The paths that individual vessels take during construction phases spanning several years do not always follow a straight course – and sometimes tell many stories. The Wildcat project is based on the second hull of Perini Navi’s 42 E-volution. The Italian shipyard had laid the keel for the sporty aluminium sloop at its site in Turkey and transported the hull to its headquarters at the end of 2019 transported to Viareggio. A year later, Perini Navi filed for bankruptcy and was taken over by The Italian Sea Group purchased. The 42 E-volution GTS, which was already under construction, was taken over by Turquoise Yachts.
A new lease of life for a Perini hull
The shipyard, which has facilities in Istanbul and Kocaeli, specialises in the construction of new motor yachts exceeding 50 metres in length, but is currently also working on the classic 50-metre sloop ‘Rainbow II’ and is now headed by Burak Akgül. Akgül was responsible for Perini Navi’s Turkish shipyard site for many years. The 42 E-volution GTS was designed by Reichel/Pugh Yacht Design. The San Diego-based firm was already involved in the initial development. The interior was designed by GCA Architects in Barcelona. The rigging is supplied by Southern Spars from New Zealand.
Long mast, variable draught
Project Wildcat is 42.3 metres long and 9.7 metres wide. The lifting keel allows draughts ranging from 3.9 to 6.4 metres. The 62.5-metre-high Panamax mast is made of carbon fibre. Together with the furling boom and the carbon fibre standing rigging, it supports a sail area of 2,204 square metres. Sheets and halyards are operated by electrically and hydraulically driven systems, respectively, which are controlled by a PLC system. According to Turquoise Yachts, the original sailing system has been redesigned. The basis for the simpler operation is provided by three Harken Captive winches and three Bamar furlers.
Carbon fibre construction and clean lines
The deckhouse and other deck components are also made of carbon fibre. This reduces the weight above the hull and lowers the centre of gravity, but presents challenges in terms of the connection between the deck and the hull. The interior volume is stated as 272 gross tonnes. The hull is classified in accordance with RINA regulations, and a Cummins QSM11 with 600 PS is fitted as an auxiliary engine. The diesel engine alone is said to propel the Wildcat to twelve knots.
Seating for eight guests
Wildcat is designed to accommodate eight guests in four cabins. The layout includes an owner’s suite spanning the full width of the vessel, a VIP cabin and two twin cabins. Seven berths in four cabins are provided for the crew. The saloon in the deckhouse is designed to offer panoramic views through large windows and skylights. One deck below is a separate TV lounge.
Outside, the cockpit features two C-shaped seating areas facing inwards. A retractable dining table is provided in front of the mast. At the stern, the bathing platform can be folded out. A hydraulic side door leads to the tender garage, which is designed to accommodate a 5.5-metre-long tender. A hydraulic bathing ladder and a gangway complete the layout at the stern.
For owners with sporting ambitions
Y.CO is listing this technically sophisticated sailing project, which was commenced at Perini Navi, at 35 million euros. The sooner an owner is found for the 42-metre-long aluminium sloop, the greater the influence they are likely to have before it is launched next year. To put this into perspective: the same brokerage firm is offering the ‘Wally B’ – which is ten metres shorter and was launched in 1998 – for a tenth of the purchase price. For the 44.30-metre-long Vitters-built yacht “Magic” A total of 41.9 million euros is being called for.
Technical Specifications for the Wildcat Project
- Overall length: 42.30 m
- Width: 9.70 m
- Draught: 3.9 – 6.40 m
- Interior volume: 272 Gross Tons
- Material: aluminium
- Rig: Southern Spars
- Engine: Cummins
- Engine power: 600 PS
- Design: Reichel/Pugh
- Interior design: GCA Architects
- Class: RINA
- Shipyard: Turquoise Yachts
- Price: 35 million euros
Book recommendation
The book by François Chevalier and photographer Gilles Martin-Raget features 18 classic yachts and contains over 350 stunning photographs.
Sören Gehlhaus
Stellvertretender Chefredakteur BOOTE EXCLUSIV