A new era dawns for Wally as the new wallywind110 makes her world debut at Monaco Yacht Show 2024
by Wally 28 Sep 06:29 BST
25-28 September 2024
Wallywind110 © Gilles Martin-Raget
The first sailing yacht in Wally's new wallywind collection, Galma, debuted at Monaco Yacht Show 2024 (25-28 September).
The jaw-dropping wallywind110 is the largest to have been delivered since the Ferretti Group took the helm at Wally, and she is evidence of the company's commitment to sailing with a second hull already in build.
"Ever since Wally came into the universe of Ferretti Group, it has carried on being Wally," explains Avv. Alberto Galassi, Ferretti Group Chief Executive Officer. "The point is to keep creating yachts that are completely different to the rest of the yachts in the sailing world. With the wallywind110, we've managed to introduce something that is distinct: the boats are completely customisable staying true to Wally's tradition, but with Ferretti Group industrial approach, so no two will ever look the same."
Wallywind is a story that began in 2022, with the concept for a series of high-performance sailing yachts from 110-150ft LOA. In this first model, all the brand's famous sailing DNA is on display, allying quintessentially minimal Wally lines with slick performance and the features of larger yachts.
"This first marvelous sail model since Wally became part of Ferretti Group in 2019 is a very significant yacht for us," continues Galassi. "Not only she is making the world debut in the brand's 30th anniversary year, but also reaffirms how relevant the sailing superyacht sector is for Ferretti Group. Our goal is to keep ahead of market trends by designing yachts that set new standards in both yachting and design."
Naturally, the wallywind110 is built in carbon fibre composite, a material which Wally introduced to the sailing world and in which it still excels. High modulus carbon spars and rigging combine with her minutely optimised judel/vrolijk & co hull to produce exhilarating cruising capabilities and trophy-winning race potential - all with a minimal crew. The metallic blue hull shimmers a different colour depending on the sunlight.
Delivering the outdoor life
The cockpit area alone sets her above much larger yachts. More than 80 square metres of astonishingly comfortable sofas, sunbeds and informal dining can be configured in different ways according to the owner's needs. The space is completely unencumbered by the sailing controls, which are all concentrated aft. Even under way, guests can sit back and enjoy the sail without lifting a finger. And unlike many large sailing boats, the cockpit itself has no steps - it is a single, vast expanse of flush decking all the way aft to the sunbeds.
What's more, this guest cockpit is incredibly well equipped. On Galma, there are fridges cleverly hidden here, so it is no longer necessary to call down to the galley below for refreshment - just take what you want!
Another Wally trademark is the sleek, low profile that the boat presents from the side. She gives the impression of a totally flush deck with almost no coach roof to interrupt the lines. "The cockpit is deep, but you don't see this from outside the boat," explained Wally Founder and Chief Designer Luca Bassani. "It helps to conceal the coachroof, giving the impression of a flush-decked yacht. In reality, the wallywind110 has all the benefits of a raised saloon without any of the aesthetic drawbacks."
There is a foredeck lounge area, but the pick of the outdoor relaxing space is Wally's famous terrace-on-the-sea at the stern. This is one of the stand-out features that have made the brand famous, and on the wallywind110, it delivers a stunning social centre right on the water. Lounge, chat or watch a water sports session unfold.
"In all these 30 years, I've never had owners so radiantly happy with their new Wally," said Bassani. "It means, not only do the couple love what we have designed, but what we have built and the quality we have achieved. I can say hand on heart, that this is the best Wally sailing yacht ever delivered."
Magnificent comfort
Being a raised deck saloon design has some important benefits below deck. Crucially, by creating space below the saloon sole for the engine room and other technical equipment, the rest of the boat is freed up to use as accommodation. It means that the wallywind110 is able to offer up to four large guest cabins and three for crew, plus the option of a bar, office or TV room.
The interior configuration can naturally be amended to suit the owner, but there is a lot of space to play with. The raised saloon is the centrepiece of life below deck, endowed with hull lights, windows and skylights so that natural light pours in. Galma has a large dining table for up to eight people positioned on the starboard side with deep sofas arrayed to port.
On this first example of the wallywind110, the interior styling comes from the close cooperation between the Wally design team headed by Luca Bassani with Studio Santa Maria Magnolfi. Naturally light woods combine with pale upholstery and carbon fibre detailing to create a contemporary, informal feel that makes the yacht a welcome haven while hinting at her speed potential.
Thrilling performance
Like all Wally yachts, the wallywind110 has been designed and engineered to perform at the very top of her potential. She is no stripped-down racer, bereft of the comforts of the yachting life, but rather an eye-wateringly capable hybrid that combines speed with ease of handling and relaxed living.
Twin rudders and a carefully designed hull make for ample responsiveness on the helm. The standard 4.50m keel (lifting option 4.50m - 6.80m) is set against a 635 square meter upwind sail plan for tremendous power, carefully controlled (as an option, the square top mainsail can be chosen, which increases the sail area by approximately 30 square metres). And the boat can deploy an astonishing spread of 1,296 square meters downwind for scintillating racing or fast passage times.
"The wallywind110 is ideal for an experienced owner of motoryachts and is now willing to make the jump to over 100ft sustainable sailing yachts, in order to get the extra comforts of four guest cabins and three crew cabins," adds Bassani. "The ideal owner will be in their 40s or early 50s, have a family who enjoys cruising throughout the summer but also participating in one or two regattas a year with his/her friends."
Based on the wave of interest which accompanied the build of the first hull, Wally has already begun work on a second hull, which will display some slight differences and optimisations.