Ducati enters nautical world with Pirelli Speedboats

In news you probably didn’t expect to read today, Italian motorcycle maker Ducati is dipping its toes into the nautical world.

The Borgo Panigale firm has partnered with Pirelli and SACS Marine for a special collaboration that will be revealed at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival.

Of course, Ducati isn’t suddenly looking to establish its own range of boats. Instead, it is lending its expertise and DNA to a special-edition model in the Pirelli Speedboats range, which itself is a partnership between Pirelli and SACS Marine.

The new vessel will celebrate Ducati’s 100th anniversary and feature an exclusive livery and design elements developed by Centro Stile Ducati.

It is based on the all-new Pirelli 44, a high-performance luxury day boat with a hybrid rigid inflatable boat (RIB) construction. While its stepped hull is closer to that of a conventional vessel, the boat is characterised by large inflatable fenders that give it a distinctive RIB appearance.

The 13.5-metre Pirelli 44 has an open deck layout with plenty of entertaining and lounge areas, along with cabin accommodation below deck. The Pirelli 44 was also revealed at Cannes this week.

“Performance is a language that Ducati, Pirelli, and SACS Marine speak every day, each in their own world,” explained Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali.

“It is precisely this shared vision that made it natural for us to embark on this journey together. In a few days, we will unveil the result and I am convinced that enthusiasts will recognise at first glance what makes this project truly unique.”

This isn't Ducati's first splash in the boat world, having lended its name to the Cigarette Racing 42X Ducati Edition in 2011.

Ducati's new marine endeavor follows a similar path to its stablemate Lamborghini, who has previously partnered with Tecnomar for a branded superyacht.

The final Ducati speedboat is expected to be officially unveiled at the Cannes Yachting Festival on September 10.