The new Pershing 7X: design, technology and lightning speed performance

The unstoppable wave of Pershing innovation continually produces cutting-edge craft, while setting new standards for exciting sailing. In recent years, the Mondolfo-based shipyard has been the key player in an incredible design evolution leading to the development of Generation X, a range of models focused on four fundamental pillars: design, technology, performance, and use of ultra-lightweight materials.

The design, a Fulvio De Simoni creation, is one of a kind and very distinctive: sporty, bold and sleek lines shape the entire range with solutions characterised by aesthetic and architectural innovation; the technology, with the introduction of an integrated navigation and control interface, steer-by-wire controls and propulsion systems with latest generation automation, gives the owner considerable sailing versatility;

the unrivalled performance is the result not just of the efficiency of the hull propulsion systems, but also of the use of ultra-lightweight materials – including carbon fibre – and of other cutting-edge solutions which enable the yachts to reach top performance targets while reducing consumption, but also increasing

volumes and on-board comfort.

The Pershing 7X sits at the peak of the developmental path undertaken by the brand on the range; it continues the progress of recent years and brings further improvements, once again achieving unparalleled standards of quality and innovation.

21.4 metres (approximately 70’) long with a beam of 5.32 metres (approximately 17’), it is the result of the partnership between the Fulvio De Simoni design studio, the Ferretti Group’s Product Strategy Committee under engineer Piero Ferrari, and the Group’s Engineering Department. The brand’s current range has been expanded with the inclusion of the Pershing 7X. It is a competitive addition to the over

20-metre market segment, which takes things to the next level in terms of style, function and performance.

Carbon fibre dominates the project philosophy and is the main construction material. But the Pershing 7X goes even further and aims for increased lightness through the furnishings, furniture materials, the use of lightweight alloys, and the installation of lithium batteries rather than traditional ones. These solutions

have made it possible to achieve a displacement of just 35 tonnes, resulting in a significant reduction in consumption compared to previous models for the same speeds. As such, Pershing offers to the market a yacht that is full of content and at the same time very high-tech, with unparalleled performance.

The exterior design, always sporty and sleek, adds an important aesthetic innovation to the typical stylistic features of Pershing, which include the impressive side wings: on the two exterior bulwarks, precisely at the point where the wings sit, the air vents are contained in two openings in the body of the hull which widen into two side muscles, sporty features strongly reminiscent of the style of racing cars.

The first unit also introduces a new colour for the hull and superstructure: Alusilver, a custom variant of grey reminiscent of the well-known metals. Also new is the matt black featured on some portions, such as the navigation instrumentation, air vents and aft mouldings.

The Pershing 7X was built with high-tech and incredible performance in mind, without compromising on volumes and storage space.

EXTERIORS

The exterior zones stand out in both visual and functional terms. The aft central garage can fit a Williams 345 Sportjet tender, where the use of the hydraulically-operated platform typical of the Pershing models facilitates launching and towing. Up top, a sun deck can fit up to four people, while the forward area is fitted with a large seat. The cockpit is furnished with an L-shaped sofa with table, protected by the end portion of the superstructure. The units to the side house a sink and, upon request, a grill and ice maker or refrigerator. The crew area and engine room can also be accessed from here.

The external areas of this model are particularly impressive: the forward area has a chaise longue facing the sea and a large sun deck which conceals a large peak of the same size underneath.

Space optimisation means that the owner can move around comfortably on board: the side gangways are wide enough to allow safe access to the forward area, and the passageway under the wing is equally generous considering the size of the yacht. All exterior areas can be protected by sun canopies.

INTERIORS

The main deck has a 360° view of the sea thanks to the large side windows and glass roof which, together with the fully retractable glass door leading to the lounge, ensure visual continuity between the indoor and outdoor areas.

The flows are well distributed: in the starboard helm station, on the left, there is a large L-shaped sofa surrounding a table that can be extended to accommodate up to eight diners, and opposite is a cabinet with retractable TV. The ability to raise or lower the table transforms the dinette into a dining or coffee area.

The two separate helm seats are made of Poltrona Frau “Interior in Motion” leather, added to which, on this first unit, are two 19”-monitors housed in a single dashboard with carbon fibre control panels and two tunnels equipped with levers and joysticks to the sides of the driver’s seat.

The windscreen has no pillars, providing a completely unobstructed view. To the sides of the helm station are two windows with an electric opening mechanism, enhancing the contact with the sea of this super sporty-looking yacht.

