Persico Marine has delivered its latest cutting-edge sailing yacht, the 30.5-metre Magic Carpet e, from its advanced facilities in La Spezia, Italy. The high-performance yacht was commissioned by Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, the Welsh businessman renowned in sailing circles as the owner of Magic Carpet Cubed, a 30.5-metre Wally yacht and regular on the regatta circuit.
The new Magic Carpet e is poised to elevate offshore racing standards, with Persico Marine describing the project as offering “unmatched performance at the highest levels of competitive sailing.” Designed by the acclaimed duo Axel de Beaufort and Guillaume Verdier—whose recent work includes the 46.5-metre Perini Navi catamaran ArtExplorer—Magic Carpet e pushes the boundaries of innovation in lightweight construction, sustainable propulsion, and elite comfort.
A Hybrid Powerhouse
A major feature of Magic Carpet e is its integrated hybrid system, centred around a high-density battery bank that powers all onboard systems, from winches to air conditioning. The yacht can be conveniently charged dockside via a 20kW charger, completing a full cycle in approximately five hours. This innovation enables a quieter, cleaner operation without compromising performance—a significant leap forward in eco-conscious yachting.
Performance Without Compromise
According to Persico Marine, Magic Carpet e is 10 tonnes lighter than its predecessor—an achievement the yard describes as a “breakthrough” that could “reshape the future of offshore racing.” Despite this drastic weight reduction, the yacht has not sacrificed luxury or comfort.
“I love racing and I am looking forward to the new season – but I also love sailing for the sheer pleasure of it,” said Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones. “Why would I choose to own a pure racing boat on which most of my friends would not want to sail, and then spend my summer getting terminally bored cruising on a motor yacht?”
This statement underscores the dual-purpose philosophy behind Magic Carpet e—a sailing yacht built for performance without neglecting the lifestyle expectations of its owner and guests.
A Growing Legacy
Magic Carpet e joins an elite fleet of just five yachts launched by Persico Marine, with the largest to date being the 43.5-metre Kauris IV, delivered in 2020. While full specifications of the new vessel remain under wraps, the yard’s reputation for engineering precision and design innovation signals another landmark in performance yachting.
As the Mediterranean regatta season kicks off, Magic Carpet e is set to make waves not only for her speed but for the statement she makes about the future of sustainable high-performance sailing.
