Ferrari Reveals Energy Management System for Hypersail Ocean Racing Yacht

Ferrari has unveiled the energy management concept for its Hypersail project, outlining the technology that will power what it describes as the world's first fully foiling monohull designed for offshore racing with complete energy autonomy.

The 100-foot yacht has been developed with a fully electric onboard energy architecture that eliminates reliance on conventional combustion-powered systems. Instead, it combines solar and wind energy harvesting with power generated by the crew to operate sailing systems and flight-control functions during long-distance ocean racing.

According to Ferrari, the energy management system was developed by the Hypersail technical team in Maranello with a focus on integrating multiple onboard systems while maximising efficiency. Renewable energy harvested from solar panels and wind turbines is supplemented by electricity generated by the crew through a new Winch-by-Wire system.

The Winch-by-Wire technology replaces conventional mechanical and hydraulic winch systems by converting the crew's physical effort directly into electrical energy. Rather than transmitting force mechanically, the electricity generated is distributed across the yacht to power sail adjustments and hydraulic systems. Ferrari says the technology allows crew members to maintain a more consistent operating cadence while handling loads of up to nine tonnes. The electric motors used in the system are derived from those employed in the active suspension systems of the Ferrari Purosangue and F80. 

"Hypersail is the first foiling monohull for ocean racing to achieve complete energy autonomy. Thanks to an electrical system that ensures the ideal balance between efficiency and performance, alongside innovative solutions such as Winch-by-Wire, all on-board adjustments are powered entirely by energy generated while underway," said Marco Guglielmo Ribigini, Technical Team Leader of Ferrari Hypersail.

Below deck, the yacht uses an electronic control system with four voltage levels ranging from 12V to 800V. Ferrari has also developed an active Flight Controller that manages hydraulic flow for foil arms, the canting keel and control surfaces through separate operating modes for slower structural adjustments and rapid flight-control movements.

Energy is stored in twin 800V battery packs, which distribute power according to operational requirements. Renewable energy generation is supported by approximately 100 square metres of walkable solar panels integrated into the deck and topsides, while removable wind turbines mounted at the stern supplement power generation depending on sailing conditions. Ferrari said the placement of these systems was optimised to maximise energy output while limiting aerodynamic drag and additional weight.