Aside from regular yacht shoppers, many may not know Pershing—billed as “The Dominant Species”—by name. But most will have heard of Ferretti Group, the umbrella corporation that, in addition to Pershing, owns iconic Italian boat brand Riva. The shipbuilding corporation is headed by CEO Alberto Galassi, son-in-law of Ferretti Group stakeholder Piero Ferrari. Yes, that Piero Ferrari.
Pershing is currently expanding its GTX yacht series, described by the brand as “a revolutionary generation of sports boats designed to showcase on-board comfort and the incredible livability of the spaces, while continuing to deliver the excellent performance and outstanding sportiness imprinted in Pershing’s DNA.”
If that sounds perfectly in-line with the ethos of both Riva and Ferrari, then so does the design-centric description of the new 78-foot GTX80: “the result of an in-depth study of proportions, creating a refined volumetric equilibrium between superstructure and hull and achieving an innovative architectural harmony for a sports motor yacht of this size.”
The brand points to elements such as the hull’s silhouette, which features a nearly vertical bow that’s intersected by a slightly rounded convex sheerline. The sheerline’s form also plays elegantly with the hull’s curves, which are highlighted further by the classic Pershing gray color that also covers the superstrcuture above.
The stern’s main deck is likely the greatest attraction when anchored. The beach area on the first level boasts and impressive 300 square feet of space of modular space, thanks to a multi-position stern platform. Its default position is designed to launch tenders, but it can also be elevated a few feet, at which point lateral terraces simultaneously unfold from the hull, maximizing space by joining the deck with the stern. Up front on the main deck’s bow is a raised helm station with three monitors, a Simrad navigation
system, a second pilot chair, and a huge windshield offering 360-degree visibility.
The raised second level features the 150-square-foot cockpit, which is connected to a galley that can be completely closed by electric windows. Beyond that, behind two sliding panels, is nearly 400 square feet of living space that can be configured in two layouts: one with structural seating along both hull sides and an extending table, and another with a dining table that can seat eight guests. Intersecting strips of LED ceiling lighting embedded amid colored wood panels is meant to provide “uniform light diffusion across the entire deck.”
Above the second level is the 250-square-foot flybridge/sundeck with a bar unit and more seating. And all the way below deck are four cabins with as many en-suite bathrooms—the fourth unit can be replaced with a dinette and day head. The entire interior is clad in sky-blue leather paneling, while the rooms feature TVs, metallic lacquered bathroom walls, and more vertical strips of light.
With “on-board comfort and incredible livability” covered, there’s the question of propulsion. Three 1,000-horsepower Volvo Penta D13 inline-six engines allow the GTX80 to achieve a top speed of 34 knots (40 mph) and a cruising speed of 28 knots (32 mph). Also aboard are technological systems such as the Volvo IPS electro-hydraulic steering system, HUMPHREE trim stabilizers, Seakeeper 2x NG9 gyroscopic stabilizers (optional) and an upgraded Volvo joystick featuring joystick driving
and assisted docking.
The exact price for the multimillion-dollar Pershing GTX80 was not provided, but would-be buyers can reach out for further details here.