Ferrari, the legendary Italian carmaker, is taking its racing spirit to the ocean. The company has unveiled a dramatic new project: a 30‑metre racing yacht designed without a conventional engine. Instead, this monohull relies entirely on wind and renewable power, including solar panels, kinetic energy capture, and electric systems. Its standout feature is a hydrofoil on the keel—along with foils on the rudder and sides—that lifts the yacht above water to slash drag and boost speed.

This innovative ‘Hypersail’-style vessel draws from America’s Cup technologies and serves dual roles. First, it will compete in high-profile offshore races, like the Jules Verne Trophy and possibly America’s Cup circuits. Second, its design is a mobile engineering lab—advancing Ferrari’s core automotive technologies. Lightweight composite materials, aerodynamic foil systems, and clean energy solutions developed on the yacht are expected to inform future electric and hybrid Ferrari road cars.

Ferrari’s chairman, John Elkann, emphasises that the yacht will “search for maximum performance at sea” while driving breakthroughs in sustainability—clear steps toward the brand’s goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2030. The sailing team is led by Giovanni Soldini, a highly respected offshore racing skipper with decades of experience, including solo round-the-world journeys. This partnership signals Ferrari’s serious intentions in nautical competition.

Naval architect Guillaume Verdier is designing the hull, blending cutting-edge foiling performance with the strength needed for harsh ocean conditions. Construction is underway in Pisa, Italy, with launch expected in early 2026. The yacht’s full foiling system includes advanced flight control technology—derived from Ferrari’s data-driven approach in Formula 1—and multiple renewable power sources such as photovoltaic panels.

This ocean racer marks a bold move for Ferrari. It joins other motorsport-linked sailing projects—like Mercedes and Red Bull’s America’s Cup efforts—but aims to push boundaries further. Ferrari sees this venture as more than branding; it’s a strategic bridge between racing worlds and a test bed for green technology that can carry over to luxury road cars.

By racing with an engine-free, foiling yacht, Ferrari is rewriting its legacy at sea. The project blends legendary automotive performance with sustainable innovation, showcasing the brand’s ability to adapt and inspire across new arenas. If successful, the yacht will not only chase records but also fuel Ferrari’s transition to high-tech, eco-conscious mobility on land.

Ferrari is aiming high—in more ways than one. Its foiling, engine-free ocean racer promises speed, eco-credentials, and groundbreaking tech. As the launch date nears, the world will be watching whether the Prancing Horse can gallop on water as fiercely as it does on the track.

المصدر:

https://gulfnews.com/business/retail/f1-track-to-high-seas-ferrari-unveils-engine-free-yacht-for-ocean-racing-1.500176527