persico 72 catamaran

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Persico Cat 72', a hydrofoil cruising catamaran that reaches 40 knots

Persico Marine is a specialist in high-performance racing and cruising yachts. It is currently building a 22 m long catamaran, equipped with foils designed to combine performance and luxury. The Persico Cat 72' will be launched in 2024 and offers many innovations resulting from the expertise of the America's Cup.

Performance expertise to design the Persico Cat 72'

The Italian shipyard Persico Marine is recognized for the quality of its construction of high performance sailboats. It is present in the field of cruising with the great Wally as well as in the field of regatta and offshore racing, through the IMOCA class, Ocean Fifty or the America's Cup with the technological AC75 . It is this expertise acquired over the years that allows the company to present today the Persico Cat 72', a 22 m long foil catamaran capable of reaching 40 knots. The boat is currently under construction at the Persico Marine shipyard in northern Italy . Delivery is scheduled for 2024.

Custom construction for a light weight quote

At the beginning of this project, a shipowner entrusted the reins of the project to the architectural firm Morrelli and Melvin, who had designed several racing boats. The specifications were to create an innovative foiling catamaran , with performance comparable to that of a racing boat and the comfort of a cruising yacht. This ambitious project, 22 m long and 9.50 m wide, is built in a sandwich of carbon fiber prepreg with a Nomex core. Carbon was also chosen for the interior, which was designed to be light. The design is from the British studio Design Unlimited. The rig was custom designed by Southern Spars, with a carbon wing mast and boom. Custom tooling was developed for the build, which will begin in late May in Auckland. Including the wing mast, the two Torqeedo Deep Blue motors of 25 kW each, which will ensure a cruising speed of 8 knots, and the batteries, the total weight of the boat is set at 20 tons.

A flight system based on America's Cup technologies

For the development of the flight system, the owner and designers turned to the same simulation software that was used to design the America's Cup winning AC50 and AC75 by Team New Zealand . This is the VPP Gomboc optimization software, which acts as a flight controller. The Persico 72' is equipped with foils of more than 7 m long, with automatic rake control, lateral daggerboards and T-shaped rudders.

Ferdinand van West, lead designer for Morrelli and Melvin explains: "The foil has the same purpose as the one used in the IMOCA class, but it has been adapted to a catamaran and can be fully retracted. We have done a carefully considered optimization so that the Persico Cat 72âeuros² is a safe boat with full performance, even in light wind conditions when the foils cannot be used. The decision was to optimize the design to make the boat a semi-foiler, but one that can transition to a full foiler , hovering just above the surface of the water, when conditions allow."

The Persico 72' is designed to glide approximately 20 cm above the water in 9 knots of wind and reach speeds in excess of 20 knots in 13 knots of wind. For safety and reliability, the fully autonomous control system is capable of progressively lowering the hulls and decreasing the speed to the owner's preference. Forecasts call for speeds up to 40 knots downwind and 26 knots upwind, with comfort similar to that expected on a cruising catamaran .

A boat that can be driven by a crew of 3 people

Maneuvering is done from one of the two steering wheel stations located in the large aft cockpit. In addition, all navigation and flight controls can be handled by a small crew of 3 from the helm station. The vessel is also equipped with an inside wheel with flight and mainsail controls to ensure maximum protection and safety at high speeds.

Passengers can enjoy a 360° view from the lounge through the curved windows. The roof can accommodate solar panels , which can provide 2kW of charging.

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Persico Cat 72

Currently in build at Persico Marine's new premises in La Spezia, Italy, the Persico Cat 72 could well be the most innovative multihull among the new boats that will be launched in 2024.

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Published 15/05/2023

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This catamaran will feature foils of more than 22 feet (7 meters) that will be fully automated. This flight management system is the best of its kind, as it is directly developed from the VPP Gomboc optimization software, used aboard Team New Zealand's AC50 and AC75. The objective of naval architects Morrelli and Melvin, in charge of the Persico 72, is to give the catamaran lift (8”/20 cm above its usual waterline) from 9 knots of wind, and to fly completely from 13 knots of wind. The catamaran could then clearly exceed 20 knots, given that the speed predictions are based on a potential of 26 knots upwind and 40 downwind! To fly so easily, the architects did not hesitate to go for a adopt carbon foam/Nomex sandwich construction. All the fittings are made of carbon, a material also chosen for the rotating wing mast as well as the boom which were designed by Southern Spars. When the motors are included, the two 25 kW Torqeedo Deep Blue motors and the battery pack, the weight is estimated at just over 20 tons - comparable to that of a Gunboat. The control system will be able to offer top performance, but also to calm down by switching back to Archimedes mode at the skipper's command. A crew of three will be sufficient to get the most out of this multihull with three helm/maneuvering stations - one at the after end of each hull and one inside. In light airs, the Persico 72 will be able to retract its foils completely and will then rely more conventionally on lateral daggerboards and rudders (T-foil rudders, all the same). Under motor, the predicted cruising speed is 8 knots. The coachroof will be equipped with solar panels able to produce 2 kWp. Builder: Persico Marine Architects: Morrelli and Melvin Interior design: Design Unlimited Material: Carbon foam/Nomex sandwich Length overall: 79’1” (24.1 m) Hull length: 72’ (21.95 m) Length at waterline: 70’4” (21.45 m) Beam: 31’2” (9.5 m) Draft: 2’2”/17’5” (0.65/5.31 m) Light displacement: 46,300 lbs (21 t) Water: 2x 118 US gal (2 x 450 l) Motors: 2 x 25 kW Power cruising speed: 8 knots Max. sailing speed: 40 knots

