By William Stolerman

Azimut-Benetti is spearheading the surge in Chinese yachting, having sold 12 boats measuring 12-35 metres in China during the first four months of the current nautical year.

The current orders portfolio includes the new Azimut 88 (a lucky number in China) and an Azimut Grande 116, a flagship of the Italian shipyard. The latter will be one of the largest planning yachts ever sold to a Chinese owner, while at the end of last year, an Azimut 105 (one of the most important yachts in the Azimut Grande Collection) was also delivered to a construction development company in China to mark the opening of its new 6-star hotel in Sanya.

“These results are the fruit of the Group’s commitment in Asia and in China in particular via direct presence on the ground, an office in Shanghai and the strongest and most expert network of dealers (five) designed to cover a market with obvious potential,” said Sebastiano Fanizza, Asia Pacific Area Manager for Azimut Yachts.

The recent Hurun Report, which explores the lifestyle of China’s High Net Worth Individuals, also named Azimut the best brand in the luxury nautical sector.

What’s more, according to a recent report by China Boating, Azimut comprises 10 of the top 30 yachts in China today.

At Hainan Rendez-Vous 2011 the Delfino 93′, a new generation Azimut, will be presented for the first time in China.

www.azimutbenetti.it