The abbreviation GT means different things to different people. The origin is Italian, gran turismo, usually translated as grand tourer. The first automobile version was a derivative of the 1930 two-seater Alfa Romeo 6C that could travel long distances without its passengers needing dental work afterward. To me, the moniker has always meant an extra level of comfort with a sporty demeanor.
On that point, Pershing and I are in accord. The GTX80 is the second model in Pershing’s GTX series, after the GTX116 that launched 18 months ago, and it glove-fits my definition of what a GT should be.
“The starting point for us was respect for Pershing’s performance heritage while moving the brand into that GT sphere and adding an extra level of luxury to the expected aggression of the X-line models,” says Michelangelo Vallicelli of Vallicelli Design.
The GTX80’s profile is cleaner than Pershing’s X-line models and has additional volume forward, with about a third more space in the cockpit thanks to fold-down quarter platforms—a first for the builder. There’s also more usable space in the main salon, which occupies virtually the full 19-foot beam. Instead of side decks, crew have narrow walkways with no guardrails. The yacht’s snub nose and unbroken sheerline mimic the GTX116.
On Hull No. 1 of the GTX80, the salon has an aft galley and a bar with stools in the after port corner. A dining area is to starboard, although owners can opt for a sofa here instead. Amidships to port is a C-shaped booth sofa, and opposite that is a spiral staircase that connects with the deck below.
From the outside, the superstructure glass around the salon does not look vast, but lower panes on each side, plus fretting in the bulwarks amidships, allow more light in and create broad sea views from the low-slung sofas. The galley bar is a sculptural element. A drop-down window and fully opening aft-deck doors blur the lines between inside and outside. There’s room for two stools at the countertop in the cockpit. With the substantial upper-deck overhang and screening to the sides, the space is well protected from the elements.
The helm is on centerline, while the bridge console with Simrad displays and two pilot seats is to port. There’s plenty of fresh air at the helm via a sunroof and flanking doors that lead out to the foredeck terrace. Up on the flybridge, there’s a three-seat helm station with steering also set in the middle. Booth dining and a sun pad aft add relaxation options.
Accommodations belowdecks include four en suite staterooms. The owner’s stateroom is amidships, with a dogleg entrance from a central hall and an aft-facing berth offset to starboard. All of this adds privacy and means more space for the en suite. There’s room for a sofa to port and a vanity to starboard. Picture windows that measure 19-by-61 inches let in natural light.
The master’s head and a sturdy bulkhead separate that guest space from the engine room and a twin-berth crew cabin accessed from the cockpit.
In the bow, there’s an en suite VIP stateroom with an aft-facing double berth. There are a pair of twin-berth staterooms, both en suite, with the head in the starboard stateroom also serving as the day head. That stateroom can be outfitted as a mini lounge or media room.
Decor has a masculine edge, which is on-brand for Pershing, or owners can choose their own themes. Hull No. 1 has a smoky-blue hull and onboard textures that include dark grays, distressed steel lacquer work, cream leathers and light-oak soles. Leather tiles add color to staterooms; they can come in all shades or be switched out should the current or subsequent owner want a different vibe.
The only power package offered is triple 1,000 hp Volvo Penta D13-IPS1350s. Pershing quotes a 34-knot top speed, and during my runs off Venice, Italy, we saw 33.6 knots at the maximum 2,475 rpm (with a half-load, trim assist off and the two Seakeepers engaged). These GTX models are around 10 knots slower than Pershing’s X-line models. All the boats handle well. We were in 10-knot winds and 2-foot seas, and we completed doughnuts in four to five boatlengths. The yacht had great visibility through the one-piece windshield and side glazing, with only the chunky A-pillars creating blind spots.
Running at a fast 28-knot cruise and approximately 2,150 rpm, the fuel-burn rate was around 116 gallons per hour. That, plus the 1,347-gallon fuel capacity, means a range of 300 nautical miles allowing for a 10 percent reserve. Slow it down to 10 knots at just over 1,000 rpm, and the burn rate tumbles to 18 gph with nearly double the range.
Whether owners choose to run the Pershing GTX80 fast, slow or somewhere in between, this yacht is indeed a grand tourer filled with style and comfort.
More to Come
Pershing expects to build five GTX80 hulls a year. Prior to Hull No. 1, four had already been sold. Hulls No. 5 and 6 have US specs and are bound for Florida. Two more GTX models are under development and expected to launch within the next two years: The GTX70 should premiere at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival, with a GTX90 sometime in 2026.
Vallicelli Design
Yacht design is in Michelangelo Vallicelli’s DNA. His father’s studio, Vallicelli Design, has a catalog of sail and power yachts that’s as long as it is impressive. Michelangelo joined the firm as chief designer three years ago and is racking up successes with the Ferretti Group. He handled the interior schemes of the wallywhy motoryachts and now is advancing Pershing to its next chapter. He has worked with accomplished yacht-design teams, including Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Lazzarini Pickering.
Take the next step: pershing-yacht.com
