Persico Marine takes on future construction of Infiniti 52 racing yachts

After a lengthy tendering process, future construction of the lightweight Infiniti 52 (Gibraltar, U.K.) racing yachts outside of the U.S. is to be undertaken by Persico Marine (Nembro, Lombardy, and Marina di Carrara, Tuscany, Italy), a privately held yacht design and boatbuilder.

The all-carbon fiber Infiniti 52 is the latest model in the Hugh Welbourn-designed Infiniti range that includes 36-foot, 46-foot and 105-foot models. All are equipped with Welbourn’s dynamic stability system (DSS) retractable foils that protrude laterally from the hull beneath the water to provide extra stability automatically on demand.

Refined over 15 years in extensive CFD and tank testing and with tens of thousands of race miles now under them, the DSS foils on the Infiniti 52 employ the same technology as used on Canova, Sailing Yacht of the Year at the 2020 Superyachts Award and the Quant 23, the 2016 European Yacht of Year. The water-ballasted, fixed-keel 52 is expected to achieve 30+ knot speeds regularly.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Persico for the next generation of Infiniti 52s,” Infiniti Yachts founder, Gordon Kay, notes. “With their impeccable track record and experience in the world of high-performance yachts we have high expectations of Persico and look forward to seeing the first Infiniti 52 from them early in 2023.”

Persico Marine has worked with leading teams in the America’s Cup, the Volvo Ocean Race, Wallycento, Maxi 72, TP52 and IMOCA classes. The company is also engaging in the construction of foiling yachts. It built Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli’s two AC75 challenging yachts for the 36th America’s Cup in Auckland and was the official supplier of the AC75’s one design foil arms for that event.