With Soldini and Elkann, Ferrari becomes a sailboat
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We anticipated this to you yesterday, it is now official. Ferrari enters sailing and does so with Italy’s most famous sailor Giovanni Soldini, who will be “Team Principal” of the Cavallino Rampante’s new adventure on the sea. Objective? The fastest world tour in history (we hope).
A Ferrari flying superboat for Soldini
What boat? Nothing official yet, but it will definitely be a flying superboat with foils around 100 feet which has a dedicated shipyard in Pisa (whether monohull or multi, we will soon find out. We lean toward the monohull, perhaps designed by the ocean monster “guru” Guillaume Verdier and with lots of Italian technology on board, of course. Like Cariboni’s hydraulics).
Giovanni Soldini and John Elkann
The Elkann-Soldini partnership did not end with the 57-year-old Milanese sailor and Maserati parting ways after 11 years and 200,000 miles traveled around the world. Indeed, it gets stronger (47-year-old John Elkann is the chairman of Ferrari). We were right: John Elkann is one of the partners in Maserati, which is part of the carmaker Stellantis, through the Agnelli family’s holding company Exor. But Exor is also a partner, this time a majority partner, in Ferrari, of which John Elkann is also chairman. If in Maserati Elkann is not in charge, in Ferrari he is. Of Exor, he is both chairman and CEO.
Ferrari Goal: round the world tour?
Although the first communiqué does not hint at the goals, we like to think-we bet on it-that it is the most ambitious one of all. In recent years, Giovanni Soldini has specialized in trying to break records in the world’s major regattas/races. He is missing one, the most prestigious, the Jules Verne Trophy. This challenge is nothing more than the prize for those who circumnavigate the world by sailing the fastest.
No boat or crew rules or restrictions
21,600 miles to rocket, in less than those 40 days 23 hours and 30 minutes taken in 2017 by Francis Joyon. We certainly hope we are right…
Ferrari’s statement
A new project is born, a great challenge that originates from Ferrari’s racing DNA and its innovative drive.
The Prancing Horse is preparing to compete in the sailing world under the leadership of navigator Giovanni Soldini, Team Principal of this new adventure. After competing on racetracks around the world, Ferrari explores unprecedented routes that will enhance its signature know-how and drive for continuous progress.
The venture will see the Maranello-based company directly engaged in a unique project under the banner of cutting-edge technologies throughout its entire cycle of conception, engineering and testing. The search for maximum performance on the sea and concrete solutions for sustainability will give rise to innovations that, in keeping with Ferrari tradition, will be an important stimulus for the evolution of our sports cars.
John Elkann, chairman of Ferrari, said.: “We are about to embark on an exciting journey that will expand our racing soul. With this new racing challenge, motivated by our innovativeness and commitment to sustainability, we will push beyond our current boundaries. We are happy to be able to count on John, who is extraordinary in experience, determination and team spirit.”
Giovanni Soldini: “I am excited to start a new adventure with Ferrari. We are working on an important, cutting-edge project with mind-blowing technological potential that brings together different worlds and the highest level of expertise. Participating in the research and development of innovative, planet-friendly solutions with an exceptional team is truly a unique experience.
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