Shifting gears from the tracks, Ferrari has set its sights on taming the seas. Partnering with sailing veteran Giovanni Soldini as team principal, the iconic Italian marque recently announced its entry into the world of high-performance sailing, marking a bold expansion beyond the high-speed tracks it’s known for. While luxury carmakers venturing into other spheres isn’t unheard of, Ferrari’s in-development high-speed racing boat would mark a bold new chapter in its quest as it plans to compete in world sailing competitions.
Ferrari chairman John Elkann announced the exciting new project that he says will expand the company’s racing legacy. In an official statement, John Elkann said, “We are about to embark on an exciting journey that will expand our racing soul. With this new competitive challenge, motivated by our innovative capacity and commitment to sustainability, we will push beyond current boundaries. We are happy to be able to count on Giovanni, who is extraordinary in terms of experience, determination and team spirit.”
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Soldini is an Italian yachtsman with over 30 years of experience in ocean racing, including two round-the-world voyages. Talking about the new partnership, Giovanni Soldini said, “I am thrilled to start this new adventure with Ferrari. We are working on an important and cutting-edge project with an amazing technological potential that brings together different worlds and skills of the highest level. Working with an exceptional team in the research and development of innovative solutions that are respectful of our environment is a truly unique experience.”
While details about the specific boats and competitions Ferrari will participate in are still under wraps, the company has made it clear that this is more than just a foray into a new sport. The car manufacturer also released a cryptic teaser offering a glimpse of a hydrofoil sailboat slicing through the water. While the rest of the teaser is pure marketing adrenaline, that single slice of image speaks volumes.
It’s still a mystery what Ferrari’s debut boat will look like but the company says it will “utilise cutting-edge technologies throughout the entire cycle, from conception and engineering to realisation.” According to Ferrari, “The search for maximum performance at sea will generate innovations and concrete solutions for sustainability that, in line with Ferrari’s tradition, will be an important stimulus in the evolution of its sports cars.”
With no official release announcement or confirmed competition schedule, the prospect of a Ferrari-powered foiling yacht remains tantalizingly on the horizon. Will Ferrari be the next powerhouse brand to join the quest for sailing’s ultimate trophy? Time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – the racing world won’t be the same if the legendary stallion takes to the seas.
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