Azimut Yachts has become technical partner and official yachting partner of Ferrari Hypersail, Ferrari’s offshore ocean-racing project. The agreement covers an operational base at Azimut’s Livorno shipyard and a purpose-modified Fly 72 support vessel.
The Azimut Fly 72 x Ferrari Hypersail has been engineered to tow the prototype at about 30 knots during early trials without its mast and sails. It will also support take-off and foiling tests, later campaigns, crew operations and hospitality at international events.
Azimut’s technical team reduced the standard platform’s weight by six tonnes through extensive use of carbon fibre. The propulsion installation delivers 4,000hp, twice the normal model’s power, and required a dedicated structural and systems configuration.
A specially designed tow post has been integrated into the hull following strength testing for high static and dynamic loads. The onboard arrangement has also been adapted for the testing team led by Ferrari Hypersail project leader Enrico Voltolini.
R&D development
“We are the only brand in the industry with an independent R&D department focused exclusively on developing solutions that don’t yet exist on the market,” said Andrea Antichi, general manager of Azimut Yachts.
And he said the partnership is expected to generate knowledge relevant to future yacht development.
Lorenzo Giorgetti, Ferrari chief racing revenue officer, added: “The Ferrari Hypersail project was born out of the desire to create something never seen before, bringing Ferrari’s racing DNA to the world of ocean sailing yachts.”
He added that Azimut’s tow boat and Livorno base would support key development and testing work.
The project combines Azimut’s naval design, structural engineering, systems integration and interior fit-out capabilities.
