Pershing takes speed and comfort to new heights with the 5X

(Nov 14): Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Pershing – Ferretti Group’s performance yacht division – has introduced another yacht that not only looks to the future, but pays homage to the brand’s roots.

Back in 1985, Pershing’s first ever yacht was a 45-footer that performed like a powerboat while offering the luxury and comfort of a motor-yacht—a revelation at the time.

The Fulvio De Simoni-designed Pershing 45 established the brand’s reputation, and it looks as though the new 5X – also penned by De Simoni – is set to cement said reputation. Six sales were confirmed even before the yacht’s preview in Monaco prior to its September Cannes Yachting Festival official launch.

As with all Pershings, performance is high on the agenda.

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The 5X is available with two engine options, starting with twin turbo- and supercharged Volvo D11 units offering 750hp each, coupled with forward-facing IPS 950 pod drives with counter-rotating propellers. This option provisionally offers cruising speeds of 30 knots with a 36-knot top speed, all with smart IPS boat-handling characteristics.

Alternatively, buyers may wish to follow a more traditional Pershing path and choose the twin CAT 12.9 option, which are also turbo- and supercharged, but offer two extra litres of capacity for 1,000hp each, coupled to Top System 75X surface drives.

The latter combination offers cruising speeds of 41 knots and tops out at 45 knots, all with that telltale surface-drive rooster tail and surprising efficiency – the range from the 2,200-litre tanks is actually just a fraction better with this engine option.

If a 54-footer with a top speed in the mid 40-knot range isn’t quite impressive enough, the 5X does it all with style.

Passenger comfort is a priority, along with adaptable social spaces, and quality finishing. The cockpit, a natural centre of attention, is protected from the sides with ‘wings’ that should ensure comfort even when underway at speed; as well as under all weather conditions.

There’s also a large sunbathing area with storage underneath, and a height-adjustable coffee table with bench seating on three sides. The starboard side is left clear for access to the salon, and the concealable gangway to the swim platform aft.

The transom can be lowered to 60cm below the waterline for easy tender handling while a removable rail arrangement converts it into a shallow and safe seawater pool. Access to the tender garage is via the lowered transom.

There’s another large sunpad on the deckhouse forward, accessible via gangways to the sides. A nice touch here is the decorative lines through the salon windows that double as handrails.

The salon and cockpit are separated by two glass sections; one can be manually raised towards the cockpit ceiling, while the other opens to the interior. The glass roof of the cockpit can also be removed electrically with an ‘up-and-over’ arrangement.

There are similar arrangements in the salon, with a sliding glass roof over the helm station forward, and the option of fixed glass aft for even more light. Both glass sections can be fitted with integrated curtains and mosquito netting.

The aft section of the salon is a living/dining zone with lounge seating and a large table, while to the port side opposite the helm station there’s a small sofa and chaise longue. The lower deck is dedicated to sleeping spaces and the galley.

For the first time on a sub-60 foot Pershing, there is a full-beam master cabin with an ensuite bathroom midships. The VIP cabin is forward, with a bathroom that also functions as a day head.

Owners have some options for the space between the two. The first hull has a dinette area that doubles up serves as a reception space. However, this can be replaced by a guest cabin with bunk beds that share the bathroom of the VIP cabin, or with a crew cabin with bed, wardrobe, head with shower, and its own discreet entrance to the deckhouse for extra guest privacy. The galley is situated under the helm station to the starboard. With four hull windows each side, with integral elliptical portholes, the lower deck is also flooded with natural light.

Pershing reckons the letter ‘X’ has been borrowed from the aerospace industry, as it represents extreme performance and technical innovation. It may well also be used to describe the extra space that this yacht offers over other speedy 50-footers.

The Italian manufacturer also claims the 5X is the first of its new ‘X Generation’ yachts, so there’s plenty more to come from the brand. Watch this space.

www.davison.com.sg

Pershing 5X
Length overall: 16.51m (54ft 2in)
Beam: 4.38m (14ft 4in)
Draft: 1.35m (4ft 5in)
Construction: GRP
Fuel: 2,200l
Water: 500l
Unladen Displacement: 20,860kg
Laden Displacement: 25,000kg
Sleeping capacity: up to 6 in three cabins depending on layout.
Engines: Twin Volvo D11, 750hp ea/twin CAT 12.9, 1,000hp ea
Top speed: 36/45knots
Cruise Speed: 30/41 knots
Range: 285/290nm