Persico Cat 72 - A green cruising catamaran… that flies!

This catamaran will feature foils of more than 22 feet (7 meters) that will be fully automated. This flight management system is the best of its kind, as it is directly developed from the VPP Gomboc optimization software, used aboard Team New Zealand's AC50 and AC75. The objective of naval architects Morrelli and Melvin, in charge of the Persico 72, is to give the catamaran lift (8”/20 cm above its usual waterline) from 9 knots of wind, and to fly completely from 13 knots of wind. The catamaran could then clearly exceed 20 knots, given that the speed predictions are based on a potential of 26 knots upwind and 40 downwind! To fly so easily, the architects did not hesitate to go for a adopt carbon foam/Nomex sandwich construction. All the fittings are made of carbon, a material also chosen for the rotating wing mast as well as the boom which were designed by Southern Spars. When the motors are included, the two 25 kW Torqeedo Deep Blue motors and the battery pack, the weight is estimated at just over 20 tons - comparable to that of a Gunboat.
The control system will be able to offer top performance, but also to calm down by switching back to Archimedes mode at the skipper's command. A crew of three will be sufficient to get the most out of this multihull with three helm/maneuvering stations - one at the after end of each hull and one inside. In light airs, the Persico 72 will be able to retract its foils completely and will then rely more conventionally on lateral daggerboards and rudders (T-foil rudders, all the same).
Under motor, the predicted cruising speed is 8 knots. The coachroof will be equipped with solar panels able to produce 2 kWp.

Builder: Persico Marine
Architects: Morrelli and Melvin
Interior design: Design Unlimited
Material: Carbon foam/Nomex sandwich
Length overall: 79’1” (24.1 m)
Hull length: 72’ (21.95 m)
Length at waterline: 70’4” (21.45 m)
Beam: 31’2” (9.5 m)
Draft: 2’2”/17’5” (0.65/5.31 m)
Light displacement: 46,300 lbs (21 t)
Water: 2x 118 US gal (2 x 450 l)
Motors: 2 x 25 kW
Power cruising speed: 8 knots
Max. sailing speed: 40 knots

www.persicomarine.com