116 Grande
The Azimut 40S is a 40-foot sportscruiser yacht that was launched by the Italian boat building firm back in 2009. The entry-level model in the S-Class range of yachts, the 40S shares many features in common with its sister vessel, the Azimut 38 Flybridge, but is presented with a single-level main deck and a hard-top cockpit. Though no longer produced at the Azimut shipyard today, the Azimut 40S retains significant pulling power on the used and charter markets thanks to a sleek, aerodynamic exterior crafted by Stefano Righini, stylish surrounds from the studio of Carlo Galeazzi, and sportscar-like performance that leaves rival yachts far behind.
The Azimut 40S more than makes up for the lack of a flybridge with extensive single-deck leisure space. Out on the foredeck there is a modular sunpad with room for up to four sunbathers to relax and soak up the rays, while wide, teak-lined side-deck lead back to a large aft-cockpit. Here you will find a U-shaped leather dining sofa surrounding a centerpiece extending cocktail table, an extending passarelle and side steps down to a double-level hydraulic swimming platform that can be used to lower tenders into the water.
Many sports yachts of this size tend to leave the internal cockpit exposed to the elements at the rear, but the 40S comes with tempered sliding glass doors that, nevertheless, can be fully opened to let the breeze flow in. The cockpit also benefits from swooping, double-height cresting-wave glazing on the sides, and an electro-hydraulic mullioned sunroof that can disappear at the touch of a button for that extra connection to sun and sky. Interior treatments are contemporary and minimalist, with plenty of polished teak, glazed Zebrano-wood and plush carpeting on display, with added flourishes of sophistication in the form of stainless-steel fixtures and Italian leather surfaces. To the rear of the salon sits a bespoke, low-slung L-shaped sofa with a coffee table directly across from curved cabinetry. At the front of the cockpit there is a raised helm station with sofa-style seating and Raymarine electronics.
Steps down to the lower level are generously lit with the use of a show-piece skylight, and lead to a cozy galley with stainless steel worktops, a two-zone hob, a combination microwave, a fridge and a sink. There is an en suite amidship twin bedroom with a hanging closet as well as a master stateroom to the bow with a double bed and a pair of closets. Downstairs rooms benefit from knife-insert and mullioned panes for plenty of natural light and superb views over the surface of the rippling waters, while bathrooms are lined in teak and come with circular shower cubicles.
A Michael Peters-designed planing V-hull is built for speed, and provides excellent balance, reduced drag and thrilling lift when accelerating through the waves. A pair of Cummins QSB 5.9 engines provide the sort of high-end speeds a sports yacht like this demands, with full throttle speeds in excess of 35 knots and consistent cruising of around 30 knots. Power steering and a Xenta joystick, meanwhile, make this an easy and intuitive ride, while bow thruster controls make negotiating tricky marinas a piece of cake.
