116 Grande
The Azimut 38 is a 40-foot flybridge motor yacht launched by the Italian shipyard in 2009. An entry-level flybridge model, this compact yacht redefines luxury living on yachts measuring 40 feet or less and remains an immensely popular model on the used and charter markets. Sharing many similarities with the Azimut 40S, including main and lower deck layouts as well as hull design, the Azimut 38 comes with one significant advantage: a towering flybridge.
The fiberglass flybridge makes the most of its dimensions by turning the starboard side into a sprawling seating area with an L-shaped leather sofa connecting to a cocoon-style sunpad. To port there is the upper helm station, guarded from spray with a Venturi windshield, that comes with Raymarine electronics and a steering wheel. Sturdy steel ladders lead down to the main deck, where you will discover a teak-lined aft-deck with a transom sofa and side steps down to a full-beam hydraulic swimming platform. Out on the foredeck there is a secluded space for sunbathing with a double sunpad for up to four guests.
Sliding glass doors separate inside from out, though they can be flung wide open to provide that extra connection to the elements. Sophisticated interiors designed by Carlo Galeazzi feature Italian leather, plush carpeting, oak, teak and Zebrano wood surfaces and stainless-steel accents for a contemporary feel. There is a low-slung, L-shaped sofa to starboard and a curved cabinet area to port, while positioned at the front of the cockpit is a raised helm station with superb visibility. The entire main deck cockpit benefits from double-height cresting-wave windows for fantastic natural illumination, though for those who like to retreat indoors at night, there is also LED mood-lighting.
On the lower deck you will find a galley with stainless steel work surfaces and Miele appliances, as well as two en suite bedrooms. The first is a twin cabin with mullioned windows and a hanging closet, while the second, a lavish master stateroom, boasts a double bed, knife-insert windows and a pair of closets.
A pair of Cummins QSB 5.9 V-drives offer top speeds of around 31 knots, with comfortable cruising speeds clocking in at 24 knots. This may be slower than the 38’s sister Azimut yacht the 40S, but this is because it is carrying the extra weight of the flybridge superstructure. Bow thrusters and an Easy Docking joystick make negotiating tricky marinas a breeze, while the use of a Proteo onboard monitoring system promotes confident running when out at sea.
