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Ferrari takes to the waves with new sporting challenge

Ferrari is setting its sights on fresh horizons with the announcement of a new initiative in world sailing that will take it a long way from its familiar landlocked motor racing circuits and venues around the globe.

In a media announcement this week, Ferrari said it would be working in partnership with Italian ocean racing yachtsman and acclaimed navigator Giovanni Soldini, who will be serving as team principal.

“We are about to embark on an exciting journey that will expand our racing soul," commented Ferrari chairman John Elkann on Wednesday.

"We are happy to be able to count on Giovanni, who is extraordinary in terms of experience, determination and team spirit," he added.

"With this new competitive challenge, motivated by our innovative capacity and commitment to sustainability, we will push beyond current boundaries."

Read also: Ferrari enters third WEC Hypercar for Kubica, Shwartzman, Ye

“I am thrilled to start this new adventure with Ferrari," commented Soldini. "We are working on an important, cutting-edge project with an amazing technological potential that brings together different worlds and skills of the highest level.

"Working with an exceptional team in the research and development of innovative solutions that are respectful of our environment is a truly unique experience," he added.

Earlier this week, 57-year-old Soldini confirmed the end of his decade-long partnership with Italian carmaker Maserati. Soldini has taken part in two solo round-the-world races during a competitive career spanning 30 years.

Ferrari is by no means the first F1 team to recognise the overlap in advanced science and technology used in high end motor sport and sailing competitions.

Ferrari chairman John Elkann ©Ferrari

Red Bull's chief designer Adrian Newey has worked on an America's Cup entry with British Olympian Ben Ainslie as has Aston Martin CEO Martin Whitmarsh, while James Allison has collaborated on Mercedes sponsors INEOS's project.

Ferrari said that this new venture would "enhance its technological know-how" as a whole and ensure that the company continued to keep moving forward.

A press statement from Ferrari said that the project would "utilise cutting-edge technologies throughout the entire cycle, from conception and engineering to realisation.

"The search for maximum performance at sea will generate innovations and concrete solutions for sustainability that, in line with Ferrari’s tradition, will be an important stimulus in the evolution of its sports cars."

The new initiative is the latest in a programme of expansions announced by Ferrari, which last year confirmed that it was returning to the top Hypercar category of Le Mans and world endurance racing.

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Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.