Ferrari Takes the Lead with an Unprecedented Technological Challenge

Why simply drive when you can break speed records, and why limit yourself to land when the sea offers an unlimited playground? Ferrari is taking on a new challenge.

Ferrari is changing course. Traditionally known for racing circuits, the Italian brand is entering the world of sailing today with Hypersail, a revolutionary 100-foot (30 meters) ocean racing monohull project. Designed to “fly” on three points of contact thanks to revolutionary foils, this boat opens a new chapter in the manufacturer’s history.

Behind this bold bet lies the ambition to make Hypersail a research and development platform for innovation at sea, while leveraging expertise gained from sports car manufacturing. The project is led by Giovanni Soldini, a seasoned sailor and Team Principal, and relies on the combined talents of Ferrari and the renowned naval architect Guillaume Verdier.

Verdier has envisioned a unique hull, capable of flying thanks to an innovative system of three supports: a foil on the rudder, two lateral (alternating) foils, and a foil integrated into the canting keel, a world first. This poses an extreme engineering challenge, both for stability and for very high-speed performance.

Ferrari sets no limits

Innovation doesn’t stop at the structure; the yacht will be entirely energy autonomous, without a thermal engine. Thanks to solar, wind, and kinetic energy, all onboard systems, from foils to trajectory control, will operate with no external assistance. This feat requires meticulous energy balancing and optimal efficiency of each component.

John Elkann, chairman of Ferrari, summarizes the project’s philosophy: “ Hypersail is a natural extension of our DNA. After our victories at Le Mans, this sea adventure embodies a new form of endurance. It also offers a unique bridge between maritime and automotive technologies. ”

Resulting from an open innovation approach, the project has already led to the filing of nine patents, with six more in preparation. It also aims to feed Ferrari’s automotive R&D with solutions born from this nautical challenge.

Launch is scheduled for 2026, followed by sea trials. Hypersail embodies the idea that oceans are also a realm of radical innovation.

ALSO READ: The Ferrari F80 brings smiles back to Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton (video)