Ferrari—the name’s synonymous with speed, precision, and Italian flair. But now, in a move that’s turning heads beyond the race track, the iconic carmaker has confirmed it’s building a 30-metre foiling monohull. That’s right—Ferrari is entering the high-stakes world of offshore sailing.
And this isn’t a vanity project or branding exercise. Under the stewardship of legendary ocean racer Giovanni Soldini, Ferrari’s yacht venture looks like a serious play at cutting-edge performance on water. The boat’s design is being overseen by Guillaume Verdier, the naval architect behind some of the most advanced racing yachts on the planet. The build is already underway in Pisa, and launch is slated for 2026.
What’s the big idea?
This project has layers. Yes, it’s about sailing performance—but it’s also about pushing the Ferrari brand into a new realm of technological experimentation. According to Ferrari Chairman John Elkann, this isn’t just about speed at sea; it’s about feeding new insights back into the development of Ferrari’s land-based vehicles. Think of it as an R&D loop—what works on the water might just shape the next evolution of their sports cars.
The project is also tightly aligned with Ferrari’s sustainability goals. The yacht is being engineered from the keel up to be as green as it is fast. We’re talking photovoltaic panels, advanced composites, and automated systems that reduce crew impact and reliance on fossil fuels. It’s all part of Ferrari’s broader ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
A sailing team with racing DNA
At the heart of this new sailing division—dubbed Ferrari Vela—is Giovanni Soldini. He’s no stranger to record attempts or extreme conditions. With more than 30 years of offshore racing under his belt, including two solo circumnavigations, Soldini brings both experience and credibility. His comments about the project underline the scope: “We’re working on a pioneering project with extraordinary technological potential that unites different worlds and top-tier expertise.”
Soldini isn’t the kind of sailor to get involved in a symbolic campaign. His appointment suggests this is a serious shot at records like the Jules Verne Trophy—the holy grail of non-stop, unassisted round-the-world racing.
Tech cross-pollination
This isn’t the first time racing DNA has jumped mediums. America’s Cup teams regularly cross-pollinate with Formula 1—INEOS Britannia partnered with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team on foil development. But Ferrari’s approach looks broader. The emphasis isn’t just on winning races, it’s on creating a floating test bed for future-focused technologies that have relevance far beyond yachting.
Ferrari’s yacht will reportedly take cues from the AC75s, but with modifications to suit long-distance ocean racing. That means a hull and foil package that can survive Southern Ocean punishment without sacrificing speed. It’s a different kind of challenge to stadium-style inshore racing—and arguably, a purer one.
The bigger picture
This move sees Ferrari join the likes of INEOS Britannia, Mercedes F1, and Luna Rossa in blurring the lines between automotive and marine innovation. It also taps into the growing popularity of performance sailing as a platform for green tech. Offshore sailing offers unique challenges—limited energy input, harsh conditions, and the need for maximum efficiency. For Ferrari, mastering that equation is a logical extension of their racing ethos.
What’s more, it adds another layer to the Ferrari story—one that isn’t just about horsepower but about wind power, renewable energy, and smart design. In an era where performance brands are under pressure to show their sustainability credentials, launching a carbon-conscious foiling yacht is both a bold and strategic move.
We’ll have to wait until 2026 to see the final product. But one thing’s clear already: Ferrari’s not just dipping a toe in the water. They’re going full send.
