Spotlight – Pershing 6X: X Appeal

The Pershing 6X is the latest entry to appear in the brand’s X line, premiering at the 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival.

Pershing – a yacht brand under the Italian Ferretti Group – introduced its X series (full name: Generation X) to focus on design, technology, performance and the use of ultra-lightweight materials. Pershing yachts are immediately identifiable thanks to their trademark grey, sleek looks, and its trademark focus is to combine thrilling speed within a luxurious package.

Let us start with the speed. Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi likes to say that “a Pershing is not driven, it is piloted. Just like a fighter jet or a racing car.” With that kind of statement, there is a lot to live up to.

READ: Ferretti launches US$993m IPO in Hong Kong

The new 6X delivers, with a top speed of 48 knots punched out on a pair of MAN V12 engines delivering over 3,000 horsepower. That is more than enough juice to get the blood pumping first thing in the morning. The 6X cruises at a very respectable 40 knots-plus, so you’ll still get to your destination with tears from the wind in your eyes. Interestingly, the range at cruise is just 30 nautical miles more than at maximum speed. So, if you love speed, you can spend your day skimming the wavetops at well over 40 knots and not pay too high a price on fuel.

The helm station on the first unit features twin, 19-inch monitors with carbon-fibre control panels and two accessory tunnels fitted with throttles and joysticks on either side of the pilot chair (made by Poltrana Frau). The standard version of the 6X comes with a 12-inch and 7-inch monitor.

The 6X also comes with an advanced interface system, EasySet, that integrates the propulsion, manoeuvring, navigation and monitoring systems. The new version of the EasySet system builds on expertise gathered from other models in the Generation X line-up. It optimises trim and performance when cruising and simplifies the use of the surface propellers, which can be bypassed at any time to take manual control.

If you love speed, you can spend your day skimming the wavetops at well over 40 knots and not pay too high a price on fuel

Buyers can opt for a joystick control system coupled to the surface drives that allows for better manoeuvrability in tight spaces, making docking less of an ordeal for the operator. The dynamic positioning system keeps the boat steady in the face of winds and currents, making mooring less stressful, keeping the focus on the fun.

Like all Pershings, the new 6X was designed and engineered by the triumvirate of Ferretti Group’s Product Strategy Committee, Fulvio De Simoni, and Ferretti Group’s Engineering Department. The appeal of the Pershing name is not just the speed, but also the comfort.

The 6X features bigger windows and portholes that open to create a more open, breezy feeling onboard. The builders at Pershing have added more carbon fibre to the construction wherever possible to help reduce weight and gain speed.

On the exterior, the 6X offers large spaces for outdoor gatherings. The aft cockpit and the main deck saloon are of nearly equal length. The aft cockpit features a large sunpad with a backrest framed by a spoiler on the aft side. The cockpit also has an L-shaped sofa that seats up to eight people, with an adjustable table.

The builders at Pershing have added more carbon fibre to the construction wherever possible, to help reduce weight and gain speed

The cockpit dining and lounge area is nicely sheltered from the wind, and it features a bar unit on the starboard side with a sink. An option is to have a grill, fridge and icemaker installed. On the port side, a hatch leads down to a small cabin with a bathroom for a crew member. The stern garage has space for a Williams Turbojet 325 tender, deployed via hydraulic swim platform.

Large walkways, making full use of the beam, access forward to the bow area, where there is a big set of sunpads, either for relaxing at anchor or enjoying the breeze while underway (but perhaps not at full speed).

One of the key elements in a Pershing yacht is the comfort onboard, despite its rocket-like power and acceleration. The main lounge space is very large. This is partly due to Pershing’s decision to place the galley at the base of the stairs that access the lower deck. This places the galley almost directly below the main windscreen, which lightens up the lower deck landing and makes it feel like an integral part of the yacht’s interior.

The main lounge is separated from the aft cockpit by a sliding door that fully retracts, creating continuity between exterior and interior. On the main deck interior, Pershing has attempted to create as much openness as possible. Huge windows and a large sunroof, which can be opened, create a bright, roomy space with excellent views. As the galley is housed on the lower deck, the C-shaped sofa is very large and seats up to six people in comfort. A hi-lo dining table makes the main saloon usable as a space for formal meals or relaxing with a drink.

Pershing has added all the design flourishes and trimmings to ensure that the owner and guests feel the luxury, be it the carbon-fibre steering wheel with leather trim or the Poltrona Frau designer upholstery on the helm station seats. There is extensive use of plain and lacquered wood for the furniture, parquet floors and fine leather throughout.

The debut Pershing 6X has a three-cabin layout, each with bathrooms and showers. The master cabin is located amidships and enjoys excellent views, while the VIP is in the bow. The VIP bed is aligned 45 degrees off the boat’s centreline for added space. Another configuration is available, with only two cabins – the third cabin is used for a quiet living space.

But for aficionados of the Pershing brand – or just those that are speed-curious – there is much to enjoy in this great new entry from Pershing.

Technical Specifications – Pershing 6X

LOA: 18.9m
LWL: 14.6m
Beam: 4.8m
Draught: 1.4m
Displacement (full load): 40T
Max Speed: 48kts
Cruising Speed: 40kts
Range, cruising: 280 nm
Engines: 2 x MAN V12 1550 (1,550hp / 1,140 kW)
Maximum number of people onboard: 14
Fuel: 3,200L
Water: 740L