About us - Azimut|Benetti Group

Azimut|Benetti is the first global leading private Group in the yachting sector. Thanks to continuous innovation and experimentation, it has been the world’s leading manufacturer of megayachts* and the shipyard with the widest range of models on the market for 23 years.

*Global Order Book, Boat International

50 years +

of leadership

526000

sqm of production facilities

138

showrooms in 80 Countries

12 B

value of production 22/23

60 %

of growth in the latest 4 years

2350

employees (+10% in 5 years)

History

The Group was born from the passion for the sea, the intuition, the commitment and the courage of Paolo Vitelli, founder of Azimut, a company that produces the widest range of yachts in the world. Then, in 1985, Vitelli takes over the shipyard “Fratelli Benetti” of Viareggio, historic signature of megayachts favored by the international jet set. Thus begins an extraordinary adventure that brings the nautical made in Italy to the world leaders. In the 2000s, shipbuilding was joined by a dense network of exclusive services. In fact, with the birth, in 2008, of Yachtique, design and furniture boutique, and the entry, in 2010, of Lusben, the group completes its offer, including refit & repair. Over the years, a prestigious network of marinas has also been developed, an oasis of pleasure and well-being with customer service points.

1873

1961

1969

1975

1977

1979

1982

1985

1988

1998

2000

2019

2021

1873

Lorenzo Benetti founds the Benetti Shipyard in Viareggio.

1961

Benetti launches “Gabbiano” 22M, charming the international jet set thanks to owners such as Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Grace Kelly.

1969

University student Paolo Vitelli founds Azimut Srl, a sailboat charter business. Over time, an increasing number of nautical brands trust the company to distribute their boats in Italy.

1975

The innovative AZ 43′ Bali is born, the first model in the AZ range in fiberglass.

1977

AZ32 Targa is born, the first and only avant-garde cruiser of its kind on the market. The “Targa of the sea” immediately attracted the attention of new owners with different needs, becoming a real must for sea lovers

1979

Benetti launches the iconic “Nabila”, the largest 86-metre Gigayacht of the time. Given her extraordinary beauty, Nabila appears in the James Bond film with Sean Connery, “Never Say Never Again”

1982

Azimut launches “Falaika” 30M, the largest fiberglass yacht ever built delivered in just 100 days. She was favored by some of the most expert shipowners of the time, such as Christina Onassis, who ordered her to celebrate the baptism of her daughter.

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1985

The founder of Azimut Yachts, Paolo Vitelli, acquires Benetti. An event that marks the beginning of a new era for the prestigious Italian shipyard. Azimuth | Benetti Group will become the first and largest private group of yachts and megayachts in the world.

1988

Azimut participates in the transatlantic crossing with the Atlantic Challenger; yacht designed in collaboration with Pininfarina. Cesare Fiorio is the brilliant skipper and Winthrop Rockefeller one of the passengers on board.

1998

Benetti introduces the Classic, Vision and Tradition lines, the first luxury pocket yachts. More than 100 units sold.

2000

Benetti promotes the avant-garde in the yachting industry with M/Y REVERIE 70M. The Shipyard confirms its leadership among shipbuilders capable of executing very complex orders.

2009

Azimut introduces Magellano 74, the first crossover yacht ever built.

2019

For the first time in history, a yacht drops anchor in Times Square. A truly unexpected show, Azimut S6 becomes the absolute protagonist of the New York design festival 2019.

2021

Benetti presents Oasis Deck™. An unprecedented concept of yacht design, developed by the shipyard with the British studio RWD. A huge success and an iconic element developed in the future on models such as the Oasis 34M and the B.Now Family.

1866-1985

1985-TODAY

The mission

For over 50 years, passion, quality and attention to detail have been the values that distinguish the Azimut|Benetti Group brands. From production to service, through hospitality. Every day, these values are shared with customers, suppliers, employees and collaborators. Only in this way is the quest for excellence and uniqueness possible. The continuous investments in the human factor, technology and research, together with the development of an ethical, social and environmental responsibility distinguish Azimut|Benetti in the international panorama. And they make it the undisputed protagonist of boating, Italian enterprise and global change.