolls‐Royce KaMeWa water jets, two lateral water jets, and a central booster jet for true thoroughbred performance: the maximum speed is 39 knots, with unexpected acceleration and handling for a unit of this size. This is due also to high‐quality electronic assistance that uses original elements from propulsion and transmission producers, as well as an integrated Naviop system. In the bilge there is a passage of more than 21 metres going all the way to the engine room, making it possible to inspect the hidden elements of the boat.
With the new Azimut Grande range flagship, the Azimut Benetti Group reinforces its role as a leader in the mega yacht world, reasserting its capacity to anticipate the needs and requirements of the most demanding boat owners.
Technical Specifications of Azimut Grande 120 SL Yacht Hull no. 3:
Length overall 35.5 m (116’6’’)
Hull length 29.00 m (98’5’’)
Beam (at main section) 7.90 m (25’11’)
Draft (at full load) 1.70 m
Displacement (at full load) 158.00 t
Engines 3 x MTU 16V 2000 M93 2640mHp (1939 kW)
Maximum speed (at half load) 39 knots
Cruising speed (at half load) 32 knots
Water capacity 3.000 lt (793 Us gls)
Cabins 4+3 crew
Berths 10+5 crew
Head compartments 6+2 crew
Builder Azimut Yachts
Exterior design and concept Stefano Righini
Interior design and concept Carlo Galeazzi