FEATURE
Quality Not Quantity This June saw the launch of Ferretti Yachts’ largest recreational boat to date, and its new flagship; the Ferretti 960. Its length is critical, whether you’re a boating aficionado or not; because of its 23.98-metre hull length (29.2 metres overall), the 960 belongs to the CE design category so it can be managed as a pleasure boat without requiring the (costly) presence of a professional captain. Currently, Ferretti Yachts in the 61-80 metre category are most popular by far but the team hopes that the 960 will redress this imbalance. The 960’s design and waterlines were inspired by its predecessor the 881 and the ambitious project was undertaken by Studio Zuccon International Project (which designs Ferretti Yachts’s entire range), Advanced Yacht Technology & Design and Ferretti Group’s own team of engineers, architects and designers. The brand’s first planing yacht takes advantage of having the master cabin on the main deck by accommodating four double guest cabins on the lower deck, all almost identical in size (no more having to choose a favourite family member or friend). It’s important not to be woken in an unpleasant fashion when on one’s superyacht so the Ferretti team has ensured the master cabin has “flawless noiselessness” – a series of multi-layer soundproofing bulwarks divide it from the galley – and great
The 960 can be managed as a pleasure boat without a professional captain care has been devoted to soundproofing on the lower deck too. Ferretti Group CEO Ferruccio Rossi declared that this boat has the “perfect use of space and volume” and one such instance is the brilliant flooding garage idea, which leads to a more expansive ‘relaxation’ area on the top deck. When the garage door is opened, the central part of the swimming platform can be lowered to flood part of the garage and the tender (up to 4.5 metres) can easily slide into the water with no need for a davit (which usually takes up space on the top deck). So outdoor areas up on the top deck become even larger spaces for entertaining, sunbathing and general leisure time. The “cruising machine”, as Ferretti Group Product Management Officer Antonio Campagnuolo dubs it, can be fitted with three different sets of engines; the most powerful version of the 960 can reach a peak of 31 knots and enjoy a cruising speed of 27 knots. For more sensitive seafarers, the ARG (Anti Rolling Gyro) system is standard, to ensure maximum onboard comfort, and if you’re prone to sea sickness, underway stabilising fins are an optional extra for even smoother navigation. Ferretti Yachts is part of the Ferretti Group brand portfolio (along with Pershing, Itama, Bertram, Riva, Mochi Craft, CRN and Ferretti Custom Line), which sells “emotions, dreams and passion” most convincingly; I defy you to go for a spin in one of these yachts and not want to have one of your own. ferretti-yachts.com
the KENSINGTON & CHELSEA magazine
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