##  [Jeff Hammond Interviews Azimut Founder Paolo Vitelli, in 2005 at the Miami Boat Show](/Paolo-Vitelli-Azimut-Founder-Interviews) 

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 ![Paola-Vitelli](/sites/default/files/images/2025-01/1-Paolo-Vitelli-900-900px.jpg) 

 

 

**Paolo Vitelli (1947–2024)** was a pioneering figure in the luxury yacht industry and the founder of the renowned **Azimut-Benetti Group**. With a vision for innovation and excellence, he established Azimut in 1969, propelling it to global prominence through cutting-edge designs and superior craftsmanship. His leadership saw the acquisition of **Benetti** in 1985, further cementing the company’s status as a leader in the superyacht market.

Vitelli’s career was defined by a passion for design, technological advancement, and sustainability. His contributions earned him recognition as a transformative force in maritime luxury. His passing in 2024 marks the close of an extraordinary chapter, but his influence continues to inspire and shape the future of yachting.



 

 

 



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## **Jeff Hammond's 2005 Interviews with** 

## **Azimut Founder Paolo Vitelli at the** 

## **Miami Boat Show**



 

 

 



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### **The Secret of Azimut’s Success**



 

Paolo Vitelli shares insights into his company’s success, yet as the clips below reveal, his impact goes far beyond the modest words he offers.











 

 

### **Who Comes Up with the Innovations?**



 

Vitelli explains who on his team comes up with the bright ideas that make Azimut a trendsetter.











 

 

 



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### **Innovations Through the Roof**



 

One of the most innovative boats in the Azimut line discovers a new frontier of possibilities where the sky is the limit.



 

 

### **Vitelli Explains Where Azimut is Going in the Future**



 

Vitelli predicted Azimut’s future with semi-displacement boats like the Magellano and foreshadowed the Seadeck 6 nearly 20 years ahead.











 

 

 



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### **Why Azimut Won’t Build in China**



 

Paolo Vitelli explains that he will build outside of Italy but says why he has no plans to build in China.