by InTrieste
Ferrari, the storied Italian automaker synonymous with speed and innovation on the racetrack, is setting its sights on the open water. The company announced plans for Hypersail, a groundbreaking sailing initiative that marks its first venture beyond the world of land-based motorsports.
The centerpiece of the project is a 100-foot, fully foiling monohull yacht designed to lift completely out of the water and “fly” across the waves. The vessel will be led by acclaimed Italian sailor Giovanni Soldini, a veteran of transoceanic racing and long-time collaborator with technological pioneers in sailing.
A Shift From Asphalt to Ocean
While automotive companies have occasionally dipped into marine design, Ferrari’s Hypersail initiative represents a significant commitment to maritime innovation. According to the company, the yacht will be designed with the same core values that have shaped its success in Formula 1 and endurance racing: performance, efficiency, and engineering excellence.
The boat itself will stretch 30 meters in length, 20 meters in width, and tower 40 meters high. Inspired by the AC75 foiling yachts used in the America’s Cup, it will feature three foils—two lateral and one central—designed to lift the hull entirely out of the water, reducing drag and increasing speed.
Construction will take place entirely in Italy, with design led by renowned French naval architect Guillaume Verdier. A launch is slated for 2026.
A Platform for Innovation
Hypersail is being described not just as a high-performance racing yacht but also as a mobile research platform. Ferrari intends to use the project as a testbed for advanced materials, renewable energy systems, and aerodynamics—developments that could influence both marine and automotive applications in the future.
The yacht will feature self-sustaining energy systems, and the design process is drawing on both aerospace and automotive engineering disciplines. The integration of disciplines, Ferrari says, is central to the project’s mission.
“With Hypersail,” said Ferrari chairman John Elkann, “we are opening a new chapter that brings together our heritage of innovation and our commitment to pushing technological boundaries.”
Soldini’s Next Voyage
Soldini, who has led numerous solo and crewed transoceanic campaigns, is expected to play a pivotal role in both the sailing and the development of Hypersail. His experience navigating complex marine environments will guide the project through its test phase and beyond.
While many details—such as potential race participation—remain to be disclosed, the initiative represents a significant expansion of Ferrari’s brand identity, aligning its legacy of high-performance engineering with the evolving frontiers of sustainable mobility and marine technology.
As automotive and maritime industries increasingly intersect around innovation and sustainability, Ferrari’s Hypersail project may signal a broader shift in how legacy manufacturers define the future of speed—on land and at sea.