www.persicomarine.com  

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• sailing catamaran , 
• Morrelli & Melvin , 
• Persico Cat 72 , 
• Persico Marine

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

First look: Persico 72ft 40-knot foiling cruising cat

• Toby Hodges
• July 7, 2023

This bold design represents a new state of the art in combining comfort and speed: it’s an ultra-high performance package capable of cruising at sustained speeds above 20 knots, yet has enough space to live aboard in genuine comfort.

Product Overview

The new foiling catamaran design is the result of Persico’s strategy to translate knowledge the yard gains from its work in aerospace, IMOCA 60 and America’s Cup spheres into very high performance cruising yachts. The structure is of high modulus prepreg carbon/Nomex, there’s an all-carbon interior, plus a Southern Spars rotating mast with Future Fibres’ ECsix and AEROsix composite standing rigging.

The boat is intended as a semi-foiler that can switch to full foiling mode, skimming 20cm above the water in appropriate conditions. The 7m-long righting moment foils are rake controlled and complemented by daggerboards for leeway control, plus T-rudders also with rake control. Design of the foils and flying system was done using the Gomboc VPP software that was instrumental in creating the AC75 foiling monohull and is now also widely used in the IMOCA class.

“The foil has the same purpose as the one used in the IMOCA class,” explains Ferdinand van West, lead designer of Morrelli and Melvin, “but it has been adapted to a catamaran and can be fully retracted.” The foils become effective in 9 knots of breeze and boat speeds well over 20 knots are predicted in just 13 knots of true wind.

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In stronger conditions downwind speeds of 40 knots and an astonishing 26 knots upwind are expected. For a more comfortable ride and greater safety factor maximum speeds can be dialled down via a fully autonomous control system, which can gradually lower the hulls and decrease speed to a comfortable level set by the owner.

A further advantage for a cruising yacht is that draught with the foils raised is a mere 65cm (2ft 2in), though with the foils lowered this increases to 5.31m (17ft 5in).

Despite the boat’s speed potential, it is primarily intended as a very spacious luxury cruiser with all the associated systems including more than 500lt of refrigeration space, a pizza oven and a whopping 64,000 BTU (approx 19kW) of air conditioning. This is powered by twin variable-speed 20kW diesel Fischer Panda generators, which also supply hotel loads the 2kW solar array can’t cover.

Twin 25kW Torqeedo electric motors, allied to a 40kW BMW I3 battery, provide auxiliary propulsion at a cruising speed of 8 knots, with the generators available for use as range extenders if necessary.

Construction has already started in Persico’s new facility at the Italian port of La Spezia, with the boat scheduled for launch in summer 2024.

Specifications

LOA: 24.1m / 79ft 0in Hull length: 21.95m / 72ft 0in Beam: 9.5m / 31ft 2in Light displacement: 21,000kg / 46,300lb Draught (foils raised): 0.65m / 2ft 2in Draught (foils lowered): 5.31m / 17ft 5in Price: POA Builder: persicomarine.com

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Persico Cat 72: Persico reveals a new foiling 22m catamaran

Italian shipyard Persico has unveiled its in-build 22-metre catamaran that ‘flies’ above the water, with top speeds of up to 40 knots.

Designed by Morrelli and Melvin , the catamaran is currently being constructed with a “high modulus pre-impregnated carbon sandwich and a Nomex core.” Carbon has also been selected as the material of choice for the interior, designed by the British studio Design Unlimited .

A rig by Southern Spars is being produced later this month in Auckland and will feature a rotating mast and power from a Torqeedo Deep Blue electric motor, allowing cruising speeds of 25 knots and performance sailing speeds of more than 36 knots in light winds.

"We are very fortunate this project has given us the opportunity to explore new boundaries of performance,” said Pete Melvin, naval architect and chief executive officer of Morrelli and Melvin. 

