The interview: Azimut | Benetti Group’s Marco Valle on evolving yacht design for Asia and beyond

Few names in yachting command the same respect as Azimut and Benetti. Together as the Azimut | Benetti Group, they span everything from sleek, sporty cruisers under the Azimut name to grand, custom superyachts crafted by Benetti—one of the oldest and most storied shipyards in the world. The group has long been at the forefront of design, innovation and Italian craftsmanship, shaping how owners experience life at sea.

In this interview with Boulevard, Marco Valle, CEO of Azimut | Benetti Group, shares what sets the brand apart, how the company collaborates with renowned designers to shape distinctive yachts like the Grande Trideck, and why evolving lifestyles and shifting global markets—from Asia to the Middle East—are inspiring the next generation of yacht design. He also reveals how technology, sustainability and fresh design cues drawn from luxury homes and resorts are changing the onboard experience—and why listening to owners remains key to staying ahead.

Marco Valle, CEO of Azimut | Benetti Group. (Shot by Jin Cheng Wong). Top: Azimut Grande Trideck 38M interiors designed by Achille Salvagni. (Shot by Jin Cheng Wong).

Boulevard: What differentiates Azimut | Benetti from other yacht brands?

Marco Valle: Azimut | Benetti Group is a solid company that has been in the market for many years—Azimut for over 50 years and Benetti for more than 150 years. These are our two main brands with distinct characteristics. We produce, develop and sell boats ranging from 40ft up to over 100m. We have the widest range ever with these two brands: Azimut is a sportier, more elegant brand, while Benetti is a more classic, high-luxury yacht brand.

Blvd: I understand you work with designers on the interiors and structure of the yachts. Could you talk us through the Azimut Grande Trideck, for example, and some of your other collaborations?

Valle: The Azimut Grande Trideck 38M is the current flagship of Azimut, and the future flagship will be the 44M. We collaborate with various designers depending on the model we’re launching, the brand’s direction for each project and the trends and preferences of today’s clientele. The Trideck, in particular, has exteriors by Alberto Mancini and interiors by Achille Salvagni.

The new 44-metre yacht, on the other hand, will feature interiors by Atelier Two Architect from Milan, with exterior design still by Alberto Mancini. I can’t reveal too much yet, as it’s still new and have not been released to the public. But it has many new features, especially on the aft deck, where we’ve created a beach area—a space you can enjoy like an outdoor cinema without compromising the interior.

Azimut Grande Trideck 38M. (Image: Azimut | Benetti Group).

Blvd: Have clients’ expectations and how they use the boats changed over the years—especially now with the younger generation of owners? And has this varied across regions like Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the US? 

Valle: This is a good question because, in the past, boats in this region were mostly used for business and formal occasions. Today, the new generation uses them differently. Many have studied abroad and travel often, so they approach boating in a more informal, relaxed way—just as they do with other aspects of their lives. The culture and mindset have changed, and we adapt to that. Even in the Trideck, you’ll see more casual spaces, like a relaxed dining area, because life itself has become more informal.

Previously, geographical and cultural factors shaped how we designed boats for specific markets—layouts were adapted depending on whether a yacht was going to China, Mexico or the Middle East. Today, residential design has a stronger influence, and younger clients who travel widely are more open to contemporary, modern styles.

That said, there isn’t just one interior style that works everywhere. For example, we have a very successful model designed by a New York studio—rather than an Italian one—that’s been sold globally across different cultures. So ultimately, we follow broader social trends while still offering diverse design choices.

The Trideck features an illuminated staircase, with direct access to the lower deck. (Shot by Jin Cheng Wong).

Blvd: Many sectors we cover faced a tough climate in 2024. How was the year for you, and what do you see ahead?

Valle: To be honest, it was still a great year for us. We started and ended the year with excellent delivery numbers, strong customer satisfaction across all markets, and a solid backlog that gives us confidence for the future.

We’re here in Asia because we see this market growing faster than many others. In recent years, the Middle East has also expanded significantly for us, with strong activity in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. We see similar momentum building here in Asia.

New markets are opening up, and the number of large yachts we sold and delivered last year was remarkable—probably unmatched. We now have more than 200 Azimut dealers and over 30 offices across Asia, covering China, Singapore, Sydney, New Zealand, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, and of course, Hong Kong.

Benetti M/Y Asani B.Now 50M. (Image: Azimut | Benetti Group).

Blvd: How is technology changing the onboard experience? Is it something guests don’t really notice but that you’re constantly innovating behind the scenes?

Valle: We invest a lot in technology, especially in ways that make life easier for the owner. This includes features that improve the experience when using the boat—whether it’s self-operated, enhancing comfort on board, reducing vibration and noise, or lowering energy consumption. For example, at Benetti, we’re developing ways to protect windows from UV rays, which have a big impact. Many people think mainly about fuel burned while moving, but since a yacht spends about 80% of its time at anchor, the generator is always running.

So there are two main goals: reducing air conditioning consumption and increasing battery power. This is possible with full hybrid or pure electric systems on board. We create tailored solutions for each yacht depending on its size, as our range goes from 40 feet to over 100 metres. For each model, we design specific systems to reduce consumption and emissions, while meeting the top priority—onboard comfort.

The M/Y Asani features an Oasis Sundeck, which provides additional space for entertainment by the water’s edge. (Image: Azimut | Benetti Group).

Blvd: Where do you get inspiration when creating a new flagship? What do you keep from the brand’s heritage and current line, and what do you push forward?

Valle: As I said before, we have two brands, and we have a clear idea of the target we want to reach, which is our typical client profile. Of course, this is changing, as a 25-year-old today is not the same as someone my age, so we have to evolve with society. When creating a new product, we’re inspired by what’s happening outside the industry.

People no longer see a boat as just a boat—it’s now an extension of their lifestyle. It reflects their homes, holiday villas, resorts, even their cars. When people see something beautiful elsewhere, they want it on board too. That’s why we look to trends outside yachting. For example, Milan Design Week is important for us because it shows what’s new in residential design, hotels and beyond—and these ideas often find their way onto our boats. Of course, we adapt them to fit the constraints of sailing and being at sea, so the challenge is to blend lifestyle inspiration with the technical needs of a yacht.

Blvd: Lastly, what are you still learning in the space of yachting? 

Valle: I’m learning everyday. What I’m learning is that we have the chance to meet and talk with people from all over the world who have succeeded in their fields. All the feedback we receive from them is a real treasure for us that we can use in the future.

Read next:

• The interview: DCH Marine’s Adam Waters on navigating Asia Pacific’s diverse luxury yachting market
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