25m Bolide 80 hits 70+ knots on sea trials

The 24.9-metre Bolide 80 has left the yard in Pisa to begin sea trials and has reportedly "exceeded expectations" by hitting sprint speeds of around 73 knots and cruising speeds of 55 knots. 

"The boat exceeded all design targets in terms of maximum cruising speed and intermediate gaits," explained Fabiana Porciello of Victory Yacht Design & Technology. "Evolution tests confirmed the boat's maneuverability and control at all speeds, thanks to the innovative dihedral rudder system and active control system."

The super-fast model is the creation of Italian yacht builder Bolide Yachts working closely with Victory Design & Technology and Ranieri & Tonissi. Described by the design team as a "hyper muscle yacht",  she has been built in carbon composite at an existing Seven Stars facility in Pisa.

The Bolide 80 is powered by triple MAN 12 V 2000 engines, each delivering around 2,000 horsepower. Range at maximum speed is predicted to be 200 nautical miles, while is expected to have a range of 345 nautical miles at cruising speed.

The planing yacht be fitted with a twin-cabin or triple-cabin configuration and there are various hull colour options available. The yacht has a hideaway automated T-Top and a carbon fibre "wing" cockpit which can be fully deployed at the flick of a switch. In a press release, the yard explained that "airflow goes through the wing and is deflected above the driver's head without the need of a conventional windscreen. Fine airflow adjustments are controlled by the active wing." 

The Bolide project will be made up of a limited fleet of nine models ranging from 18 to 50 metres, with the Bolide 80 marking the first iteration.