Big by name and big by nature, Azimut’s Grande 26M looks and feels more substantial than its overall length of 85 feet, 7 inches. A raised pilothouse design imparts the suggestion of a superyacht profile, while the main-deck master stateroom’s side windows and full-beam head heighten the illusion of being on board a yacht closer to 100 feet long (30 meters).

Superyacht designer Achille Salvagni styled the Grande 26M’s interior with a mix of tactile surfaces, organic shapes and contrasting tones. Curves and flat planes coexist quite equably, while the occasional ovoid hole in a bulkhead adds a certain levity. It is far from a traditional scheme, and it provides a pleasing level of individuality for a production yacht. The star of the show is of course the fantastic view out the sole-to-deckhead windows.

The flybridge extends to the stern, providing an expansive area for relaxation, shaded by a fixed hardtop. On the main deck, full-height windows flank the salon seating and amidships dining area, while the yacht’s pièce de resistance—a cockpit extension created by the raised transom door—adds to the big-boat feel.

Given the impressive main-deck master, amidships galley, generous crew quarters forward and tender garage aft, it’s no surprise that the lower helm station in the pilothouse is sized for just one or two (owner’s choice) helm seats. Most owner-operators will drive from up top anyway, given the 360-degree views and fresh air.

Belowdecks are three generously proportioned, double-berth ensuite staterooms with the option of combining two into a VIP. The fourth guest stateroom, with twin berths, is smaller for children. Headroom throughout the guest accommodations is 6 feet 7 inches (2 meters).

Indeed, the Grande 26M looks big and feels big—until you take the wheel and discover that this 80-ton yacht has the soul of a runabout. Helm response is instantaneous. Launching the yacht into a tight turn produces the sort of exciting heel that you ought to warn your guests about beforehand, while in a straight line she lopes along with an easy grace. This yacht slices incisively through the chop, and returns speed and range figures that bely her volume. The Pierluigi Ausonio hull design has a midship deadrise of 20 degrees, moderating aft to an easily driven 13 degrees at the transom.

The Azimut Grande 26 was the first boat fitted with ZF’s new 4600 pod drives, and when linked to the impressive grunt of a pair of 1,650-hp MAN V-12s (1,550s are standard), they contribute a measurable improvement in performance when compared with its predecessor, bettering by more than 2 knots the top speed of the more powerful, but shaft-drive, 27 Metri.

The 26 I sea-trialed topped out at 30.4 knots (faster than the builder spec of 28 knots) with water and fuel tanks more than half full. Cruising at 2000 rpm allowed a comfortable and relatively quiet ride at 23 knots with the Humphree trim system set to automatic (the Seakeeper gyro can be augmented with fin stabilizers, too). Easing back to 1900 rpm and 20 knots, we found an economical fast cruising speed, burning about 100 gallons per hour with a range of about 410 nautical miles.

With its distinctive style and characterful personality, Azimut’s latest Grande upholds the bold principles that earlier models established. The cockpit extension is a smart innovation, and the pod drives add a significant edge to performance and efficiency. It’s an 85 with big ideas, and plenty to offer. 

Azimut’s Grande 26M

LOA 85ft. 7in. (26.09m)
BEAM 20 ft. 8 in. (6.3m)
DRAFT (full load) 6 ft. 9 in. (2.04m)
CONSTRUCTION GRP/carbon
ENGINES 2x 1,650-hp MAN V-12
NAVAL ARCHITECTURE Pierluigi Ausonio
EXTERIOR DESIGN Alberto Mancini
INTERIOR DESIGN Achille Salvagni
BUILDER Azimut Yachts

For more information: azimutyachts.com 

This article was originally published in the Fall 2023 issue.