Azimut’s new flagship, the Grande 44M, has received the Special Jury Award at the Innovation Route Awards during the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival, recognising the yacht’s combination of design, technology and efficiency-focused solutions.
Making its debut at Cannes, the Grande 44M was selected by the Innovation Route jury for its ability to bring together multiple concrete innovations within a single large yacht, with particular attention given to its potential to significantly reduce fuel consumption in its size category.
According to the jury, the project represents “a new approach in the large-yacht segment”, combining technological development with a design philosophy focused on efficiency and onboard experience.
Four Decks and Extensive Use of Carbon Fibre
The Grande 44M features a distinctive four-deck architecture, made possible in part by the extensive use of carbon fibre.
By reducing the weight of the superstructure, the technology allows Azimut to create larger volumes while maintaining the yacht’s efficiency objectives.
One of the most distinctive elements is an entire Upper Deck dedicated to the owner, creating a private area within the yacht’s four-deck configuration.
At the stern, the Mezzanine Deck incorporates a Sea View Terrace and Azimut’s new See-Through Pool, strengthening the visual connection between the yacht’s interior spaces, beach club and surrounding sea.
Technology Focused on Efficiency
The Grande 44M integrates a series of technologies designed to improve efficiency, comfort and onboard energy management.
Among them is a carbon Hull Vane® foil, designed to reduce drag and pitch, while Azimut’s Dual Mode hull is engineered to optimise efficiency and comfort across different speed ranges.
The yacht also carries approximately 30 square metres of solar panels, which contribute to the vessel’s hotel-load energy requirements.
A Mild Hybrid system further extends the yacht’s energy-management capabilities. With a battery room offering capacity of up to 230 kWh, the system enables extended periods of silent, zero-emission operation while the yacht is at anchor.
Up to 30% Lower COâ‚‚ Emissions
According to Azimut, the Grande 44M can achieve a reduction in COâ‚‚ emissions of up to 30% compared with yachts of similar size.
The figure positions the new flagship as a major statement within Azimut’s Low Emission Yacht strategy, which aims to combine reduced environmental impact with the comfort and performance expected from larger yachts.
Rather than relying on a single technological solution, the Grande 44M brings together lightweight construction, hydrodynamic optimisation, solar generation and hybrid energy storage as part of one integrated platform.
A New Flagship for Azimut
The Grande 44M represents a significant step for Azimut as the Italian builder moves further into the large-yacht segment.
Its Cannes debut has now been accompanied by international recognition from the Innovation Route Awards, highlighting the yacht not only for its size and design, but for the way multiple efficiency-oriented technologies have been integrated into a single project.
With its four-deck architecture, dedicated owner’s deck, innovative beach-club arrangement and combination of carbon fibre, Hull Vane®, solar and mild-hybrid technologies, the Grande 44M is positioned by Azimut as a manifesto for the next generation of lower-emission large yachts.
The Special Jury Award at Cannes adds another important milestone to the yacht’s debut — placing the Grande 44M among the standout innovations of the 2026 show.
