Ferrari to launch engine-free Hypersail racing yacht in 2026

Ferrari has presented details of its Hypersail project, a new sailing initiative that sees the Italian supercar maker move into offshore yacht development.

The Hypersail project – first announced in January 2024 – centres around a 30m monohull racing yacht, currently under construction in Italy and scheduled to launch in 2026 when it will undergo sea trials. The vessel, inspired by Ferrari’s Hypercar, is being designed by naval architect Guillaume Verdier and led by team principal Giovanni Soldini, an experienced offshore sailor.

Ferrari says the yacht incorporates technologies drawn from both nautical and automotive sectors, with Ferrari contributing to engineering, control systems and testing. The Italian manufacturer describes Hypersail as a “research and development platform”, supporting developments that may transfer from the marine sector to future road cars and motorsport applications.

The vessel will operate without a combustion engine, relying entirely on renewable energy generated during sailing. Energy will be captured through solar, wind and kinetic means to power systems that control the keel, foils, rudder and all electronic instruments on board.

Verdier’s design stabilises the yacht’s flight on three contact points: a foil on the rudder, a canting keel with an integrated foil and, alternately, one of the two lateral foils, which is intended to improve performance and stability at sea.

Nine patents have already been filed during the project, with six more currently being prepared.

“Hypersail is a new challenge that pushes us to go beyond our boundaries and expand our technological horizons,” says Ferrari chair John Elkann. “At the same time, it perfectly aligns with Ferrari’s tradition, drawing inspiration from our Hypercar, three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Designing a yacht for offshore racing is perhaps the ultimate expression of endurance.

“Giovanni Soldini is a key pillar of this project, not only because of his achievements as a sailor but also his unmatched experience in yacht development and construction. The excellent teamwork between Ferrari and Guillaume Verdier is bringing into existence a unique boat that will fly across the oceans, representing a real opportunity for innovation in both the nautical and automotive worlds.”

Soldini adds: “I’m happy and honoured to be part of this adventure. An exciting challenge, backed by a truly unique team that brings together Ferrari’s excellence and the expertise of specialists in ocean sailing design. The meeting of different cultures and advanced technologies is enabling us to build a yacht that is revolutionary in many respects.

“From a nautical perspective, it’s innovative in both its structure and how it will fly; on the systems front, Ferrari’s contribution is driving the development of on-board control technology that has never been seen before.

“To prepare as well as we can for the variability and force of the phenomena and conditions encountered at sea, our top priority is to strike the right balance between the pursuit of extreme performance and maximum reliability.”

Ferrari is also preparing to unveil its first fully electric supercar later this year.