Yacht Class n°26 (sept-oct-nov 2021)

PERSHING – FERRETTI GROUP

The 140 is the largest of the eight Pershing models. She sports the same open hard-top look while offering a large flybridge. And to enable her to exceed 35 knots, her designers have opted for four 2 600 hp MTU coupled with sporty transmissions. Perfect to create beautiful wakes.

Written by Alain Brousse – Photos: All rights reserved

When we discovered the flagship of Ferretti Group’s Pershing brand, on the eve of the Genoa Boat Shown, we had no credits to recognize the architect and designer Fulvio De Simoni’s “touch”, as her DNA is immediately identifiable. Just a brief historical reminder: Fulvio De Simoni and Tilly Antonelli were at the origin of Pershing in 1985. The first still has some aesthetic and technical ownership since he is involved in its design of all the yachts, in collaboration with Ferretti Group, which represent now eight models including the 140. She has a very sporty open hard-top silhouette, with flybridge, made even more dynamic by the sort of parabola starting at cockpit and running towards the windscreen of the enclosed wheelhouse. If it wasn’t for safety reasons, we could have done without the pulpit and its stanchions… One can only admire the window design on each side. Once again, Fulvio De Simoni had spared no effort. The 140 looks great. And she is the first Pershing entirely in aluminum.

The flybridge as a highlight !

Regarding the outdoors, which are a priority on many units, let’s start with the foredeck, which once freed from its “hoods”, shows its comfort : solarium, saloon and jacuzzi. The elaborate comfort is also on the 45 m2 cockpit. The aft part of the boat is an invitation to sunbathing, with a 7m2 solarium that will easily accommodate six passengers. Still in the cockpit, but protected by the flybridge, is the dining area with a table for 8, 10… and even up to 12 guests. Fortunately the main galley, located forward on the main deck, is professionally equipped and well suited to the task. Those who want to gain height for snacks or meals will just have to use the portside staircase leading to the flybridge. They will not feel cramped in this 58m2 deck, offering a wide range of pleasures: solarium, outdoor lounge, dining area, bar and for navigation enthusiasts, a helm station with three ergonomic armchairs and a perfect view. And in case of wind or rain, a staircase directly leads down to the enclosed wheelhouse from the front of the flybridge. For aesthetic and practical reasons, two thirds of the flybridge is covered by a roof. The upper deck can be enclosed, a particularly important option for American customers. Let’s go down to the stern where the swim platform seems shallow, no more than one metre deep, but the transom can be raised to create a 20 m2 beach club behind which is the garage (a tender of 6 metres maximum and a jet-ski) opening on each side. The two deployed platforms are ideal for swimming.

Comfort is not an empty word

As we enter the main deck reception area, we immediately realise that Fulvio De Simoni had opted for discreet luxury. It features a simple and understated decor, but with obvious refined details. The half-height windows capture enough natural light to create a soft atmosphere. Some would have liked floor-to-ceiling glass panels, but this configuration would reduce the storage space. Comfort, well present, results in a classic lounge directly followed by a dining table (10 guests). The light colours of the walls and ceiling are a good choice.As for comfort, with Fulvio De Simoni, logic is always respected. The owner, who rather avoids promiscuity, enjoys a 25m2 suite forward of the main deck, plus the dressing room and the bathroom with a circular bathtub with whirlpool, on request. This cabin features a lounge at the starboard entrance. On this 43-metre yacht, the forward half of the lower deck is dedicated to guests and offers four cabins: a bow VIP, two twin and one double. Each has its own private bathroom, which makes her very suitable for charter. There are also three crew cabins, as well as a mess room and galley.

Surface propellers and waterjet

To conclude our tour of this yacht with a strong personality where comfort and ergonomics dominate, let’s open the engine room… No less than two four 2 600 hp MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines! At full throttle, the Pershing 140 can reach 38 knots. Lovers of long and numerous cruises without refuelling will set the speedometer to 10 knots to get a range of 1 400 miles. However, it is hard to imagine the Pershing 140 and her hyper-dynamic silhouette “crawling” at this speed. Especially since she has what it takes to “skim” the water: surface drives and a central waterjet acting as a “booster”.