Luxury sports and race car maker Ferrari is to enter the world of sailboat racing, in a project led by Italian ocean racing yachtsman Giovanni Soldini in the role of team principal and navigator.
The new project is set to compete in races across the globe and will see the Maranello, Italy, based company using the latest cutting-edge technologies throughout the entire cycle, from initial vessel conception and engineering to realisation.
In a statement, Ferrari said the new venture will enhance its technological know-how, in line with the company’s continuous will to progress.
The search for maximum performance at sea will generate innovations and concrete solutions for sustainability that, in line with Ferrari’s tradition, will be an important stimulus in the evolution of its sports cars.
Current boundaries
“We are about to embark on an exciting journey that will expand our racing soul,” added John Elkann, Ferrari chairman. “With this new competitive challenge, motivated by our innovative capacity and commitment to sustainability, we will push beyond current boundaries.”
Giovanni, who has partnered with Maserai for more than a decade and set several new records as well as participating in more than two dozen worldwide regattas, said he was thrilled to be starting the new adventure with Ferrari.
“We are working on an important and cutting-edge project with an amazing technological potential that brings together different worlds and skills of the highest level,” he said. “Working with an exceptional team in the research and development of innovative solutions that are respectful of our environment is a truly unique experience.”
New endeavour
Ferrari has dominated racetracks across the world and in a teaser video says the company is ready to embark on an entirely new endeavour.
The car manufacturer previously tried to take its technology to the sea with the 1952 Arno XI which hit a world speed record of more than 150mph.
Giovanni is one of Italy’s top sailors and known for competing his first solo circumnavigation of the globe in 1994 with little funding and sponsorship.
He also rescued French sailor Isabelle Autissier during another solo round the world race. “We are happy to be able to count on Giovanni, who is extraordinary in terms of experience, determination and team spirit,” said John Elkann.
