First Ferretti 550 launched

While the first Ferretti 550 was only just set afloat, three more hulls of the new flybridge have been sold more than one month ahead of its world premiere at the forthcoming Cannes Yachting Festival 2015 from September 8-13.

The Ferretti Yachts 550 marks the boatbuilder's return to the flybridge yachts production under-60 feet in length.

When the first 55 feet hull was recently floated at the Cesenatico quay, powerful feelings of pride were said to stir-up the Ferretti Group’s personnel of the shipyard in Forlì where the yacht was built.

Interior and exterior fit-out, as well as all technical testing — i.e. certification test approval by RINA performance tests, checking of all on-board equipment and systems — were scheduled in the ensuing weeks after the launch and before Cannes boat show.

ASIA-PACIFIC PITCH
"We are enthusiast to see the first Ferretti Yachts 550 put into the water," stated Stefano de Vivo, Ferretti Group’s Chief Commercial Officer.

"This new model is the result of accurate design and engineering work aimed at building a yacht which fully embodies our brand in terms of design, performance, safety, functionality, and reliability.

"Our priority was to put on the market a top-quality, highly competitive yacht, in order to win over current and prospective owners of Ferretti Yachts, not only in our established markets, but also in the Asian Pacific area, where the brand is a synonymous with Italian boat-building excellence."

While the first yacht is just about to be delivered to her French Owner, the second Ferretti Yachts 550 has been sold in the Principality of Monaco. A third unit was bought by a Dutch Owner.

550's DESIGN LINES
The new 55 footer is the result of the cooperation between Studio Zuccon International Project and Ferretti Group’s Engineering Department. The profile of the boat features streamlined, slender lines, blending together refined elegance and a sporty character, the yard says.

The uninterrupted glazing running across the main deck further enhances the boat’s rakish profile, and is complemented by a large, aerodynamic flybridge. Three large glazed surfaces, the cabin's windows, can be found on both sides of the hull.

For her interior spaces and on-board equipment, this yacht enjoys an equal standing with much larger yachts, Ferretti says. Many outdoor relaxation areas have been conceived: the forward dinette area, furnished with facing sofas and a table; the large sunpad on the deckhouse; and the cockpit, featuring a large aft sofa and a table.

On the flybridge, the storage cabinet and the restyled, small-size pilot station instrument panel allow to extend the relaxation areas — both the sunpad and the comfortable dining area — even more.

The architects and designers have found very appealing décor solutions, adding elegance to all on-board ambiances and preserving the range’s unique made-in-Italy style and charm.

LAYOUT OPTIONS
The areas below deck come in as many as three alternative layouts.

The two ‘traditional’ ones include three cabins: the master stateroom, the VIP and the guest cabins, with two or three heads.

The ‘Tai He Ban by Ferretti’ special edition is also available, targeted in particular at the owners in the Asia Pacific region. In this version, some cabins can be replaced by areas devoted to business meetings or social events, and the galley can be moved below deck, thereby further extending the relaxation areas on the main deck.

The new Ferretti Yachts 550 will be powered by twin shaftdrive Cummins QSM11 715hp engines for a top speed of 30 knots and a cruising speed of 26.5 knots, says Ferretti, adding that the range will be 250 and 300 nautical miles.

A bow thruster will be installed standard on the Ferretti Yachts 550, while a gyroscope stabilizing system upon request to ensure even more comfort at anchor and facilitate easy berthing.

The Ferretti Group recently appointed Ray White Marine as its exclusive Australian and NZ distrbutor. Leading into Sydney boat show, Ferretti Group Asia Pacific Sales Manager Fabiomassimo Discoli arrived in Sydney to relaunch the brand locally.