Who knows whether Paolo Vitelli, when he founded his own boat charter company in 1969, already imagined its exponential growth. Born in Avigliana, Turin, class of ‘47, the son of textile manufacturers, Vitelli had dreamed of building boats ever since he was a child. At the age of 21, after three years of university, he founded Azimut in Turin, taking the first step towards realising his dream. In just over 50 years, Azimut – a term meaning polar coordinates û has become a world leader in the mega-yacht sector.
A success right from the start
The chartering business immediately took off, and more and more nautical brands trusted Azimut to distribute their boats in Italy. In the 1970s, the company began designing and building its first motorboats. This led to the launch of the AZ 32 cruiser, nicknamed the Ford T of the sea, and in 1982, the Failaka 105, the world’s first yacht over thirty metres in fibreglass, boats that stood out for their innovative lines and cutting-edge technological solutions. In 1985, acquiring the historic Fratelli Benetti shipyard in Viareggio marked a crucial step and allowed the company to establish itself in the mega-yacht segment.
The 2000s: new services and new acquisitions
In the 2000s, the strategy expanded with the introduction of exclusive services: in 2008, Yachtique was created, a division dedicated to customised design and furnishings, while in 2010, Lusben, specialising in refit & repair, was acquired. This evolution allows the group to offer its customers a comprehensive experience, combining production, customisation and after-sales service, in full accordance with the company’s mission to build the most beautiful, innovative, technological and reliable yachts, and to provide assistance anytime, anywhere.
Design, technology and sustainability: the pillars of success
Design is one of Azimut|Benetti‘s distinctive features. Each yacht is designed to offer elegance and functionality, with flowing lines, bright spaces and seamless integration between interior and exterior. Innovations such as large frameless windows, introduced back in the 1980s, revolutionised the sector, improving the connection with the sea.
Thanks to the pioneering decision to use fibreglass for large yachts, the company has succeeded in building lighter, more efficient, and higher-performance vessels. Today, Azimut|Benetti invests in research and development to implement sustainable solutions, such as hybrid propulsion systems and innovative materials and technologies that reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
A change of leadership
Thanks to Paolo Vitelli’s vision, the group has built a solid international reputation based on product excellence and a sustainable growth strategy. For his contribution to the nautical industry, Vitelli was awarded the title of Cavaliere del Lavoro by Italian President of the Republic Oscar Luigi Scalfaro in 1996.
Since 2023, Paolo’s daughter Giovanna has been at the company’s helm. She carries on the tradition with an eye to the future. She aims to consolidate the group’s leadership by focusing on innovation, sustainability and by enhancing craftsmanship skills.
A symbol of Made in Italy around the world
With a strong presence in key markets such as the United States, the Middle East and Asia, Azimut|Benetti exports 95% of its production. The company employs 2500 people, has factories in Italy and Brazil, and has a turnover of 1.3 billion euros. Its focus on quality and innovation allows the group to maintain a competitive edge, anticipating trends and meeting the needs of an increasingly demanding clientele. For 25 years, Azimut|Benetti has been at the top of the world ranking of mega-yacht manufacturers in Boat International’s annual Global Order Book.
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