It’s sometimes easy to be a little blasé when you’re confronted with the latest, and supposedly greatest, release from a luxury brand. There’s the inevitable assault on your senses; words, images, all carefully controlled, all telling you that their product is the best of the best. But occasionally, just occasionally, you see something that stands out, regardless of the clamour. The P115’ doesn’t need the hype.
Featuring technology that’s previously been reserved to the design and manufacture of airplanes, the P115’ has defied a few, make that a lot, of conventions. With interiors designed by Fendi, a hull designed using vacuum moulding and a revolutionary approach to the engine and propulsion system, the P115’ is perhaps a glimpse of things to come.
Never being one to save the best till last, I’m going to jump to the meat of the issue, the power supply. There had been rumours about aircraft technology finding a home within the P115’ for some time. The Internet and specialised maritime press had been whispering about the innovations occurring at Pershing’s yards. The P115’ is powered by two 3,700-hp V-16 MTU diesels, giving a total of 7400-hp, propelled through the water via two Kamewa Rolls Royce hydro-jets, meaning that the vessel can hit 40 knots. So far, so good. However, there’s another option. You can opt for the 115’ to go for a version featuring a Vericor TF50 gas turbine with a central hydro-jet thrust.
The technology involved in the gas turbine and the accompanying hydro-jet is more typically associated with aircraft. The aeronautical materials and design of the system have resulted in a very compact and comparatively lightweight power unit. “This technology, typical to aircraft, is rarely used on yachts due to its complexity and the cost of the individual components. In fact, its use requires special accessories, mechanical parts, and technologies incorporated in the entire system, such as the titanium exhaust, and the reduction unit,” says Pilli Antonelli, founder and president of Pershing. The result? A top speed of 57 knots.
A rather beneficial side effect of the new power unit is the reduction of engine noise. The vibrations are dramatically reduced, a holdover from its use in the aeronautical industry. The smooth propulsion provided by the water jets and the comprehensive effort made to soundproof the engine room have resulted in a comparatively tranquil environment.
I was a little concerned that, in the midst of all this technological wizardry, Pershing would lose their way, that the company might flounder in their quest to be the best. Antonelli paused before addressing my point, “Of course it is not a simple matter, but the cooperation between myself and Mr. Fulvio De Simoni – Pershing’s designer – will last as it has always has, in terms of design projects, it is likely that every new Pershing will maintain its recognisable style, but offering something always new, because Pershing believes in ‘Moving Ideas’.” How a company adapts to changing markets and ever increasing expectations is interesting to watch. It’ll be intriguing to see if Pershing can marry their tradition to their technological advancements.
The sleek, aggressive lines of the yacht are immediately eye-catching. With lines akin to a high-end sports cars, with long bonnets and short rear overhangs. The P115’ hints at movement even when safely moored at the jetty. These lines, “both sinuous and resolute at once,” as Antonelli states, give a sense of perpetual motion. However, the idea of stylish, dynamic lines isn’t unique to Pershing yachts, in terms of aesthetics, what sets the yacht apart from the competition is the interior.
Pershing’s target audience, “somebody looking for something unique, with a special design that makes everybody turn their heads when they see the yacht cruising, or simply docked in a marina,” according to Antonelli, are looking for a little more, something that visually sets the interior of their yacht apart from the competition. Here’s where Pershing’s alliance with high-end Italian brands comes in. In the past the company has collaborated with the likes of Poltrona Frau, Bisazza, Christofle and Chopard, to name but a few. This time, Fendi Home, one of Italy’s biggest names, is designing the interior.
Replete with signature gold and metallic colours, rich burgundies, cognacs, gold and silver create a modern, stylish interior. There’s a danger that so many bold, powerful colours could overwhelm the guest, ruining the altogether sleek exterior, but somehow this never happens. It takes a while to realise why: the lighting. Inconspicuous LED lights are set throughout the interior, bathing the visitor in a warm glow. The subtle use of light perfectly compliments the up market décor of the yacht. Antonelli surmises it nicely, “warm, refined environments and a sought-after evocation of simple, elegant luxury create an ideal setting for an icon of Italian-made style,” we’re inclined to agree with him.
The salon area contains a number of circular sofas, a 52-inch television, a dining table, a service lift and refrigeration and storage units with four Marioni lamps rounding off the striking living area. Cream leather is a recurring feature throughout the yacht, as are fitted carpets and parquet flooring; one noticeable exception is the helm station, clad as it is in dark grey leather, providing a fitting contrast to the shining, almost futuristic controls. The helm station itself is a modern masterpiece, raised, adjustable seats clad in dark leather and the latest navigation and communication tools create a state of the art area that’s both beautifully appointed and at the cutting edge of technology.
The living and entertainment areas of the yacht are something to behold, a flat screen TV and a set-up that includes the latest in audio/visual equipment allows guests to immerse themselves in a truly luxurious environment. The cabins themselves all feature independent heads, emphasising privacy and individuality. Of the master cabin, Antonelli says, “The walls are covered in camel-coloured leather, and have been padded to double as backrests for the two side benches in “De Le Cuona” design cream-coloured fabric. The wall in which the bed is inserted is marked horizontally by the lighting system. A large mirror above the bed follows the wall around. Underneath, on the other hand, the headboard is camel-coloured once again. A writing desk complete with “Flos” lamp could be utilised as an office. The large dressing area is in sycamore maple and the floor covering is custom made.” The level of customisation available is impressive as is the attention to detail in all the fittings. When you then consider that there’s accommodation for up to six crewmen, a laundry area and a fully operational galley fully stocked with Miele appliances, it’s clear that Pershing have created the potential for an exception living experience on board.
The P115’ is an astounding yacht and is sure to usher in a new wave of vessels powered by this aeronautical technology. Pershing has raised the bar in terms of the power plant, creating a boat that can offer everything almost without compromise: speed, beauty, space and elegance. The Fendi Home interior will certainly appeal to many, but the true genius of this yacht lies “under the hood”. Once again, a luxury brand leads the way, innovating and showing an entire industry what’s possible.
CONTACTS
Abu Dhabi
Sea Pros Yachts,
Jamal Al Suweidi Bldg,
Al Muroor Rd Bridge,
+971 5 0950 1156
Egypt
Sea Pros Yachts,
El Gouna Resort - New Marina,
El Gouna,
+20 19 12 71989
Kuwait
Sea Pros Yachts,
Meshal Tower,
Jaber Al Mubarak Street,
+965 222 50 244
Lebanon
Sea Pros Yachts,
Main road,
Dbayeh,
+961 4 541 840
