The adrenaline-fueled Freccia 800 test: the thrill of speeding across the water at 50 knots

The Freccia 800 in detail

Developed according to the highest standards of the shipyard, which has always been involved in sea racing competitions, each model produced, including Freccia 800, is required to pass rigorous testing of structure, materials and construction procedures.

The infusion technique is used to mold the different units using vinylester resins for the entire laminate, ensuring an excellent power-to-weight ratio and outstanding performance.

The version exhibited at the 63rd Genoa International Boat Show, which is the one we tested, is the standard recreational one: 8.10 meters long by 2.70 meters wide (when tubulars are inflated), with a height of only 1.33 meters. The choice of a very shallow and deep hull finds its full function in yachting, when Freccia 800 is used as a tender for larger boats and must be stowed in lockers of different sizes, thus adapting to all possible heights.

The deck has an ingenious layout: it is spacious, with a dinette in the bow where a coffee table can be added, and a large transformable sundeck aft and forward. The two seats are very sporty, wraparound and adjustable, the teak decking and the various standard accessories such as a ladder, shower, anchor with electric windlass, LED lights, VHF radio, electric inflator make the Freccia 800 the perfect boat even for a day at sea. Awnings, T-top, water ski pole and more can be added as optional extras, giving the possibility to experience this boat not only for commuting, but as a real day-boat.

This recreational version of the Freccia 800 was developed with the aim of offering generous space for sunbathing, a sporty but clean and elegant style, easy handling, and a rational distribution of elements, while maintaining the immense potential of the racing hull.

In the racing version of Freccia 800, the hull remains the same, pushed up to 80 knots during competitions, and precisely for this reason it allows safe navigation at 50 knots in the recreational version.

The typical central opening of the Freccia 800, typical of American “bow riders,” meets (for the first time) Italian style and craftsmanship. The result is a pleasant and practical tender both while cruising and relaxing at sea, and despite the very aggressive styling with dreamy performance, it turns out to be a very comfortable RIB to carry up even many passengers.

Freccia 800 Sea Trial

It’s a fairly quiet morning at the Genoa Boat Show, it’s sunny and the bad weather has just passed, but it’s still not clear, as can see from the sea, which is not very calm.

I climb aboard Freccia 800 from the aft sundeck and sit on the passenger seat; right away I realize how wrapping and comfortable it is, I expected this RIB to be sporty, but not to this degree, and I immediately wonder why – a doubt that was answered shortly thereafter.
Claudio Aiello, Nuova Jolly Marine and Naumatec technician and tester, and I left the port and immediately felt the wind rippling the sea surface, creating waves that didn’t bother us too much, thanks to the Freccia 800’s deep-V hull.

Such a tapered shape, very low center of gravity, and our position inside the boat gave me the impression of being inside a super sport boat, slicing through the waves without the slightest effort, and without being affected by any roll.

Immediately after detecting the speeds of the Freccia 800 equipped with the Suzuki 250-hp outboard engine, I took the helm, having one of the most adrenaline-pumping experiences ever.

I started to accelerate slowly, to get a feel for the response of the engine in such a light and sporty boat, and as I imagined, it was almost immediate. Within seconds I reached 30 knots, whizzing over the water in a smooth and extremely enjoyable manner.

Shortly thereafter I tried to turn more or less tightly, trying to see where the limit of having such a peculiar hull might be … limit that I did not find since the handling, agility and precision of this RIB are impressive.

In spite of the rough seas, thanks to the very low and elongated hull, Freccia 800 turned as if it were on a track, all the while the speed kept dizzyingly increasing. I came close to 50 knots, increasing more and more adrenaline and wind in my face, so much so that I could hardly keep my eyes open.

It was an incredible thrill, a rush of strength that few times I have experienced, especially considering that even navigating at that speed I always, and I mean always, felt safe.
Such an adrenaline-pumping test that I will certainly remember for a long time!

Test Data

Technical Specs