This photo-realistic rendering shows the largest megayacht to date under construction at Ferretti Yachts, the Ferretti 960. The 95’8” (29.2-meter) megayacht additionally features two firsts for Ferretti Yachts, a main-deck master suite and a floodable tender garage.
As is tradition, the Ferretti 960 bears design by Studio Zuccon International Project, AYT Advanced Yacht Technology, and Centro Stile Ferrettigroup, the latter two owned by the Ferretti Group, Ferretti Yachts’ parent company. She also builds on previous designs like the Ferretti 881, but as stated above, has her own features, too. The main-deck master stateroom is a welcome addition, given how many megayacht builders with boats in this size range are incorporating them these days. Leather and Alcantara marble will feature prominently in the sleeping area. The stateroom is not full beam, as the galley is also forward on the main deck. However, the galley is arranged to port, and will likely be long and narrow to allow more space for the master.
As for the floodable tender garage, it’s arguably a first for any megayacht in this size range. Owners who want all deck areas clear of extra equipment and therefore dedicated solely to pleasure seem to be the target buyers. The Ferretti 960 will have a lift-up garage door and a hydraulic swim platform, the latter to ease launch and retrieval of the tender. When lowered, the platform allows some water to enter the garage, and a winch will release or haul the tender. Ferretti Yachts says dinghies up to about 14’8” (4.5 meters) can fit inside, along with scuba and snorkeling gear or SeaBobs.
Much of the rest of the Ferretti 960 follows what buyers would expect to see, these being open layouts and a few options to personalize the space. The sporty profile has abundant windows, sized to permit good views when seated inside. Open-air enjoyment is the emphasis of the flying bridge, with sunpads, a grill and refrigerator for meals and/or cocktails, and seating. If an owner prefers toy stowage up here, an optional davit can go fully aft. And, while there is a fixed hardtop, the center will slide open for more sunlight. Inside, the saloon and dining area are open to one another, with oak wood stained a rich walnut color. Automatic sliding doors leading from the aft deck are optional. Further optional will be either a small refrigerator or wine chiller in the bar area to starboard in the saloon. Yet another option: sliding doors outboard to each side in the saloon to access the side decks. Below decks, four equal-size guest staterooms are just forward of the engine room. They’ll also feature walnut-stained oak, Alcantara marble, and leather.
For the crew, the primary helm will be a raised pilothouse, and a secondary one will be on the flying bridge. The crew’s quarters are the one area that American buyers in particular may question, though. Ferretti Yachts says accommodations for a captain and four crewmembers can be provided, in three cabins fully forward below decks. That’s a high head count for a 96-footer, and therefore could translate into cramped quarters. Given past practices, however, Ferretti Yachts will likely tailor the model once it’s ready to bring it stateside. The first Ferretti 960 will launch next spring, and first models have always been geared toward European buyers.
Otherwise, similar to other Ferretti Yachts projects, the Ferreti 960 will emphasize speed. Three different MTU power packages (16V 2000 M84s, 16V 2000 M93s, and 16V 2000 M94s) should permit top speeds between 27½ and 31 knots and cruise speeds from 24 to 27 knots. The megayacht under construction has the highest horsepower package and therefore highest speeds. Regardless of engines selected, the megayacht will have engine-room access via a watertight door beneath the port-side steps leading down to the swim platform.
The Ferretti 960 will also be EC certified.
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