Persico Cat 72’ ready for sea trials with American Magic Team

Sailing boat

25/01/2025 - 16:10

The Persico Cat 72’, an innovative foiling catamaran designed by multihull sailboat and powerboat specialists Morrelli and Melvin, seamlessly blends cutting-edge performance technology with cruising excellence. It has reached an exciting milestone. After a meticulous final phase of construction at Persico Shipyard in La Spezia, renowned for its expertise in high-performance cruising yacht construction, the yacht is now fully equipped with its interiors designed by Design Unlimited. The hull has been painted and completed, and the vessel is ready to enter the next phase: sea trials and performance testing.

Recently, the American Magic team has joined the project, bringing their expertise to the table for the upcoming trials. Known for their involvement in the 37th America’s Cup, they will oversee the sea trials and fine-tuning of the yacht’s performance. The Persico Cat 72’ will soon be transported to American Magic’s base in Pensacola, FL, USA, where the team will begin extensive testing, pushing the yacht’s performance to its limits. This is a pivotal moment in the yacht’s journey, with American Magic’s world-class experience ensuring the yacht is prepared for the highest standards of performance.

Marcello Persico, CEO of Persico Marine, commented: “We are thrilled to see the completion of the Persico Cat 72’. This marks a significant step forward in the development of a truly revolutionary catamaran. We’re excited to see how it performs during sea trials, and we are confident it will exceed expectations in both performance and comfort. Our collaboration with the American Magic team brings invaluable expertise to this project. Their deep knowledge of high-performance foiling, especially in the America’s Cup, will be critical in fine-tuning the yacht’s capabilities to the highest standards".

Tyson Lamond, Chief Operating Officer American Magic: "It is a pleasure to start working with the PB72 team and Persico Marine on this exciting project. The boat is a testament to the design team at Morelli & Melvin, the vision of owner, and the exceptional craftsmanship of the Persico team. We are looking forward to the significant milestone of bringing the boat to Pensacola, Florida, for sea trials. At American Magic, we are always pushing the boundaries of innovation and technology, and this boat certainly embodies both qualities, making it an exciting project for our team"

Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation:
What Makes the Persico Cat 72’ Unique

The Persico Cat 72’ is constructed using advanced materials and systems, featuring a high-modulus carbon fiber structure and state-of-the-art foiling technology. It is designed to deliver exceptional performance across a range of wind conditions, from light to strong winds, making it a standout in terms of speed and excellence. Built for skimming, the yacht can plane just above the water’s surface. Equipped with rake-controlled righting-moment foils (RMFoils) over 7 meters in length, daggerboards for leeway control, and T-rudders with rake control, the system is integrated with Gomboc’s Flight Control System, which manages the foil angles of attack.

The RMFoil becomes effective in as little as 9 knots of wind, enabling the yacht to skim the water at speeds exceeding 20 knots with only 13 knots of wind. An autonomous control system ensures safety and reliability by gradually lowering the hull and adjusting speed according to the owner’s preferences, providing a comfortable sailing experience in all conditions.

Mark Somerville, COO of Persico Marine, added: “Bringing this project to life has been an incredible journey for our team. The combination of advanced technology, expert craftsmanship, and attention to detail ensures that the Persico Cat 72’ is not just a yacht – it sets a new standard for high-performance cruising. With the recent involvement of American Magic in the project for the upcoming sea trials, we look forward to seeing how their America’s Cup expertise will help push the yacht’s performance to the highest levels. We can’t wait to see it in action on the water.”

Malcolm Park, Owner's Representative of Persico Cat 72’: "Working on this project has been an extraordinary journey, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with groundbreaking design. With the boat now ready for sea trials, I’m eager to see it perform in real-world conditions in sea trails that will be aided by the expertise provided by American Magic team at their base in Pensacola FL. This vessel represents a new benchmark in sailing performance, and I’m thrilled to share it with the global sailing community."

The Design and Comfort of the Future:
A Truly Modern Sailing Experience

Steering is handled from one of two helm positions located in the expansive aft cockpit. A small crew of three can manage all sailing and flight controls from this area. Additionally, the yacht features an interior wheel for flight control and mainsail management, ensuring maximum comfort and protection from water spray at high speeds. Passengers and crew enjoy a 360° view from the saloon, surrounded by curved windows, while the spacious stern cockpit offers all the amenities expected from a cruising catamaran.

The roof of the deckhouse accommodates space for solar panels, generating up to 2 kW of recharging power. This advanced design is complemented by outstanding performance capabilities, including speeds up to 40 knots downwind and 26 knots upwind. Despite these impressive speeds, the yacht maintains the comfort of a cruising vessel. With a motor cruising speed of 8 knots and zero emissions, thanks to its electric propulsion system, the Persico Cat 72’ offers the ultimate in eco-friendly excellence.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to push the boundaries of innovation in the world of high-performance cruising and racing yachts.

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