Is That Yacht Smiling?

Pershing 140

We have all come to expect serious style from Italy’s Pershing Yachts , but this bow rendering for the new flagship 140 had our jaws dropping at Yachting headquarters. Designer Fulvio De Simoni is launching the builder into the superyacht sector with what might best be described as a steely-eyed stare.

The 140’s sports car-inspired grill has appeared on smaller models, but this yacht will be a substantial leap from Pershing’s current flagship, a 115. “A lot of discontent” is what De Simoni says he expects 130- to 150-foot builders to feel upon seeing the new Pershing, maybe forcing them to speed up plans for innovating their own designs.

“I find it very contemporary,” he says of the bow design. “It is particularly impressive to see on a yacht of such dimensions.”

Fulvio De Simoni

De Simoni collaborated for several months with the Ferretti Group’s management, sales and engineering teams on the 140 concept. Due to launch in 2018, she will be built in light alloy with a raised forward hull section, allowing for a wide-body master suite on the main deck. Side wings integrated with the superstructure protect the cockpit, and a newly styled beach club will be a first for Pershing.

Three engine packages will be offered: twin MTU 4000 M93Ls in 12V or 16V, or quad MTU M94 2600s. Preliminary data show the first two choices providing a top speed of 24 to 33 knots. The M94s will generate a bracing top end of 38 knots.

Pershing 140

De Simoni sees owners as those who have loved yachts for years but did not want to trade traditional comforts for modern speed and style — until now.

“The Pershing 140,” he says, “will be the ideal boat for those who, in everyday life, give up a cozy sedan for a beautiful sports car that happens to be comfortable too.”

Pershing 140

A CLOSER LOOK: INSIDE THE BUILD

_{The 140 will be the first Pershing ever built at the Ferretti Group’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy, which specializes in steel and aluminum motoryachts starting at 131 feet length overall. While the location of the build will be new, the brand DNA will remain thanks to designer Fulvio De Simoni, who has penned all Pershing lines since 1985.}

_{He and the group’s team did extensive hull studies, including looking at military vessels, to guarantee that this new megayacht will offer the same level of performance that owners of smaller Pershing models have come to expect from the builder. Pershing is also promising “cutting-edge stabilization systems” so that owners and guests will feel as relaxed on the hook at night as they are thrilled while speeding across the sea by day, at head-turning speeds coming close to 40 knots.}