The lower deck features good volume and height, and a clever play of mirrors delicately enhances the sense of space. The open-plan kitchen on the left is lit by the abundant light coming from the windscreen above and from the skylight; space distribution is cleverly optimised with the aim of creating more storage and installing a full-height refrigerator. An important new stylistic feature has been introduced for the first time on the Pershing 7X: new portholes in the cabins, which let go of the typical elliptical shape to make room for much larger square

and rectangular shapes. These can now be fully opened inwards, flooding the rooms with air and natural light, and giving the feeling of having a real window in the cabin. The porthole, measuring 80×30 cm, is in a vertical position in the owner’s suite, aligned with the large windows, and horizontal in the other two cabins.

There are three cabins: the full-beam owner’s suite at the centre of the yacht, which has been completely redesigned: positioned lengthways, it is illuminated by the new rectangular portholes with steel frames and has a cosy atmosphere.

The VIP suite is located all the way forward and offers freedom of movement around the three sides of the double bed. The starboard guest suite has twin beds. All of the cabins have en-suite bathrooms with separate shower. The guest cabin bathroom also serves as a day toilet.

Accommodation for the crew is located at the aft of the yacht, forward of the engine room and with direct access from the sofa to the cockpit. A good size, it comprises a single cabin with bathroom and separate shower. The headroom in all the areas on deck and below deck exceeds 2 metres.

DECOR ON-BOARD THE FIRST UNIT

The interiors are characterised by sleek surfaces, and the rooms are welcoming, simple and stylish at the same time, with harmonious balance and functionality. The division of space is based on a series of variations of light-coloured materials. Small dark accents underline the design of the leather upholstery, framing the windows, and creating geometric designs.

The décor is dominated by square and oblique lines and three-dimensional patterns on the walls. The colours span the different shades of grey and beige, combined with lighter and darker shades. The main material is a light-coloured striped walnut. In the lounge, the lead-coloured Dedar fabrics of the sofa and chaise longue follow the colour lines of the helm station seats, the leather of the furniture surfaces, the

satin-finish steel of the handles, and the dark-stained parquet. In contrast, we find lighter shades on the Pellini Nautica curtains and the nubuck deckhead. Designs and shades from the main deck are picked up again on the lower deck, with the addition of furnishing accessories such as the Armani Casa bedspreads and Casamance cushions.

In order to ensure continued high-performance sailing and style without compromising durability, all the interior furnishings have undergone a significant process to increase their lightness: for example, the parquet floor is made using a lightweight base, and innovative materials and construction technologies have been used for all the carpentry, thus affecting the total weight of the yacht. In the bathrooms, there is a recurring 3D design with innovative fibreglass on the shower, sink and toilet panels, very lightweight and never-before-seen on Pershing models.

PROPULSION AND TECHNOLOGY

The Pershing 7X is equipped with twin MAN V12 diesel engines generating 1800 mhp each, combined with a Top System P85X surface drive transmission with surface propellers.

The performance is at the top of its class: the yacht can reach a top speed of 50 knots and a cruising speed of 42 knots, with a maximum range of 300 nautical miles (preliminary data).

The model has proven itself to have excellent performance, in line with the shipyard’s tradition. Two Seakeeper NG6 gyroscopic stabilisers are fitted on this first unit to ensure maximum comfort while at anchor.

An advanced interface on the Pershing 7X integrates the propulsion management and the manoeuvring, navigation and on-board monitoring systems. This technology is the result of the combined expertise of Top System, Onyx and Xenta Systems for the EasySet propulsion management system and for the advanced electro-hydraulic steer-by-wire system, alongside Naviop-Simrad LOOP for the navigation and monitoring systems.

The new version of the EasySet system stems from the experience gained on-board the latest Pershing models, able to optimise trim and performance during navigation by simplifying the use of surface propellers, although it can be bypassed at any time using manual control. An innovative joystick function coupled with the surface drive system is also available, which offers various advanced methods of use, including easy handling, which provides a handling capability when docking and in tight spaces that is, to say the least, revolutionary. In the case of the Pershing 7X, this is enhanced by the independent management of the two drives coupled with a 48V thruster. Added to all this is the DPS (Dynamic Positioning System), which makes it possible to maintain the vessel’s position even in conditions of strong wind or current: a perfect solution for preparing for mooring or while waiting for a bridge to be opened.