Italian shipyard Persico has unveiled its in-build 22-metre catamaran that ‘flies’ above the water, with top speeds of up to 40 knots.
Designed by Morrelli and Melvin, the catamaran is currently being constructed with a “high modulus pre-impregnated carbon sandwich and a Nomex core.” Carbon has also been selected as the material of choice for the interior, designed by the British studio Design Unlimited.
A rig by Southern Spars is being produced later this month in Auckland and will feature a rotating mast and power from a Torqeedo Deep Blue electric motor, allowing cruising speeds of 25 knots and performance sailing speeds of more than 36 knots in light winds.
"We are very fortunate this project has given us the opportunity to explore new boundaries of performance,” said Pete Melvin, naval architect and chief executive officer of Morrelli and Melvin.
Spanning over a 9.5-metre beam, the 20-metric-tonne catamaran will be lightweight and optimised for performance. The designers are using the simulation software Gomboc, the same system responsible for the AC75 37th Americas Cup winners. For ‘flying’, the catamaran is equipped with 7-metre long rake-controlled righting-moment foils. The foiling system, in conjunction with the Gomboc Flight Control System, will manage and control the foil angles.
“The RM foil is the most evident characteristic of the Persico Cat 72. Using Gomboc simulation software as a design tool, we were able to achieve a jump in quality in development and immediately saw that it was possible to realize impressive performance figures,” said Ferdinand van West, the lead designer of Morrelli and Melvin.
Planing at around 20-centimetres out of the water, the catamaran is designed for skimming. The foiling system becomes effective in as little as 9 knots of wind, and the boat skims the water well over 20 knots of speed in as little as 13 knots of wind.
In terms of predicted performance figures, the catamaran will be able to reach a maximum of 40 knots downwind and 26 knots sailing close to the wind. The eco-conscious electric propulsion system enables a motor cruising speed of 8 knots while generating zero emissions.
“Achieving great speeds thanks to the foils while keeping the boat stable and easily manageable by the (three) crew is a new frontier for the entire industry. With the Persico Cat 72', we have synthesised our expertise in carbon processing with the craftsmanship we employ in interior construction and the necessary expertise to produce high-performance foils, ” explained Mark Somerville, Persico Marine's chief operating officer.
For more leisurely sailing, the fully autonomous control system can enable sailing in “absolute comfort,” with the use of gradually lowering the hulls and decreasing speed. Helming can be done from two positions in the aft cockpit, while an interior wheel with flight and mainsail control can be operated from inside, protected from any weather. Inside, guests can also enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from the curved saloon windows.
Delivery is expected in the summer of 2024, with final construction and sea trials to take place in La Spezia at the new Persico Marine shipyard.