Spanning over a 9.5-metre beam, the 20-metric-tonne catamaran will be lightweight and optimised for performance. The designers are using the simulation software Gomboc, the same system responsible for the AC75 37th Americas Cup winners. For ‘flying’, the catamaran is equipped with 7-metre long rake-controlled righting-moment foils. The foiling system, in conjunction with the Gomboc Flight Control System, will manage and control the foil angles.

“The RM foil is the most evident characteristic of the Persico Cat 72. Using Gomboc simulation software as a design tool, we were able to achieve a jump in quality in development and immediately saw that it was possible to realize impressive performance figures,” said Ferdinand van West, the lead designer of Morrelli and Melvin.

Planing at around 20-centimetres out of the water, the catamaran is designed for skimming. The foiling system becomes effective in as little as 9 knots of wind, and the boat skims the water well over 20 knots of speed in as little as 13 knots of wind.

In terms of predicted performance figures, the catamaran will be able to reach a maximum of 40 knots downwind and 26 knots sailing close to the wind. The eco-conscious electric propulsion system enables a motor cruising speed of 8 knots while generating zero emissions.

“Achieving great speeds thanks to the foils while keeping the boat stable and easily manageable by the (three) crew is a new frontier for the entire industry. With the Persico Cat 72', we have synthesised our expertise in carbon processing with the craftsmanship we employ in interior construction and the necessary expertise to produce high-performance foils, ” explained Mark Somerville, Persico Marine's chief operating officer. 

For more leisurely sailing, the fully autonomous control system can enable sailing in “absolute comfort,” with the use of gradually lowering the hulls and decreasing speed. Helming can be done from two positions in the aft cockpit, while an interior wheel with flight and mainsail control can be operated from inside, protected from any weather. Inside, guests can also enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from the curved saloon windows. 

Delivery is expected in the summer of 2024, with final construction and sea trials to take place in La Spezia at the new Persico Marine shipyard.

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Persico Cat 72′: A New Luxury High-Performance Catamaran

BY Anna Cummins on 8 May 2023

The Persico Cat 72' is designed for 'flying' at about 20 cm above the water, reaching speeds of 40 knots

With performance comparable to a racer and comfort worthy of a cruiser, the new Persico Cat 72′ is billed as an innovative foiling sailing catamaran with speeds of up to 40 knots.

Designed by multihull sailboat and powerboat specialists Morrelli and Melvin, the Persico Cat 72′ is now under construction in the Persico Marine shipyard in northern Italy.

Persico specialises in high-performance sailing and motor yachts for both racing and cruising. The Persico Cat 72′ is being produced with advanced technology and equipment typically used in the aerospace industry and the same utilised for the foiling hulls of the Imoca ocean racing class and the AC75s of the 37th America’s Cup .

“With Persico Cat 72′, we are continuing to build the Persico brand name in high-performance maxi cruising, thanks to the experience gained in creating the most advanced high-speed racers, particularly in the foiling class,” says Marcello Persico, CEO of Persico Marine.

The 22-metre long by 9.50-metre wide Persico Cat 72′ is constructed of high modulus pre-impregnated carbon sandwich with a Nomex core. Carbon was also chosen for the extremely lightweight interior, complete with everything and conceived in high-tech style by the multi-award-winning British yacht design studio Design Unlimited. Once rigged with a Southern Spars rotating mast and a Torqeedo Deep Blue electric motor (two 25-kW units), the Persico Cat 72′ will have a total overall weight of about 20 metric tonnes, including the battery pack.

“We are very fortunate this project has given us to the opportunity to explore new boundaries of performance,” Pete Melvin, naval architect and CEO of Morrelli and Melvin, noted. “Our customer has encouraged us to set aside convention and develop an innovative yacht that is not only high performing but also luxurious – a cruising yacht capable of navigating in style in seas all around the world.”

“We’re proud to be part of this ground-breaking project,” says Paul MacDonald, sales director of Southern Spars New Zealand. ” The mast will be fully customised to meet the specific needs of the PB72, utilising our latest design, engineering and manufacturing techniques. The mast and boom will be made from high modulus carbon and will incorporate our ECsix and AEROsix composite rigging technology from our sister company Future Fibres to create the fully integrated package.

“A custom wing mast tool has been made for this project, which underlines Southern Spars’ commitment to the performance multihull market. Production on these elements will begin in late May from our leading-edge manufacturing facility in Auckland.”

For flying system development, the ship owner and designers turned to the simulation software behind the design of Team New Zealand’s America’s Cup-winning AC50 and AC75. Gomboc, the VPP optimisation software. Gomboc has been instrumental in the creation of the AC75 foiling monohull, and it is now widely used in the foiling IMOCA class. The Persico Cat 72′ is equipped with righting-moment foils (RMFoils), which are rake-controlled foils over 7 metres long, daggerboards for leeway control and T-rudders with rake control. This foil system is brought together using Gomboc’s Flight Control System, which manages the foil angles of attack.

