Pershing has been part of the Ferretti Group since 1998, which claims to be the world leader in the design, construction and sale of luxury yachts. Brands such as Riva, Itama, Bertram, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and, of course, Ferretti Yachts are also united under this corporate umbrella. Sailing a Pershing - such as our demonstration boat 6X - is a very special pleasure, because the boat runs on surface drives. This means that the propellers are only partially submerged rather than fully submerged in the water at high speed, which reduces their resistance and makes them fast. In addition, the large propellers pull a powerful tail (rooster tail) behind them, which makes quite an impression from a distance. Another special feature of the installed "surface drive" is that it can not only be moved up and down for trimming, but can also be swivelled sideways like a Z-drive and thus takes over the steering task. The standard flaps offer further trimming options. However, a "dry spell" must be overcome before the fast ride can begin. This means that the two engines rev up when the throttle is applied, but the boat only picks up speed slowly until the propellers gain real grip and bring the Pershing into top form. This behaviour is typical of boats with surface drives. During the planing phase, the driver or the automatic system trims the drives a little higher and higher. We eventually reached a maximum speed of 48.7 knots on the Mediterranean. A remarkable value for a 34-tonne yacht. The shipyard recommends a cruising speed of 40.0 knots; in this situation, you can travel 280 nautical miles on one tank of fuel. In the roundabout on the choppy sea off Cannes, the Pershing made her rounds at just under 40 knots without any problems. If you travel a lot on choppy waters, you can have an optional "Gyro Stabiliser" installed. The modern design of the helm station is a real eye-catcher. You immediately feel at home here and don't want to leave it again so quickly. The controls, throttle and trim levers are easy to reach and operate. The same applies to the joystick, with which the Pershing is perfectly positioned. Two large monitors provide information on the course and operating status of the two MAN diesels. The engines are located in a professionally installed engine compartment, which can be accessed via a ladder in the cockpit floor. A quick run-through of the workmanship: high-gloss surfaces, precisely fitting fixtures and meticulous installations.
In the cockpit there is a wet bar (to starboard) and a huge sunbed/seat combination in the aft section. At the front is a bench seat, which is positioned right in front of the partition window between the saloon and cockpit. The windscreen can be lowered to create a large communal area between the saloon and cockpit. Sun worshippers will find additional seating in the bow: There are two large cushioned areas here. These can be reached safely via wide side decks with solid railings. Of course, there is also plenty of room for swimming. This can be experienced on a large bathing platform, which is easily accessible via stern passages (fitted with exemplary doors). A sunroof can be opened so that the sun can also shine in the saloon. In addition to the driving position, Pershing has installed a comfortable, spacious sofa seating area in the saloon. The galley, on the other hand, is located one floor below in the lower deck, where you will also find the entrances to the bedrooms. These are divided into two large cabins (bow cabin and owner's mid-cabin) with double berths and en-suite bathrooms, as well as a smaller cabin (to starboard) with two single berths. The latter also has a wet room, but this is also accessible from the vestibule as a day toilet. A crew cabin has of course also been included: it is located under the cockpit floor.
It is a matter of honour that the Pershing interior looks just as chic as the furniture on deck and the overall lines and paintwork of the yacht. Everything simply fits together here: Speed, design and comfort.
Need more information? You can find the portrait of the Pershing 6X with more pictures in BOOTE issue 04/2022 - available from newsagents from 16 March 2022 or online at Delius Klasing Shop.
