THE SLIPWAY LAUNCH

THE SLIPWAY LAUNCH OF THE NEW BENETTI CLASS 44M MARKS THE BEGINNING OF A €100 MILLION INVESTMENT PLAN BY THE AZIMUT|BENETTI GROUP IN TUSCANY

Nautical heritage and contemporary vision come together in the slipway launch of Benetti’s M/Y Lumina, reaffirming Tuscany as the productive and strategic heart of the Azimut|Benetti Group’s superyacht operations. 

The Azimut|Benetti Group, the global leader in luxury yachting and the world’s foremost builder of superyachts for over a quarter of a century, today celebrates in Viareggio the launch of M/Y Lumina, the latest unit in the Benetti Class 44M family. 

The launch follows the historic ritual of the slipway launch – an ancient ceremony that bridges the memory of master shipwrights with the brand’s heritage, underscoring the enduring bond between the Group and the region’s maritime culture. It also confirms the strategic role of the Tuscan and Viareggio district within the Group’s development plans for its superyacht division. 

Designed by Cassetta Yacht Designers, this 44 meter, four deck superyacht combines exceptionally bright interiors with engineering solutions conceived to ensure the highest standards of privacy and comfort during extended voyages. Delivery of M/Y Lumina is scheduled for summer 2026. 

A launch that reinforces the centrality of the Tuscan district in the Group’s superyacht strategy. Over the past five years, the Azimut|Benetti Group has recorded extraordinary industrial growth: production value has doubled, rising from €758 million in 2020 to €1.56 billion in 2025 (+100%). 

This solid trajectory has been matched by a structural evolution within the company: the Group’s ascent in international markets has been supported by a continuous strengthening of technical expertise, investment in advanced manufacturing capabilities, and cutting-edge engineering able to anticipate future industry standards. 

Tuscany: the manufacturing heart of the Group’s superyacht division 

Tuscany remains the operational core of the Azimut|Benetti Group’s superyacht division. With 14 industrial sites across the region – located in Viareggio, Livorno, Massa and Pisa – the area alone generates 70% of the Group’s global results. 

The Strategic Investment Plan (2026–2028) 

Following €77 million already invested in Tuscany over the past three years, the Group has planned an additional €100 million for the 2026–2028 period. 

This new investment cycle aims not only to expand production capacity and enhance safety, but also to consolidate the engineering and technological know-how that defines the brand’s identity. 

Key initiatives include: 

• Expansion of production capacity— enlargement of sheds, introduction of new travel lifts, and strengthening of production and safety systems.
• Energy transition— efficiency upgradesand installation of photovoltaic systems. 
• Management and Hospitality— redesign and refurbishment of executive offices and client reception areas.
• Product development— continuous investment in newyacht models, materials and technologies. 
• Strengthening of Lusben Refit operations — enhancement of facilities and production capabilities dedicated to refit activities. 

 Human capital and expertise at the core 

The increase in production volumes has been matched by a significant enhancement of human capital. Between 2020 and 2026, the Group’s workforce in Tuscany has nearly doubled. Direct employees have grown from 442 to 607 over the past five years, while the most substantial expansion has occurred within the supply chain. Today, the Tuscan sites register 3,800 daily presences, representing a consolidated network of over 1,000 companies working alongside the Group’s workforce. 

Investing in skills 

Alongside structural investments, the Group continues to support the strategic development of expertise. The recruitment of specialised professionals and ongoing training programmes has elevated both the design complexity and the construction precision of every yacht. A pivotal role in this process is played by the ISYL Foundation – Italian Super Yacht Life, of which the Group is a founding member. Through ISYL, Benetti directly contributes to shaping training programmes and transferring its industrial know-how, supporting the professional growth of young talents. Since 2015, over 600 graduates have embarked on their professional careers, confirming a school to industry integration model that is rare in Italy and particularly advanced within the sector. 

A launch that celebrates the region 

Today’s launch is not only an industrial achievement; it is a testament to the deep bond between the Group and Tuscany – a region that preserves the tradition while inspiring the brand’s future. 

The Azimut|Benetti Group thus continues its mission to create the world’s most beautiful, reliable and technologically advanced yachts – faithful to the vision of founder Paolo Vitelli – while making synergy with local districts the cornerstone of its global leadership.