For the first time in its more than 75-year history, Ferrari is leaving the asphalt behind to embrace the sea. The Italian firm presents Hypersail, its ambitious foray into the world of racing. And it is doing so with the same philosophy that has made it an automotive legend: competing in the impossible. John Elkann (executive chairman of the company) reveals all the details.
At an event held in Maranello, the birthplace of Ferrari, John Elkann unveiled the first details of this monohull, which is over 30.48 metres long, powered exclusively by clean energy and capable of flying over the water thanks to foiling technology. ‘We couldn’t not do it,’ said Elkann. ‘Hypersail represents the ultimate expression of our competitive DNA, now taken to the sea.’
A sailboat that behaves like a hypercar
Inspired by the design and innovation of Ferrari’s hypercars, the Hypersail has more in common with the Daytona SP3 or the F80 than meets the eye. Engineers from Ferrari’s technical department, naval architects such as the renowned Guillaume Verdier, and legendary Italian sailor Giovanni Soldini collaborated on its creation.
The result is a vessel so technologically advanced that those responsible have no hesitation in comparing it to a spaceship: ‘It’s closer to a spaceship than a boat… high performance and beauty,’ says Elkann.
The sailboat, which will be full foiling, i.e. capable of lifting its entire hull above the water to minimise friction, incorporates a stability algorithm developed from the suspension control system of Maranello’s supercars. This solution allows total control of the boat even in extreme conditions and strong winds.
Sustainable energy, total autonomy Ferrari
In line with the values of the future of responsible luxury, the Hypersail will be completely self-sufficient in terms of energy. It will be powered by wind and solar energy, without resorting to fossil fuels or external support systems. Its autonomy will be one of its great assets on transoceanic voyages.
This new energy paradigm has led Ferrari to patent nine innovations to date, many of which could also migrate to the automotive world. Matteo Lanzavecchia, Chief Technology Officer, confirms: ‘The transfer of knowledge between the automotive and nautical worlds is more fluid than it seems. From aerodynamic design to energy management, both worlds share the same principles.’
With a crew still being selected, a secret shipyard where the first units are being built in silence, and more than 100 employees dedicated to the project (20 of them full-time at Ferrari), Hypersail is set to become a nautical icon with the same impact as a LaFerrari in the world of motoring. The Hypersail will be officially unveiled in 2026.
