Fast and Furious: Pershing turns 40
To celebrate its milestone anniversary, Pershing brought together yacht owners and brand enthusiasts from around the globe for a vibrant event in one of the Mediterranean’s most picturesque locations—Capri.
The festivities began with the unveiling of the new Pershing GTX70, followed by a dazzling drone light show featuring 300 drones. Guests watched the spectacle from the iconic Capri restaurant La Canzone del Mare and enjoyed a live performance by Gianluigi Lembo from Anema e Core.
The following day, attendees dined in Nerano at Antonio Mellino’s renowned Quattro Passi restaurant. In the evening, two exclusive dinner experiences awaited them on Capri: the legendary Il Riccio and chef Franco Pepe’s waterfront pizzeria and restaurant, a-MaRe Capri, both reserved entirely for the event.
The highlight of the celebration was a yacht parade, where Pershing owners showcased their vessels on the crystal-clear waters surrounding Capri. The lineup included the Pershing 6X, 7X, and 8X models, along with the latest additions to the Sport Utility Yacht range: the Pershing GTX116 and the brand-new GTX70, accompanied by older models.
Pershing’s story began in the early 1980s when three friends with a shared passion founded Cantiere Navale dell’Adriatico 1°. Initially, the company focused on repairing laminated wooden boats. The turning point came in 1985 with the launch of the Pershing 45, designed in collaboration with yacht designer Fulvio De Simoni. This model combined the speed of a powerboat with the spaciousness of a motor yacht, marking the beginning of the Pershing era. Its immediate success propelled the brand into the spotlight, establishing it as a symbol of innovation, performance, and design. By the 1990s, Pershing had expanded globally, and in 1998, it became part of the Ferretti Group, ushering in a period of growth and consolidation in the luxury motor yacht industry.
In 2012, the arrival of the Weichai Group further strengthened Pershing’s international presence, driving significant growth across Asia, America, and Europe. A standout at major international boat shows, Pershing continued to anticipate trends and exceed the expectations of even the most discerning yacht owners in terms of performance, design, and luxury. Key milestones included the introduction of the Generation X and GTX series, as well as the construction of the brand’s first superyacht, underscoring Pershing’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of nautical innovation.
Over the past 40 years, Pershing has pioneered numerous revolutionary innovations, such as transitioning from shaft drives to Arneson surface-piercing propellers—a technology in which Pershing is a global leader for recreational use—and introducing water jets powered by a gas turbine on the Pershing 115 (2004), capable of delivering over 5,100 horsepower. Other breakthroughs include the triple-engine propulsion system on the Pershing 108 (2011) and construction techniques that optimize weight, seakeeping, and cruising comfort.
From the very beginning, Pershing has seamlessly blended aesthetics and functionality, introducing features like the hydraulic gangway on the Pershing 45 and the concealed sliding glass door on the Pershing 72, developed in partnership with Besenzoni.
Today, the Pershing fleet consists of two ranges and a superyacht, all embodying the brand’s signature innovation, performance, and design. The Generation X range, which includes models 5X, 6X, 7X, 8X, and 9X, strikes the perfect balance between power, lightness, and advanced technology through the use of ultra-lightweight materials, integrated control systems, and sleek forms.
The newer GTX range, featuring the GTX116, GTX80, and the recently launched GTX70, redefines the concept of Sport Utility Yachts by enhancing comfort and livability without compromising performance. The pinnacle of the fleet is the Pershing 140, the brand’s first fully aluminum superyacht, built at the Ferretti Group Super Yacht Yard in Ancona.
For forty years, Pershing yachts have been crafted in Mondolfo at a world-class production facility adjacent to the historic shipyard. Designed by architect Sandro Sartini, the site now spans over 84,000 square meters and includes four buildings, two paint booths, and a testing tank. Every space is meticulously designed to integrate technology, functionality, and aesthetics, with tailor-made solutions for different Pershing ranges. For example, the fourth building is dedicated to the GTX series and can accommodate yachts up to 36 meters in length.
With 27 workstations capable of simultaneously building 27 yachts, the shipyard utilizes advanced processes like PPG-certified dry painting, which ensures a finish comparable to luxury automobiles. Its dedicated testing tank allows for rigorous technical assessments to guarantee maximum reliability before launching yachts from the nearby port of Fano.
Through groundbreaking technological innovations, stunning designs, and the evolution of its iconic shipyard, Pershing has spent forty years looking beyond the horizon—toward where the sea meets the future.
