Italian shipyard Azimut has been awarded the Best of Show at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show (FLIBS), for its Grande 36M superyacht.

The Best of Show, organised by FLIBS and Fox Sports, is awarded to the most innovative boats on display at FLIBS. The Grande 36M was chosen as the overall winner from among eight finalists by an independent jury that rewarded its high level of design, architecture, performance and technology.

“As an organisation, we are firmly dedicated to being at the forefront of the industry, continuously setting the gold standard for excellence and innovation,” says Phil Purcell, CEO of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, which owns FLIBS.

“Honouring Azimut and their remarkable team with this accolade at FLIBS signifies our commitment to leading the way in the world of boating and maritime excellence, and all the exceptional vessels which were showcased here are a testament to this dedication.”

Azimut exhibited 15 yachts, including four American premieres, during FLIBS 2023, which ran from 25-29 October 2023.

Azimut Grande 36M

Azimut says the Grande 36M is a superyacht characterised by innovative design solutions, such as the semi-walkaround upper deck, which runs from the stern nearly to the extreme bow on a single level.

The opening windows of the skylounge help to transform the deck into an immense terrace overlooking the horizon. Lauded yacht designer Alberto Mancini draws the external lines with unmistakable style, while Achille Salvagni has curates the interior design.

The Grande 36M also fits into Azimut’s Low Emission Yacht family thanks to the high-efficiency D2P Displacement-to-Planing hull, designed by P.L. Ausonio Naval Architecture with the shipyard’s research and development office, and the extensive use of carbon fibre to lighten the weight of the superstructure.

Combined, Azimut says its design innovations reduce consumption and CO2 emissions on the Grande 36M by up to 30 per cent at both fast and slow cruising speeds, compared with boats of the same weight and size with traditional hard-chine hulls.

“We are honoured to win Best of Show for the Grande 36M,” says Federico Ferrante, President of Azimut Benetti Americas. It recognises the ongoing design and innovation research Azimut is globally renowned for.

“The upper deck’s infinity semi-walkaround layout, first seen on a boat of this size, runs seamlessly from stern to bow. This model, which premiered at FLIBS, is already drawing incredible interest. This award is the best way to welcome her successful debut in the US market.”

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