Ferrari Hypersail Operational Base, Livorno

Azimut Yachts has announced details of a custom Fly 72 that will be used as a tow boat for the Ferrari Hypersail prototype as part of the Italian shipyard’s support of the offshore racer project. Azimut has been appointed as the Official Yachting Partner and a Technical Partner of Ferrari Hypersail, a 100ft sailing monohull designed by French naval architect Guillaume Verdier.

The collaboration starts on shore, where Azimut’s shipyard in Livorno on the west coast of Tuscany will be home to Ferrari Hypersail’s Operational Base.

In addition, Azimut’s Technical Department is developing a high-powered, lighter ‘tow boat’ version of its Fly 72 flybridge motoryacht, with engines upgraded to 4,000hp and weight reduced by six tonnes through an increased use of carbon-fibre in the construction.

The special edition, known as Azimut Fly 72 x Ferrari Hypersail, is designed to propel the 100ft Hypersail prototype (without mast and sails) to around 30 knots and support the dynamics of take-off and flying on the two lateral foils during initial sea trials – or ‘flight testing’ – and any subsequent test campaigns.

Azimut Fly 72 x Ferrari Hypersail

To secure the Fly 72 to the prototype, the yacht has been fitted with a special tow post, designed to withstand extreme static and dynamic stresses, based on rigorous strength tests. Furthermore, the entire on-board configuration has been customised to accommodate the Ferrari Hypersail team led by Project Leader Enrico Voltolini and make their work easier during testing.

Andrea Antichi, Azimut’s General Manager, said: “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.

“It’s a choice driven by an insatiable hunger for progress, the same progress that has resulted in our joining forces with the visionary Ferrari Hypersail project. We are proud to be part of this challenging endeavour that generates new knowledge and inspiration for the yachting world.”

In subsequent phases, the special-edition Azimut Fly 72 will also be used to accommodate the Ferrari Hypersail crew and provide VIP hospitality at major events around the world.

Ferrari Hypersail

The Hypersail is a 30m carbon-fibre and titanium monohull with a 20m beam and a 40m mast with outriggers. Both lateral T-foils have flaps to help lift the hull over waves, while the canting keel and rudder each have a wing and a flap.

Lorenzo Giorgetti, Ferrari’s Chief Racing Revenue Officer, said: “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.

“We are delighted to have Azimut Yachts on board. Their contribution to the custom tow boat project and the Livorno Operational Base will support a series of key activities during the project’s development and testing phase.”

azimutyachts.com