Ferrari Hypersail Reveals First Members of Its Ocean Racing Team
Maranello, September 21, 2026 — Ferrari Hypersail has reached another important milestone in the development of its ambitious ocean-racing project, announcing the first members of the sailing team who will take part in sea trials and the future racing program for its 100-foot full-foiling monohull.
Joining Project Leader Enrico Voltolini are two highly experienced figures from the world of competitive sailing: Giulia Conti, a World and European Champion and winning helmswoman of the inaugural Women’s America’s Cup, and Shannon Falcone, an accomplished offshore sailor whose career includes six America’s Cup campaigns and multiple ocean-racing records.
Ferrari Hypersail has been conceived around an unusually demanding combination of technology, speed and offshore endurance. Designed to pursue records and compete in offshore racing, the 100-foot monohull requires a crew capable not only of sailing at high performance but also of understanding and managing complex onboard systems.
The sailors will therefore have a role that extends well beyond racing. During the development program, they will contribute directly to the boat’s evolution through continuous data collection, testing and onboard validation, providing the engineering and design teams in Maranello with information gathered from real-world conditions at sea.
«“With Ferrari Hypersail we are taking on a challenge that has never been attempted before in the world of sailing,” said Voltolini. “Pushing a boat with these characteristics to peak performance requires much more than talent at the helm or during maneuvers: it takes nautical intelligence and the ability to manage unprecedented technology for the open ocean.”»
According to Voltolini, Conti and Falcone bring the combination of expertise and versatility Ferrari is seeking as it builds the Hypersail team.
Enrico Voltolini — Project Leader
As Project Leader, Enrico Voltolini will oversee the sporting development of Ferrari Hypersail, including crew formation and coordination between the sailing operations at sea and Ferrari’s Maranello-based technical center.
His position will also serve as an important link between the sailors and the engineers and designers developing the boat.
Data and observations collected during sea trials will be translated into information that can be used to refine the vessel’s technical development. Voltolini will therefore play a central role in connecting what happens on the water with the ongoing engineering work at Maranello.
Giulia Conti — Flight Development, Navigation and Automation
Giulia Conti brings extensive experience at the highest levels of international sailing to the project.
A four-time Olympic competitor as a helmswoman, Conti won the 2015 World and European titles in the 49er FX before going on to win the inaugural Women’s America’s Cup in 2024.
Her role with Ferrari Hypersail will focus on navigation development, flight-system management and onboard automation. She will also be involved in integrating the crew with the monohull and in planning and coordinating simulator and sea trials.
Her experience will be particularly important in interpreting the boat’s dynamic behavior and helping develop its electronic control systems.
«“Being part of Ferrari Hypersail is an incredible challenge: it means helping chart a new course for sailing,” said Conti. “My goal is to bring my experience to the Team to ensure that technology does not replace human intuition, but rather empowers the sailors to push the boat to its absolute maximum potential in every situation.”»
Shannon Falcone — On-Water Operations and Safety
Shannon Falcone brings a different but equally important set of experience to Ferrari Hypersail, built around offshore racing, high-performance sailing and complex maritime operations.
His career includes six America’s Cup campaigns, victories and race records in major offshore events including the Sydney-Hobart, Transpac and Newport-Bermuda races aboard the Maxi Comanche, as well as the historic and still-unbeaten New York–The Lizard transatlantic record.
For Hypersail, Falcone will combine his responsibilities as an onboard crew member with a role supporting the shore team.
His focus will include at-sea operations and the development of safety procedures for the vessel. His offshore experience will be used to help establish the operational procedures required to manage the 100-foot monohull during its most demanding phases.
«“Ocean sailing requires rigorous organization, constant preparation and the application of the highest safety standards,” said Falcone. “The synergy between the shore team and the onboard crew is not just operational support, but the fundamental prerequisite that allows the monohull to express its full potential at sea.”»
Where Technology Meets the Human Element
Ferrari Hypersail is being developed around the idea that technological innovation and human expertise must operate as one system.
The 100-foot full-foiling monohull represents Ferrari’s move into a highly specialized area of ocean sailing, where speed, flight control, navigation, engineering and safety must work together under constantly changing conditions.
With Conti bringing expertise in flight development, navigation and automation, Falcone contributing offshore and operational experience, and Voltolini coordinating the sporting and technical development, Ferrari is now beginning to assemble the team that will take Hypersail from development and sea trials toward its future racing program.
The next phase will be spent on the water, where data, experience and performance will help determine how Ferrari’s ambitious vision for a full-foiling ocean-racing monohull performs in the real world.
