A monohull designed for flight in the Roaring 50s
Ferrari, in partnership with Italian sailor Giovanni Soldini, is developing a new-generation ocean foiler as part of the Hypersail project. This 30-meter monohull is specifically designed to tackle the Jules Verne Trophy, the crewed, non-stop, unassisted round-the-world sailing race. The boat incorporates pendular foils and a canting keel, in a hybrid configuration midway between the America's Cup AC75s and the Ultim trimarans. The aim is to ensure high speeds at all windward angles, while guaranteeing the stability required for the Southern Ocean.
One of the main focuses of the Hypersail project is 100% renewable propulsion and energy production. The sailboat will be equipped with solar panels, wind turbines and hydrogenerators, eliminating the need for a combustion engine.
A Ferrari project with ocean racing know-how
While Ferrari is the headliner of this unprecedented program, the nautical expertise lies with a team well known in the industry. Giovanni Soldini, a committed and experienced skipper, is the sporting director. The design is by Guillaume Verdier, who is associated with a majority of the winning projects of the moment. The team also includes engineers from Scuderia Ferrari, including Marco Guglielmo Ribigini and Matteo Lanzavecchia, working on structure, materials and aerodynamics.
A platform for records and innovation
Hypersail was not designed to participate in an existing class or championship, but to aim directly at one of the Grails of ocean racing: beating the Jules Verne Trophy, still held by Francis Joyon in 40 days and 23 hours in 2017. Never before has this record been held for so long by the same crew.
In recent years, attempts to win the Jules Verne Trophy have multiplied, but many have been prematurely abandoned. The causes vary: technical damage, collisions with unidentified floating objects (UFOs) or adverse weather conditions. Here is an overview of recent failed attempts:
- François Gabart and the SVR-Lazartigue trimaran had to abort several attempts. In November 2024, a collision with a UFO damaged a foil, forcing the crew to turn back. In December 2024, a torn gennaker and complex weather conditions in the South Atlantic led to another abandonment. A third attempt in January 2025 was also aborted due to unfavorable weather conditions.
-
Thomas Coville aboard Sodebo Ultim 3 has also experienced setbacks. In December 2024, damage to the central rudder forced the crew to abandon their attempt. Another attempt in January 2025 was aborted after the loss of the center rudder, making the pursuit of the record impossible.
-
In January 2021, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, skippered by Franck Cammas and Charles Caudrelier, ended its attempt after 12 days at sea due to rudder damage.
-
In January 2019, Yann Guichard on Spindrift 2 had to abandon his attempt after the starboard rudder stock broke in the Indian Ocean.
Will Francis Joyon see his record snatched away by this machine that questions as much as it impresses? Rendezvous in 2026 for the launch of this monohull, which could mark a turning point in the design of foilers built for ocean racing.
