The successful launch of the first Azimut Grande 44M marks another important milestone for Hull Vane®. The 43.85-metre flagship, the largest yacht ever built by the Italian shipyard, was launched at Azimut’s facilities in Viareggio and is scheduled to make her world debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival this September.
With seven units sold before the first hull entered the water, the Grande 44M reflects the growing demand for superyachts that combine luxury, comfort and advanced engineering with improved operational efficiency and lower emissions.
Designed for efficiency and comfort
Developed by Azimut together with Alberto Mancini Yacht Design, m²atelier and P.L. Ausonio Naval Architecture, the Grande 44M combines lightweight construction, hybrid propulsion and hydrodynamic optimization in a highly integrated design.
More than half of the yacht’s structure is built in carbon fibre, significantly reducing weight while enabling an innovative four-deck layout. As part of this engineering approach, the yacht is equipped with Hull Vane®, a fixed stern hydrofoil designed to reduce wave-making resistance and optimise stern flow.
By improving overall hydrodynamic efficiency, Hull Vane® contributes to lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions while also damping pitch and roll motions to enhance onboard comfort. The Grande 44M demonstrates that hydrodynamic optimization can be successfully integrated into modern superyacht design without compromising aesthetics, layout or the owner’s experience.
An important aspect of this project is the lightweight carbon fibre construction of the Hull Vane® itself. Weighing approximately 400 kg, compared with around 1,500 kg for an equivalent steel construction, the foil complements the yacht’s lightweight construction while maintaining the proven performance of the technology.
Photos: Azimut Yachts
Contributing to lower emissions
The Grande 44M has been introduced as the flagship of Azimut’s Low Emission fleet. Alongside Hull Vane®, the yacht incorporates a Mild Hybrid propulsion system and integrated solar panels, bringing together complementary technologies to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
According to Azimut, these combined technologies enable the Grande 44M to achieve up to 30% lower CO? emissions compared with yachts of similar size built using conventional naval architecture.
Looking ahead
The Grande 44M will make her public debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026.
For Hull Vane, the launch represents another successful application of proven hydrodynamic technology in the superyacht sector. The Grande 44M is an excellent example of how hydrodynamic optimization contributes to greater efficiency, enhanced onboard comfort and lower emissions while preserving the highest standards of design and owner experience.
Hull Vane congratulates Azimut and all project partners on the successful launch of the first Grande 44M and looks forward to following the yacht as she enters service.