For four decades, Pershing Yachts has been more than a shipbuilder; it has been a legend, defining the high-performance sport yacht sector with a unique blend of speed, elegance, and groundbreaking technology. Founded in the early 1980s by a trio of passionate entrepreneurs, Tilli Antonelli, Fausto Filippetti, and Giuliano Onori, and guided by the iconic design of Fulvio De Simoni, Pershing quickly evolved from its modest roots to become a global icon under the Ferretti Group umbrella.

The very name, chosen after the American general John J. “Blackjack” Pershing, signals the brand’s relentless focus on power, maneuverability, and speed. Today, as the brand celebrates 40 years of excellence, its fleet—from the aggressive Generation X models to the more family-focused GTX range, continues to push the boundaries of luxury sport yachting.

Here are the three compelling reasons why a Pershing Yacht for sale represents the ultimate investment in speed and style.

Pioneering Performance and Fighter-Jet Technology

Pershing’s core DNA is rooted in a non-negotiable commitment to thrilling performance, setting industry benchmarks for speed and handling that few competitors can match.

This legacy began with the first Pershing 45, which achieved speeds exceeding 37 knots, and continues today with its modern fleet, often utilizing advanced propulsion systems like water jets connected to gas turbines (pioneered on models like the Pershing 115) and powerful triple-engine configurations. This engineering excellence results in a yacht that isn’t just fast, but exhilaratingly agile. Furthermore, the incorporation of features inspired by aerospace design, such as fighter-jet-style helm stations, early adoption of lightweight carbon-fiber construction (on the X Generation), and sophisticated joystick steering, all contribute to a dynamic, precise, and emotionally engaging piloting experience. As Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi once stated, “You don’t drive a Pershing, you pilot one.”

The Unmistakable, Evolving Design of Fulvio De Simoni

A Pershing is instantly recognizable, thanks to the continuous vision of naval architect Fulvio De Simoni, who has designed every single model since the Pershing 45 in 1985. This consistency has created one of the most cohesive and influential design languages in the industry.

De Simoni’s philosophy fuses aggressive, aerodynamic exterior styling with functional innovations. Iconic features include the bold, sleek lines, the “Pershing wing” integrated into the superstructure (a feature since the Pershing 70), and retractable glass doors that blur the line between cockpit and salon. While maintaining this fierce design identity, the brand continues to evolve. The launch of the GTX range in 2023, featuring models like the GTX116, shows a new direction towards “Sport Utility Yachts” with more expansive deck space, family-friendly layouts, and revolutionary innovations like the multi-level, open-side beach club, proving that speed and maximum onboard comfort are not mutually exclusive.

A Heritage of Innovation and Custom-Quality Construction

For four decades, the quality of a Pershing Yacht has been guaranteed by its roots in the Mondolfo shipyard, a specialized, state-of-the-art facility where Italian craftsmanship meets industrial efficiency.

Pershing’s manufacturing process is marked by a refusal to compromise on either tradition or technology. The yard employs skilled, generational craftsmen whose expertise ensures that every detail, from the complex engine installations to the interior cabinetry, meets exacting luxury standards. This traditional craft is seamlessly complemented by technological innovation, such as the implementation of dry painting certified by PPG and the use of carbon fiber to reduce weight and improve structural integrity. Furthermore, Pershing has expanded its capabilities with the flagship Pershing 140, the brand’s largest model and first all-aluminum build, constructed at the Ferretti Group’s Superyacht Yard in Ancona. This continuous investment in cutting-edge facilities and bespoke materials underscores Pershing’s ability to deliver high-speed yachts with the comfort, volume, and customization typically associated with superyachts.