September 2014 – Pershing, a Ferretti Group brand and one of the leading manufacturers worldwide of high-performance open motoryachts between 15 and 35 metres in length, is taking part in the event that officially opens the new nautical season in Europe with an important new product. Indeed, from 9 to 14 September, at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2014, Pershing is presenting the new Pershing 70 as a worldwide première.
The new yacht - which is the result of the cooperation between yacht designer Fulvio De Simoni (the name behind the entire Pershing range), the Group’s Research and Development department AYT&D - Advanced Yacht Technology & Design and Centro Stile - is strengthening the Italian brand’s offer in the strategic 60-to-80 feet market segment, only one year after the launch of the Pershing 62, the first of a ‘new generation’ of Pershing crafts, characterized by increasingly dynamic and extreme lines, luxurious design solutions and innovative, cutting-edge technologies.
From the very first glance, the Pershing 70 strikes the eye for its futuristic and imposing shapes, further enhanced by a carefully-selected colour palette and an original structural design. On this first hull, the brilliant ‘Champagner Pearl’ of the hull, main deck and superstructure contrasts with the carbon grey of the hardtop, from which two large side wings open up, connecting to the gunwale and featuring a glazed surface at the beginning of the side walkways, which result in a restyled, generous cockpit, comparable to that of larger models, extending across the entire width of the hull. The yacht’s sporty appearance is completed by the handrails that ‘cut across’ the side glazing on the main deck and the large windows on the hull, at the height of the owner’s quarters, which draw inspiration from those seen on the 62 footer, so as to maintain the same family feeling. The windows of the VIP cabin, located forward, feature an identical design.
The interiors too stand out for their innovative layout and décor, characterized by a skilful use of contrasting colours, with the light shades of ashwood of the furniture frames alternating with the dark tones of the charcoal grey lacquered finishes. White is the colour chosen for the deck structure and the ceiling panels, consisting of parallel strips fitted with LED lighting systems. Wooden floors complete the décor on the main deck, while furnishings comprise a large leather sofa with storage drawers, an extendable dining table seating up to six people, and a low unit with a 46’’ screen TV (a concealing TV screen is available upon request). The starboard-side pilot station features a Poltrona Frau two-seater leather bench. Next to it, a second living area hosts an L-shaped sofa which can be replaced with a bar area upon request.
Below deck, the layout comprises three cabins with three bathrooms and the galley. The full-beam master suite is accessed by descending from the mezzanine level towards the stern of the yacht. Inside the cabin, a partition element decorated with wave-shaped leather inserts visually separates the entrance area - fitted with a double wardrobe - from the bedroom itself. The same inserts can be found throughout the cabin, on the wall behind the bed and besides the book unit with audio/video system standing in front of it. The master bathroom on this first Pershing 70 features extremely original décor choices, especially in the shower box, where the main wall is fitted with horizontal metallic strips in different colours which, when ‘soaked’ with light, create a ‘palette’ in line with the latest trends in interior design.
All other areas below deck are accessed directly from the mezzanine level: to starboard is the galley, while to portside is the large third cabin, with twin beds and bathroom with separate shower, which also serves as a day toilet thanks to a secondary access directly from the lobby. The VIP cabin, at the extreme bow, is truly spacious and well-equipped, with a double wardrobe and an en-suite bathroom with separate shower.
The new Pershing 70 is also truly impressive for the wide range of technological solutions that can be installed upon request and that really make the difference when this yacht is compared with similar crafts of the same size. A series of MOSFET electronic control units (a technology based on power transistors) has indeed been installed across the entire yacht, allowing to simplify the electrical system, reduce the number of cables onboard, and apply power electronics to the electrical system. In a nutshell, instead of being controlled through traditional control panels and switches, the entire yacht can now be controlled through NAVIOP touch-screen displays installed on the pilot station and, on request, in other areas of the yacht. In addition, a series of power boards allow, upon request, to monitor and control the individual onboard systems, as well as to display onboard data, providing the yacht owner and the crew with a home automation system whose features and extension potential are comparable to those normally available on mega-yachts. The Shipyard has indeed created a series of optional system configurations (about ten different ‘packages’) allowing the Owner to choose one or several ‘custom solutions’ that can be adapted to suit specific onboard requirements or expanded with additional functions and ‘dedicated’ software applications, thanks to the assistance of the AYT&D engineers
If required, MOSFET units can be integrated with the innovative audio/video interaction system VOTIS (Videoworks One Touch Infotainment System), the result of the cooperation between AYT&D and Videoworks, the Group’s technological partner. VOTIS allows to control the entertainment system installed in the main salon via an iPad, thereby replacing the various remote controls required for the different devices with one unit only. Upon request, the same control function can be extended to other areas on the yacht or installed on the Owner’s own devices. If integrated with the home automation system, this service can also be used to access the digital libraries stored on the central server, adjust lighting levels to create different atmospheres or read/watch TV, control awnings and curtains, adjust the room temperature, as well as, obviously, use the Internet. Last, but not least, thanks to the AirPlay technology and a wi-fi connection, audio/video contents can be shared in streaming in the different areas of the yacht.
The Pershing 70’ also boasts impressive engine characteristics and performances. Indeed, the yacht is fitted with twin MTU 10V 2000 M94 engines (developing a power of 1623 mhp), combined with a Top System 85P surface drive system, allowing to achieve a maximum speed of 46 knots and a cruising speed of 40 knots. (preliminary data).
In addition to the new model, Pershing exhibits on Cannes catwalk 3 boats that have made the recent history of the Italian brand: the Pershing 82, a yacht that has received several awards for its design, onboard innovations and layout; the Pershing 64, the best-selling model featuring an extraordinary design and unique performances; and the Pershing 62, which will be back to the Cote d’Azur one year after its official debut.