Powerplay

In any marina, a Pershing yacht stands out like an Italian sports car among a fleet of stately limousines, SUVs, and family vehicles. You don’t need to be a profiling expert to immediately recognise that its owner is witty, spontaneous, knows how to enjoy life, and is willing to pay only for the very best.

This year, the Italian shipyard celebrated its 40th anniversary. With such a reputation to uphold, Pershing marked the milestone by unveiling a true showstopper: bold, swift, and uncompromising. Instead of chasing size, the yard took a more refined approach, showcasing its craftsmanship with the 21-metre GTX70, a yacht designed to deliver an entirely new level of travel experience.

This motor yacht is part of the GTX family, which already includes the larger GTX80 and GTX116 models. The shipyard has aptly dubbed this range the “Sport Utility Yacht”, and for good reason: these boats combine aggressive, grand-tourer-inspired design with impressive power, energy efficiency, and enhanced comfort. They feature spacious open decks and seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces. As the company highlights, the GTX series is not just a step forward in terms of technology and innovation but the creation of an entirely new universe within the 20-35 metre yacht segment.

Why does the Pershing GTX70 have what it takes to win the hearts of yachtsmen? First and foremost, it looks incredibly modern and sporty, exuding a sense of dynamic speed even when peacefully anchored. The sleek metallic silver hull and the seamless aerodynamics of the superstructure enhance this impression. However, beneath the striking exterior lies meticulous craftsmanship by Vallicelli Design, the Product Strategy Committee led by Piero Ferrari, and the engineering team at Ferretti Group, who have carefully considered every detail for optimal functionality.

Pershing’s design philosophy has always focused on harmoniously blending interior and exterior spaces—a challenging feat for sporty models with limited flybridge areas. The GTX70 has been designed with maximum space efficiency in mind. According to the shipyard, this model offers 30% more exterior space and 10% more interior space compared to other yachts of a similar size.

Pershing boasts a loyal fan base, and the shipyard understands the importance of the striking impression its yachts leave in marinas worldwide. For inspiration, Vallicelli turned to the finest Italian supercars. This is particularly evident in the superstructure, with its sleek lines and nearly continuous side glazing. Elegant arched supports, seamlessly integrated into the hull, complete the yacht’s harmonious appearance, while the flybridge overhang serves as both a visual highlight and a functional addition, providing extra usable space above.

The sportbridge covers an impressive 16 square metres for such a compact yacht and is divided into three zones. The aft section features a full-beam sun deck with loungers connected to a corner sofa that forms a dining area with a sliding table. An open galley is also located here, integrated into the support structure of three navigator chairs. These chairs face the helm station at the bow, offering excellent visibility during docking manoeuvres. If desired, the lounge area and upper helm station can be shaded with a carbon-supported bimini.

A hallmark of all GTX models is the two-tiered design of the aft section of the main deck.

On the lower level, a beach club area spans up to 23 square metres, thanks to fold-out terraces that extend the yacht’s beam to nearly 8 metres when deployed.

The swim platform features a hydraulic lift, allowing it to be set at two positions: level with the aft deck or submerged for easier storage and launching of the Williams TurboJet 325 tender and a jet ski. A wide aft sofa is positioned in front of the platform, which can optionally be extended to create a comfortable sunbathing area.

Additionally, the platform can accommodate ModenaTech sun loungers. This Italian company produces innovative yacht accessories made from prepreg carbon fibre. The autoclave processing at 135°C and 6-bar pressure ensures structural integrity and flawless surface finishes. For protection from intense sunlight, a retractable, motorised awning can be installed.

Three steps lead to the second level, where the cockpit is located, fully shaded by the sportbridge. To the right, a staircase to the flybridge invites you to ascend. How convenient! Step aboard from the dock, walk straight up, and you’ll find yourself on the top deck, greeted by a set dining table and cocktails artfully arranged on the galley bar counter.

The dining area, with its C-shaped sofa and table, is adjacent to the galley, which is situated to the left of the entrance to the salon. A glass partition separates the galley from the cockpit, sliding down into the rear wall of the salon. The transparent door slides open, creating a seamless space for socialising. Thanks to the panoramic glazing, the central lounge offers stunning views, and even the interior helm station is positioned to avoid obstructing the scenery.

Two deep corner sofas form an elegant lounge in the centre of the main salon. There is ample space to sit comfortably, engage in conversation, or move freely between the cockpit and the bow lounge area. A retractable widescreen TV is built into the windowsill behind the portside sofa — one button press, and you’re ready for movie night.

To the left of the helm station is a staircase leading to the lower deck cabins, while to the right is an exit to the foredeck lounge area. This space is perfect for enjoying a secluded morning coffee or a private meal away from prying eyes. The table can be raised and extended at the push of a button. Add cushions, and you have a spacious sunbathing area.

The lower deck accommodates three suites, along with a twin crew cabin with a separate entrance.

The most spacious is, of course, the full-beam master suite located amidships. In addition to the king-size bed, the suite features a small sofa, sideboards, and a wardrobe, as well as a separate walk-in closet. The en-suite bathroom includes a shower cabin. The VIP suite at the bow has a double bed orientated toward the starboard side, maximising usable space. The second guest cabin is fitted with two single beds.

For the interior of the first GTX70 hull, a contrasting colour palette was chosen. The nubuck upholstery of the salon sofas and the textiles in the cabins are dark grey, while the wall panels are predominantly light, the parquet is made of whitewashed wood, and the bedrooms are carpeted in creamy white. Large mirrored surfaces visually expand the space and highlight the intriguing lighting design by Altraluce. The ceilings are adorned with “grooves” of recessed LED strips, providing diffused light and adding a touch of drama.

The standard Pershing GTX70 is powered by three Volvo Penta D13 IPS1200 engines, delivering a combined 2,700 horsepower — an impressive figure for a 21-metre yacht. This triple-engine powerhouse can reach speeds of up to 36 knots and comfortably cruise at 30 knots. With a fuel tank capacity of 4,200 litres, it offers a range of 300 nautical miles without refuelling. Staying true to its heritage, the smallest GTX model incorporates all the brand’s signature features: Volvo Penta IPS electro-hydraulic steering, Humphree trim control systems, and Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilisers to ensure smooth sailing without discomfort from rolling.

The Pershing GTX70 is more than just a yacht—it’s a lifestyle. It represents the ultimate blend of freedom, luxury, and comfort in one sleek package. It offers the opportunity to explore the world, enjoy thrilling adventures at sea, and create unforgettable memories.