Ferrari has completed the hull of the Hypersail and is unveiling the complete foiling system for the first time. The 100-foot yacht is being built entirely in Maranello. The Project applies technology from the automotive industry to sailing. The manufacturer claims to have developed more than 20 patents.
The shipyard has painted the hull and fitted the underwater appendages. These components are designed to lift the boat above the water’s surface. Ferrari combines mechanical wings with electronic controls. The system is called Flight Control.
Three-point architecture underwater
The Ferrari Hypersail’s wing system consists of three elements. Lateral foils generate the lift required for take-off. The keel incorporates its own wing with a movable flap. Unlike the IMOCs, which are not permitted to have wings on their rudders, the rudder features a small wing on its vertical section. The foils function like aeroplane wings underwater. They reduce water resistance at higher speeds. The keel provides a third point of support for stability. Ferrari describes this keel design as a technical innovation of the project. The rudder does more than just steer the boat; the movable flap constantly corrects the course. These micro-adjustments are designed to keep the boat on course. All three components work together to ensure balance and control.
An electronic brain from Formula 1
Flight Control handles automatic trim during flight. The system draws on Ferrari’s expertise in vehicle dynamics control. Sensors measure wind, waves, speed and roll angle. An on-board computer analyses the data in real time. Actuators move the flaps on the foils and appendages. Mechanical arms and pistons adjust the angle of attack. The system reacts to every change in the hull’s position. Ferrari states that the crew can concentrate on strategy and the weather. The technology is designed to take over tasks that can be automated. Sailors retain control over tactical decisions. The system supports, but does not replace, the crew. Tests will have to show whether this balance works in practice.
Carbon and titanium for extreme conditions
The fuselage consists of several layers of carbon fibre. This construction is designed to provide rigidity whilst keeping the weight low. Deformation under load would compromise the precision of the foil’s control. Ferrari therefore prioritises maximum structural rigidity. Areas subject to particularly high loads are reinforced using a sandwich construction, with alternating layers of carbon fibre and titanium. This combination originates from sports car manufacturing. The foil arms and the mainsail traveller benefit from this reinforcement. Titanium increases strength under localised peak loads, whilst carbon keeps the weight down. This combination of materials is unusual in boatbuilding. Here, Ferrari is applying lightweight construction techniques from the automotive industry.
A flood of patents from Maranello for the Ferrari Hypersail
Ferrari is developing the entire project at its own factory. This decision enables direct technology transfer. More than 18 patents have been filed. The winch-by-wire system replaces mechanical winches with electronic control. Wind turbines with an extended range generate electricity on board. An MV/HV system integrates various energy sources. Ferrari had already announced these solutions back in July 2026. The energy concept is designed to achieve self-sufficiency. A rotating mast features winglets to optimise airflow. The mainsail utilises a double-skin construction for better control. These details are intended to improve handling and efficiency. Computer simulations and flow analyses are being carried out throughout the development process.
Parallels between cars and boats
Ferrari draws parallels with vehicle development. Sports cars and foiling boats require aerodynamic efficiency. Electronic systems must detect and correct movements. Tools from the automotive industry are being incorporated into boat building. Simulation methods and computational models are directly applicable. The data obtained is intended to expand Ferrari’s knowledge base. The manufacturer views the project as a testing ground for integrated technology. It remains to be seen whether the transfer works in both directions. The next phase of the project will reveal how reliably the systems operate.
Outlook for the trial phase
With the hull complete and the appendages fitted, the operational phase begins. The shipyard is preparing the boat for its first sea trials. The rig and sails still need to be completed. Ferrari has not given a specific date for the launch. The trials will show whether Flight Control works as calculated. Foiling systems are sensitive to tuning and adjustment. Minor errors in calibration can have major consequences. The crew must learn to work with the automated systems.
There are no larger targets offshore
Ferrari is pursuing several sporting objectives with this project. The boat is intended to rival Ultim trimarans such as “Gitana 18” or take on “Sodebo” in the major offshore regattas; it is set to break records and, above all, to claim the Jules Verne Trophy for a non-stop circumnavigation of the globe. This historic record was set on 25 January 2026 by Thomas Coville from France and his six-strong crew aboard the massive, foiling Ultim trimaran “Sodebo Ultim 3”. The team managed to do it in 40 days, 10 hours, 45 minutes and 50 seconds along the classic route from west to east via the three major capes of the Southern Hemisphere. The theoretically shortest route is 21,600 nautical miles.
Technical Specifications
- Length: 100 feet (30.48 metres)
- Design: Monohull with foiling system
- Fuselage material: Multi-layer carbon fibre construction
- Reinforcements: carbon-titanium sandwich in high-stress areas
- Foil system: Side foils plus a keel foil with a movable flap
- Rudder: With a small blade and a control flap
- Control system: Flight Control System with sensors, on-board computer and actuators
- Mast: Rotatable with winglets
- Mainsail: double-layered construction
- Energy system: MV/HV integration with wind turbines
- Winches: Electric ‘winch-by-wire’
- Status: Fuselage completed, appendages fitted
- Construction phase: Final construction phase
Links on this topic
Book recommendations
Boris Herrmann and the race around the world describes the journey of the ‘Malizia Seaexplorer’ from its design through initial trials to offshore deployment. Author Jochen Rieker also highlights setbacks such as foil failure and mast problems. The book complements the perspective on Ferrari’s Hypersail with insights from another offshore project: what challenges arise when a newly developed yacht has to prove its performance and reliability at sea?
Enzo traces the life of Ferrari’s founder: from his early days as a racing driver for Alfa Romeo to the creation of a world-renowned sports car brand. Luca Dal Monte also describes his leadership style and the high standards he set for mechanics and drivers. In relation to the Hypersail project, the biography provides the historical background to the brand and an insight into the man who continues to shape Ferrari to this day. (shop.delius-klasing.de)
Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT