The biggest and arguably most innovative superyacht introduced to date by Pershing Yachts, the Pershing 140 is the first model from the brand to be constructed at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona. The first in so many ways – Pershing’s first all-aluminium superyacht and first superyacht with a raised helm station which directly connects to the sun deck, she is also the flagship superyacht model from the Italian yard. Presented at the 2015 Monaco Yacht Show, this 43.3-metre flagship model marked Pershing’s was designed in collaboration with Fulvio De Simoni, the Ferretti Group’s Product Strategy Committee, and the Group’s Engineering Department. With a rather impressive top speed of 38 knots, she’s been finetuned for high-speed thrills and luxury living out on the open waters. Now, ten years on from when she was first announced, how does she measure up in today’s industry in terms of space, engineering and performance? TWW Yachts takes a closer look at what made this superyacht unique, and if she is still, she can still go bow to bow with other similar superyachts in her class.
What Works Well
Performance & Speed
True to Pershing’s legacy, the Pershing 140 delivers an adrenaline-fuelled experience. Powered by four MTU 16V2000 M96L engines, each generating 2,600 horsepower, give her a notable top speed of 38 knots and a cruising speed of 35 knots. Pershing Yachts also included a hydro-jet propulsion system that ensures smooth manoeuvrability, while three Seakeeper 35 stabilisers guarantee a comfortable ride, no matter how rough the waters may become. Few superyachts in this category can match her speed and agility, making her an exceptional choice for owners seeking high-performance cruising.
Innovative use of Aluminium
The Pershing 140’s full-aluminium construction is a major milestone for the Italian shipyard. Unlike traditional fibreglass, aluminium reduces overall weight while enhancing durability, corrosion resistance, and overall performance. A significant step away from Pershing’s innovative use of fibreglass, the lightweight alloy allows for greater efficiency and speed, helping set the Pershing 140 from competitors in her class.
Exterior Design
The Pershing 140 successfully manages to retain the shipyard’s signature aggressive styling, with sleek, dynamic lines that give her a sporty, aerodynamic look. Some of the standout design elements of her exterior include two integrated side wings at the start of the walkways, a contemporary bow shape, and a mooring cover with an automatic up/down mechanism, all contributing to her overall rather modern, yet timeless refined appearance.
Spacious Beach Club
One of the biggest selling points of the Pershing 140 is the aft beach club, which opens on three sides to create a sprawling waterside lounge. The perfect spot to unwind and relax, the space is designed to enhance the indoor-outdoor connection.
A Few Considerations
Interior Volume vs. Performance
Due to Pershing’s emphasis on speed and aerodynamic design, the Pershing 140 does sacrifice some interior volume compared to other superyachts in her category. While the layout is well-optimised, with a sweeping owner’s suite forward on the main deck (another first for the shipyard!) owners looking for expansive interior spaces might find alternatives with larger gross tonnage more appealing.
Maintenance & Operational Maintenance
With advanced systems, hydro-jet propulsion, and an all-aluminium build, the Pershing 140 requires specialised maintenance. Operating a superyacht of this size and category does demand an experienced crew familiar with its specialised features, making it better suited for seasoned owners or those with a dedicated management team.
To this day, the Pershing 140 is still an excellent choice for those looking to invest in a larger yacht. Although her design prioritises performance over interior volume to a certain extent, her spacious decks, luxurious finishes, and innovative features offer a thrilling yet comfortable ownership experience. For those seeking a high-performance superyacht that embodies the essence of the “Pershing thrill,” the Pershing 140 is a worthy flagship for the brand.
