Presentation

Yacht Class n°30 (sept-oct-nov 2022)

Pershing – Ferretti Group

Her sleek lines and mechanical architecture evoke high performance. Her ability to travel fast while offering refined luxury and comfort is a call to cruise that is hard to resist… Pleasure multiplied by X? Definitely!

In this Pershing family, the youngest, like the 5X, 7X, 8X & 9X, is not shy about her origins. At first glance, her unique style leaves no doubt as to her paternity. Her creator, the unavoidable Fulvio De Simoni, who has designed all the Pershing, including the models prior to Ferretti Group, was once again commissioned by the latter to draw the exterior lines of this dynamic “fast commuter”, covered in the brand’s emblematic metallic grey. Another unique feature of the Pershing lineage is the technological choice for surface drive transmission, which is unquestionably the one that best suits this type of unit that claims to challenge the 50-knot mark. The Italian shipyard has therefore opted for two 1 550 horsepower MAN V12 engines, coupled with Top System surface drives, in line with Pershing’s DNA, and more broadly of this type of high performance open hard top yacht. As such, the 6X also boasts the other Pershing ‘signature’: a wake with a vertical panache of foam one can’t help but admire from the cockpit.

Surface drives for fast cruising

But this spectacular wake is not just a decoration, this is the result of an engineering design particularly relevant when it comes to performance (surface propellers are always present on pleasure and competition offshore boats), with the exception of the lift-off phase that takes slightly longer than with conventional transmissions, or IPS. In our case, it took 21 seconds, with the flaps slightly down to counteract the rather pronounced pitch-up. That said, our measurements during our sea trial show the amazing efficiency in terms of speed and performance, once the hull has reached hydroplaning, i.e. from around 1 700 rpm. Imagine that from 1 600 to 1 800 rpm the speed increases from 13.3 to 36.9 knots… And the range goes from 300 to 507 miles, even with a higher engine speed! Even better, the best distance travelled per litre consumed ratio is at 2 000 rpm with 0.170 miles/litre and a range of 544 miles, with 43.5 knots on the GPS! Outstanding figures, even for this type of unit. And at maximum speed, 48.7 knots (the shipyard announced 48 knots), she still has a 492 nautical miles range… A test run all the more convincing that we obtained these measurements with a boat that was two-thirds loaded (10 people on board, 1 760 litres of fuel, 730 litres of water). In terms of noise level in the wheelhouse, our sound level meter noted 66 dB at 1000 rpm, 79 dB at 1800 rpm and 87 dB at maximum speed. For these last two measures, we have to take into account the high speeds, at which we noticed some parasite noises (the doors apparently…). On a calm sea, with no wind, our movements highlighted the gliding qualities of the hull, her remarkable ease in turns with different radii, as well as the structural rigidity of the 6X during passages on some large wakes in the bay of Cannes. Despite this, it is difficult to assess the comfort of the 6X in rough seas, due to the particularly calm sea conditions on the morning of our sea trial…

Under the hard top, a bright space

Back in port, manoeuvring is smooth, despite the moderate taste of the surface drives for this exercise. Of course, the bow and stern thrusters are helpful, as is the joystick coupled to the Top System transmissions. The docking manoeuvre is also facilitated by the electric winches, which help to turn and adjust the mooring lines effortlessly. The cockpit, under the solarium, houses a nice tender garage that can accommodate the 3.25 m Williams Turbojet RIB, whose handling is facilitated by the hydraulic swim platform. The cockpit also includes access to the sailor’s cabin (one berth) with a small shower room. The large L-shaped saloon – that can also become a U-shaped one thanks to a settee near the sunpad – can accommodate eight guests around its large carbon fibre table, near a kitchenette located on the starboard (sink, work surface, plancha). To prepare more gourmet meals, the main galley, located belowdecks, will be used… Communication between the cockpit and the saloon/wheelhouse is facilitated by a retractable bay window and a glass door. Although this space is entirely protected by a hard top extending far above the cockpit, the sunroof and generous windows avoid any feeling of confinement. This anxiety-inducing word actually seems distant when envisioning ourselves cruising aboard this fast and refined Pershing…

Refined materials and impeccable finish

Wide side decks, bordered by a half-bulwark with a pulpit, lead to the foredeck, where farniente aficionados will appreciate the two large solariums with adjustable backrests. Let’s head back under the hard top. There, there is a long Mastrotto leather sofa while an extendable table faces a storage unit concealing a large retractable TV screen. The end of this furniture serves as a base for the two seats in the wheelhouse, upholstered by Poltrona Frau. The pilot at the carbon helm enjoys very good visibility despite the sloping windscreen. The carbon dashboard has two large multi-functional Simrad screens. With the exception of the galley, well equipped and ventilated thanks to a large porthole, the lower deck is dedicated to the three cabins. Opposite the galley, there is the guest cabin, with twin beds, while the VIP cabin is located at the bow. Each of them has its own bathroom, with shower cubicle and wardrobe. The master is logically located amidships and enjoys the full beam and XXL windows. A sign of great comfort, the bathroom runs along the entire length of the starboard side. The decoration in shades of dominant grey is based on refined materials, with thick carpeting, wooden furniture with no visible handles, leather headboards, and partition subdivided by metal inserts… In short, she boasts a zen and contemporary atmosphere, just waiting to be experienced!