Mercedes-Benz-designed boat completes first sea trials

Sleek-looking Silver Arrows Marine Granturismo expected to cruise at 30 knots when launched in 2013

This remarkable looking boat is the Silver Arrows Marine Granturismo and it has just undergone its first successful sea trials.

The 46ft boat is being built in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Style, and looks unfinished because its superstructure has yet to be added.

The idea of the trials was to test the qualities of the boat’s long, sharp hull, and see if it could maintain a dry ride at its 30-knot cruising speed.

“This was an exciting moment for Silver Arrows Marine and I am pleased to say the boat showed all the potential we expected, and more,” said SAM CEO Jacopo Spadolini.

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Behind the helm for the first sea trials was SAM marketing and PR director, Paolo Bonaveri.

“The hull is very new and different in terms of its profile and in certain sea states it impressed us greatly for its manoeuvrability and comfort,” Bonaveri said.

“We liken our motor yacht to a Granturismo motor car: dynamic but with great comfort and luxury, and the trials showed we are on the right course.”

Plans for the boat were first unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show, its inspiration being the highly successful Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows racing cars of the 1930s.

The British company hopes to have the first Granturismo available for purchase in September 2013, with a price tag of around €800,000-€1 million.

Ron Gibbs, SAM chairman, said: “The success of this important first step in the development process means the SAM motor yacht is on its way.

“The hull has shown what it can do, now the focus can shift to the superstructure. We have a great deal still to do but I am confident the first SAM prototype is progressing well.”

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