Sacs TecnoRib’s Pirelli 42 takes “Top In-Water Pole Position” 

Sacs TecnoRib’s Pirelli 42 at FLIBS Premiere 

Pirelli the prestigious Italian innovator in competitive high-performance tires and industry icon symbolizing excellence across the “motorsports” board – took top pole position off the asphalt and in the H2O making quite a splash during its North American premiere of the TecnoRib Pirelli 42 this October at the 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

No one loves Pirelli more than Americans, including me. As a little kid, I knew the word Pirelli before I was able to read from always looking up and staring at a huge tire sign hanging on the wall at my grandfather’s automotive business. Growing up in a speed-orientated environment, by the time I learned to read – the Pirelli reputation spoke for itself. For this reason, it was an honor to converse with Gianni De Bonis CEO of Sacs TecnoRib about the overall success of the Milan-based company’s line of walk-arounds, and more specifically, the arrival of the Pirelli 42 to FLIBS slip FG15 along with her sistership, the Sacs Rebel 47.

We sat on the stern of the bombastic black and gray 42-footer RIB, complemented by a trio of Mercury Racing outboard engines taking up key transom real estate behind us – each etched with “450” across the sides of their black and red-striped cowling covers. Apart from the bold and the beautiful contrasting color schematic of both the machine and the motors, that’s 1,350 ponies we’re talking about… a clear indication the Pirelli 42 has been primed for epic acceleration. 

De Bonis, who is all smiles, proudly tells me that with throttles thrust forward… top hop hovers near 68 knots (78 mph). This competitive spirit comes as no surprise, after all, the Pirelli 42 and her two siblings the Pirelli 35 and Pirelli 50 have all been designed in collaboration with the famed Swedish Mannerfelt Design Team (MDT) under the direction of father Ocke who handles the hulls, and son Ted who takes on the decks. 

Top-shelf performance comes as no shock given the Mannerfelt family racing heritage and its experience with the creation of speedboats, but beyond the inner core, the exterior is just debonair. The aerodynamic shaping and modern-yet-minimalist touches take your breath away. One example my eyes kept returning to is the way the external lines flow “hand in hand” with the extremely sturdy grab rails found along the gunwales and around the borders of the helm station. This added level of security cannot be praised enough, especially when there’s a full house and the pilot is in the mood for taking passengers on a WOT joy ride.

Whether campaigned as a day cruiser or yacht chaser, De Bonis confirms 14 guests are welcomed onto the Pirelli 42 with plenty of room to spare, and for those sandbar party days when everyone wants to jump on, feel free to push it to 16 without issue. 

At the bow, a large double lounge pad supplies sun-worshippers the space they need to sprawl out, in addition to the aft-facing bench which lets you fit a few more friends on the foredeck. For those wanting to wet their feet, there’s the open deck layout at the stern, or if just looking to relax, the ideal spot is the generous-sized sofa with fold-down backrest in the middle which affords captivating views in both directions.

When it’s time to get away from the rays, if no space is available under the sheltered two-seat cockpit with eye-catching T-top, the Pirelli 42 “has you covered” literally, with front and rear sunshades that can be easily erected. Below deck, the natural light from side portholes may invite you down the stairs, but it’s the roomy and remarkably tall cabin, equipped with a private head and shower and a convertible dinette that will make you want to stay.

Really, no matter where on the RIB you wish to stay, just being onboard will make your day. Having the Pirelli 42 in America, it just feels right at home. End of story!