Chase Boat Ferretti 720 Riding the Crest of the Wave

RIDING THE CREST OF THE WAVE

A unique experience: luxury, well-being and comfort abound aboard the Ferretti 720, a sporty, dynamic-looking yacht with superbly designed quality furnishings and details

by Roberto Franzoni

Stretching 22.3m in length and 5.6 in the beam, the Ferretti 720 is the product of a joint effort between Filippo Salvetti, who penned the exteriors, and the Ferretti Group which supplied the interiors and the engineering. The exterior areas are wonderfully versatile: the forward sun pad converts to a sofa and with a hideaway coffee table creates the perfect dining area (page opposite). There is even a fold-down transom bench

The result of a collaborative effort between the Ferretti Group’s Product Strategy Committee and the Engineering Division, the 720 is the second Ferretti yacht with exteriors by architect Filippo Salvetti and the aforementioned Group, while its interiors are the work of the in-house architects. This 22.3m has warm, welcoming, versatile spaces both interior and exterior. The bow area is very roomy and furnished as a lounge. The 30 sqm flybridge is made from carbon-fibre to reduce weight high up and lower the yacht’s centre of gravity. It has a hard top - a choice of three versions is available: with a fixed glass window, integrated bimini or or adjustable louvers. Salvetti has further visually lightened it by opening it up and making it as airy as the wings of a bi-plane. Large parallelepiped hull windows taper towards the bow and mirror the yacht’s rake. This lightens the mass of the freeboards and creates a black and white colour contrast that lends a real dynamic zing to the flanks. At first glance the 720 might look fairly straightforward but looks can be very deceptive… the stern for example, hides a bench set into the opening transom, while the hydraulic swim platform, which is large enough to stow a 3.95m tender, slides down to reveal sets of steps on both sides. An unusual, convenient and spectacular touch. The interiors too provide their own take on the concept of

In the saloon on the main deck (above), the dining area is slightly raised to guarantee visual continuity with the sea. The full-width glass doors connected the saloon and cockpit (top right). The sleeping quarters are on the lower deck with the 20 sqm master stateroom amidships (bottom right) taking up the full beam

comfort and well-being that is the signature of Ferretti’s entire fleet. The large open plan area at deck level connects the living area with the dining area. The living area has two large face-to-face sofas and gigantic windows that flood it with light and provide a genuine sense of contact with the sea in addition to great views. The dining area is up a step to provide visual continuity with the outside world. The sleeping quarters are below decks. The full-beam 20 sqm master suite is amidships with two guest two-berths further forward sharing a bathroom that also doubles as a day toilet. There is also a classic VIP forward with its own bathroom complete with separate shower. The master suite picks up on the textural and

colour interplays seen on the main deck. Generally speaking, the style is a mix of different textures including the ribbing on the walls, the lines on the ceiling, the grid motif on the head rests and the angled lined motif in the saloon. All work very well and harmoniously together, however. Owners have a choice of two decors. The features light and neutral elements, while the second has a darker colour palette. One distinctive element is the saloon sideboard which in the lighter version is available in walnut with an angled grain motif but the dark version is polished ebony. The walls on both the main and lower decks are trimmed in an innovative nanotech material called Fenix which has been given a ribbed finish. Fenix reflects very little light and so has an extremely opaque, matt finish. It is pleasantly tactile and very hard-wearing. The ribbed finish creates light and shade interplays as guests move into the saloon and all the way to the stairs to the cabins. Meticulous attention was lavished on getting the lighting just right too. A combination of inset LEDs in the ceilings creates a soft, gentle ambience and this is offset with independent adjustable vertical spots for highlighting specific areas. The system allows the owner to choose the brightness and lighting effects on the main deck and all the areas on the lower one too. www.ferrettigroup.com

The aerial image below shows the Ferretti 720 underway: it is powered by a couple of 1,200 hp Man V12s which unleash a top speed of 32 knots and a cruising one of 28. Opposite, the cockpit (top) with outside stairs leading to the 31 sqm fly (below) which has a louvered hard top