Stepping aboard the first Ferretti Yachts 500 in Asia, it’s the ample space that first grabs my attention, despite the fact this is the Italian builder’s new entry-level model. Firstly, the depth of both the swim platform and cockpit belies the fact that this is a 50-footer.
Then again, this is no ordinary 50ft motor yacht. Making its debut at the Ferretti Group Private Preview at the Monaco Yacht Club last September, the 500 is the third and smallest of four Ferretti Yachts models featuring an exterior by the renowned Filippo Salvetti, along with the 670 (2018), 720 (2019) and the brand’s flagship 1000 (2021), set to premiere at the Venice Boat Show from May 29-June 6.
Furthermore, it’s the first Ferretti Yachts model to feature an interior by IdeaeItalia, the design studio based in La Spezia, which is also home to one of Riva’s biggest shipyards. And despite being one of the smaller models produced within the Group, only a dozen or so units are scheduled to be built each year.
“It’s not a mass-production yacht,” stresses Fabiomassimo Discoli, Sales and Marketing Director of Ferretti Group Asia Pacific, as he guides me around the 500 in Hong Kong before she was due to head to Taiwan for delivery to her owner. “The high level of finishing and details, especially in the interior, have been mentioned by those seeing it in Asia via video and in other parts of the world.
“Usually in a boat of this size, the competition is in the price. Unfortunately, Ferretti Yachts cannot compete on price because our engineering and production follow the same path as our bigger boats, despite the size of the 500.
“The engineering, the mould, bonding, materials and finishing are still very expensive to manufacture. We do want to be in this size segment, though, to attract newer clients. Some may aspire to own a Ferretti and would like to own a small one.”
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