Persico Cat 72': the foiling catamaran is ready for sea trials with American Magic.
A flying multihull designed by Morelli and Melvin and built in Italy from high-modulus carbon. Thanks to its seven-meter-long foils, it can reach 20 knots in just 13 knots of wind.
Designed by Morelli & Melvin with the collaboration of Design Unlimited for the interiors and built in Italy by Persico Marine, the new Persico Cat 72' foiling catamaran is ready for transport to the American Magic base in Pensacola, Florida (USA), where the America's Cup team will conduct its first sea trials.
The yacht has a high-modulus carbon fiber structure and cutting-edge foiling technology, designed to deliver high performance in a variety of wind conditions. Built for skimming, the catamaran can hover just above the water's surface and is equipped with righting moment foils (RMFoils) over 7 meters long, rake-controlled T-rudders, and daggerboards. The system is integrated with Gomboc's Flight Control System, which manages the foils' angle of attack. According to the shipyard's press release, the RMFs become effective in just 9 knots of wind, allowing the boat to fly over the water at speeds exceeding 20 knots in just 13 knots. An autonomous control system ensures safety and reliability, gradually lowering the hull and adjusting the speed according to the owner's preferences, for a comfortable sailing experience in all conditions.
Marcello Persico, CEO of Persico Marine, commented: “We are thrilled to see the completion of the Persico Cat 72’. This marks a significant step in the development of a truly revolutionary catamaran. We are eager to see how it performs during the sea trials and are confident it will exceed expectations in terms of both performance and comfort. Our collaboration with the American Magic team brings invaluable experience to this project. Their deep knowledge of high-performance foiling, particularly in the America’s Cup, will be crucial to perfecting the boat’s capabilities at the highest levels.”
The helm is managed from one of two stations located in the aft cockpit, and a crew of three can manage all navigation and flight controls from this area. Additionally, the catamaran is equipped with an internal navigation station with a steering wheel for flight control and main sail management, ensuring comfort and protection from the water even at high speeds.
Guests and crew can enjoy 360° views from the saloon, surrounded by curved windows, while the aft cockpit offers all the comforts expected of a cruising catamaran. Above the deckhouse, there is space for solar panels capable of generating up to 2 kW of power for charging. Its advanced design is matched by exceptional performance, with speeds of up to 40 knots with a tailwind and 26 knots upwind. Despite these high speeds, the catamaran maintains the comfort of a cruising vessel, and thanks to its electric propulsion system, the Persico Cat 72 can cruise at 8 knots with zero emissions.
Mark Somerville, COO of Persico Marine, added: “Taking this project forward has been an incredible journey for our team. The combination of advanced technology, craftsmanship, and attention to detail ensures that the Persico Cat 72 isn't just a boat, but sets a new standard for high-performance cruising boats. Thanks to the expertise of the American Magic team in Pensacola, we will hone the boat's performance to the highest level. We can't wait to see her in action on the water.”
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