Ferrari Hypersail: Azimut builds a specialised boat for Ferrari’s sailing racer

Azimut Yachts is the technical partner and official yachting partner of Ferrari Hypersail. Through this project, Ferrari is developing an offshore racing yacht featuring wing-like technology. The collaboration includes an operational base at the Azimut shipyard in Livorno. Azimut has also developed a special tugboat based on the Fly 72.

Operational base in Livorno

Azimut’s technical department was commissioned to build a high-performance boat. This is intended to accelerate the Ferrari Hypersail prototype to around 30 knots during initial test runs. The tests will take place without a mast or sails. The boat must also support the dynamics involved in lift-off and flight on the wings.

Weight reduction through the use of carbon

Azimut adapted the Fly 72 platform to meet these requirements. The shipyard focused on two measures: drastic weight reduction and a massive increase in performance. Through the extensive use of carbon fibre, the total weight was reduced by six tonnes. Carbon is a lightweight yet extremely strong fibre-reinforced composite material. Azimut has been using this material in yacht building for years and has the relevant experience. Azimut states that the standard boat weighs 53.5 tonnes when fully loaded. A reduction of six tonnes represents a weight saving of over eleven per cent, which is a significant amount.

Engine power has almost doubled

The engine power has been increased to 4,000 PS. Normally, the Azimut produces 2,800 PS from both engines. Azimut developed this configuration exclusively for Ferrari Hypersail. The installation required bespoke modifications to the structure and on-board systems. The team had to integrate the increased power into the existing architecture. The combination of reduced weight and increased power fundamentally alters the yacht’s power-to-weight ratio. The standard Azimut 72 has a power-to-weight ratio of 19.11 kilograms per PS. Following the weight reduction and the increase in power, we are now at 11.87 kilograms per PS. This puts us in the same league as sports boats such as the Marex 390 or the Riva 58 Capri.

More about the Ferrari Hypersail project

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• ​The world’s most radical offshore racer?
• ​18 patents, a bold vision

Special towing device

A special towing post was fitted to the hull to connect it to the prototype. Azimut developed this design following extensive load testing. The post must withstand extreme static and dynamic forces. The design combines Azimut’s expertise in ship design, structural and systems engineering, and interior fit-out.

Adjustment for the test team

The entire on-board layout has been customised for Enrico Voltolini’s team. The layout is designed to facilitate work during the test phases. In later stages of the project, the Fly 72 will also be used to accommodate the crew. It also offers space for VIP guests. The boat will accompany the Ferrari Hypersail Team from the initial tests right through to international events.

Partnership between two developers

Andrea Antichi, Managing Director of Azimut Yachts, highlights the company’s in-house research department. This department works independently on solutions that do not yet exist on the market. Lorenzo Giorgetti, Chief Racing Revenue Officer at Ferrari, describes the project as the transfer of Ferrari’s racing DNA to offshore sailing yachts. Azimut’s contribution to the tugboat and the operational base supports key activities during the development and testing phases.