“The RM foil is the most evident characteristic of the Persico Cat 72′,” says Ferdinand van West, lead designer of Morrelli and Melvin . “The foil has the same purpose as the one used in the IMOCA class, but it has been adapted to a catamaran and can be fully retracted. Using Gomboc simulation software as a design tool, we were able to achieve a jump in quality in development and immediately saw that it was possible to realize impressive performance figures. We made a carefully researched optimization so that the Persico Cat 72′ would be a safe boat with full performance, even in low wind conditions when the RM foils cannot be used. The decision was to optimize the design to make the boat a semi-foiler, but one that can switch to a full foiler with the bottom just above the surface of the water, when conditions permit”.

Indeed, the Persico Cat 72′ is designed for skimming, that is, planing at about 20 cm above the water. The RMFoil becomes effective in as little as 9 knots of wind and can have the boat skimming the water at well over 20 knots of speed in as little as 13 knots of wind. For safety and reliability, the fully autonomous control system is capable of gradually lowering the hulls and decreasing the speed to the owner preference level, thus allowing sailing in absolute comfort.

Steering and command are accomplished from one of two helm positions located outboard in the large aft cockpit. In addition, all sailing handling and flight control can be managed by a small crew of 3 from the aft cockpit. The vessel is also equipped with an interior wheel with flight control and mainsail control to ensure maximum comfort and protection from water spray at high speeds.

Passengers and crew can enjoy the 360-degree view from the saloon surrounded by curved windows. On the roof of the deckhouse, there is space for solar panels, which can supply 2 kW of recharging.

This luxury is combined with predicted performance of up to 40 knots downwind and 26 knots sailing close to the wind, while ensuring the same comfort level on board as a catamaran conceived exclusively for cruising. The motor cruising speed is 8 knots and generates zero emissions since the system is electric.

“Combining performance with the quality of hospitality on board is one of the great challenges of contemporary boatbuilding that Persico can interpret thanks to its know-how,” says Mark Somerville, Persico Marine COO. “The Persico Cat 72′ is a unique catamaran, capable of raising the international standard for this type of boat. Achieving great speeds thanks to the foils while keeping the boat stable and easily manageable by the crew is a new frontier for the entire industry. With the Persico Cat 72′, we have synthesised our expertise in carbon processing with the craftsmanship we employ in interior construction and the necessary expertise to produce high-performance foils.”

Malcolm Park, project manager of the Persico Cat 72′, adds: “In 2015, the boat owner entrusted our team to develop innovative technology that would allow a catamaran equipped with every comfort to achieve almost full foiling. Through continuous learning, experimentation with creative people in the entire marine industry and an essential collaboration with Persico Marine, we think we have successfully met the challenge and cannot wait to share the project with the sailing community when the boat is launched in the summer of 2024”.

The delivery of the Persico Cat 72′ is expected in 2024, after the assembly and sea trials are carried out in La Spezia, Italy, at the new Persico Marine shipyard.

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Cat 72 : 22 metre catamaran with automatic foils

Sören Gehlhaus

 ·  27.06.2023

Persico is based near Bergamo, but builds the Cat 72 at its new site in La Spezia. Here too, carbon prepregs are laminated around Nomex cores in a sandwich construction, as for the Imoca 60 "Linked Out" or Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli's AC75 . The 22 metre long and 9.50 metre wide twin hull will have a boom and rotating mast from Southern Spars in New Zealand. Similar to the AC75 boats, the rig can be rotated by up to 45 degrees.

To get the 20-tonne cat "flying", i.e. hovering 20 centimetres above the surface of the water, the leeward seven-metre foil is extended from 9 knots of wind - in addition to the centreboard and rudder with T-foils. In 13 knots of wind, the Cat 72 should glide along at a good 20 knots, with maximum performance of 40 knots downwind and 26 knots upwind.

Automatic flight control at 40 knots

Morrelli & Melvin used the Gomboc simulation software, which had already been used for the New Zealand America's Cup, to develop the hydrofoils. The US design office entered the international sailing stage with the "Stars & Stripes" catamaran, which led Dennis Conner to the America's Cup in the 1988 Mis-Match. The Gomboc Flight Control System adapts the angle of attack of the wings to the sea conditions and thus automatically adjusts the flight altitude.

For the Cat 72, Morrelli & Melvin optimised the system so that the foils can be completely retracted when they are not needed. Two electric motors from Torqeedo (Deep Blue, 25 kW each) push the 22-metre cat through lulls at eight knots. Solar panels are also to be installed on the deckhouse for completion next year.

More on the topic:

• Gunboat 70: Potent 22-metre cat with many options
• Outremer 52: For fast journeys with plenty of comfort
• The most important catamaran innovations of the year

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