Forty years ago, Pershing delivered its first vessel, the Pershing 45. Designed by Fulvio De Simoni, the launch blended aggressive styling and high-performance engineering with what were then advanced features such as hydraulic gangways and radar arches. It had speed, curves, and pizzazz; yachting without being tacky. Beyond its sleek exterior, the 45-footer’s swanky interior and ability to pass 60 mph became the launchpad for Pershing’s reputation as a leader in luxury sport yachts. It’s a reputation that would evolve with ever-more ambitious models over the next two decades. The company started with very humble beginnings. Founders Tilli Antonelli, Fausto Filippetti, and Giuliano Onori gave their start-up the inauspicious name, Cantiere Navale dell’Adriatico (which translates to “Shipyard of the Adriatic”), and the initial work involved repairing wooden boats. It wasn’t until the trio crossed paths with naval architect De Simoni that Pershing started to challenge yachting’s norm for speed and..
