An architecture-led yacht at FLIBS
Azimut lists the Grande 30M among its models for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, taking place from 28 October to 1 November 2026. At 28.69 metres, it is close to the Magellano 30M in length but pursues a different balance between high-end living spaces and dynamic cruising.
The Grande 30M's distinctive elements include the Deck2Deck terrace and what Azimut calls the Infinity Skydeck. Both are designed to increase the way guests experience exterior and interior space, although the arrangements should be inspected in person to understand their everyday practicality.
The exterior is by Alberto Mancini and the interior by M2Atelier, giving the model a recognisable identity within the shipyard's Grande range. The yacht's appeal is likely to turn on how the architectural ideas serve a particular owner's style of entertaining.
Five cabins and flexible social use
Azimut specifies five guest cabins, ten guest berths and accommodation for five crew across three crew cabins. With a beam of 7.3 metres, the yacht provides considerable width for lounges and gathering areas without requiring a substantially longer hull.
Buyers should examine how the terrace is configured, the level changes between decks and how furniture can be secured during passages. A successful indoor-outdoor design must remain useful when the boat is underway and the sea does not provide perfect conditions.
The accommodation should also be assessed against the intended guest mix rather than a brochure's maximum capacity. Privacy between cabins, sound separation and crew access to all service points are crucial when the yacht is hosting a full party.
Carbon fibre and pod propulsion
Azimut says the Grande 30M combines carbon fibre in upper structures with a D2P displacement-to-planing hull. The company states a 20-to-30-percent fuel and emissions reduction in its specified comparative conditions, a claim that should be read alongside the exact hull and engine assumptions.
The technical sheet lists twin 1,800 hp MTU engines driving pods and a maximum speed of up to 25 knots, with a quoted cruising speed of up to 20 knots. It gives 12,000 litres of fuel capacity and 2,100 litres of water capacity, figures that can anchor an initial cruising estimate.
Pod propulsion affects handling, maintenance and service arrangements in ways that differ from traditional shafts. A purchaser should seek a practical demonstration of close-quarters manoeuvring and written information about local technical support in the intended cruising region.
The ownership questions behind the design
The published 2.02-metre draft makes an early check of favourite berths and shallow destinations worthwhile. At this scale, the appropriate berth, shore-power capability and professional crew support can shape the entire ownership programme.
The Deck2Deck and Skydeck concepts create opportunities for entertaining, but their exact comfort depends on sun protection, wind, rail heights and guest movement. A proper viewing should test these details from several positions rather than focus only on a single showcase photograph.
The Grande 30M adds a design-centred option to the 2026 Fort Lauderdale lineup. Its strongest case will be made when the architecture, propulsion and crew circulation are demonstrated in the context of the owner's actual cruising and hospitality needs.
