Wally has unveiled the new wallywind series of sailing boats, which range from 110ft to 150ft and “aim to completely redefine the possibilities for owners interested in blistering performance allied to long-range cruising comfort”, according to the Ferretti Group yard.
Building has begun on the first unit of the wallywind110, which is scheduled to be launched in May 2024. The project reunites Wally with naval architecture by Judel/Vrolijk & Co and will sport a full carbon hull along with the builder’s simplified sail-handling system.
Stefano de Vivo, Wally’s Managing Director, said: “The wallywind110 is the equivalent of the Grand Touring car in the automotive world. It is a very powerful yet smooth long-distance cruising machine, but one that could become a serious challenger in a race.
“The boat is ideal for an experienced sailor, maybe someone who has had boats in the 60-80ft range and is now willing to make the jump to the 100ft size range to get the extra comforts.”
Luca Bassani, Wally’s founder and Chief Designer, said: “The 110 is a true hybrid because it offers the volumes and comforts of a deckhouse yacht, but with a flush deck that offers the spirit and the performance of a racing boat.
“The raised bulwarks disguise the fact this is a raised saloon yacht, with the engine room beneath the floor. That means all the advantages of the layout, without the compromised aesthetics.”
Besides the full carbon lay-up, there is a high-performance carbon rig and the choice of three keel types: a fixed 4.5m keel, a 3.95-6.1m telescopic keel or a high-tech 4.5-6.8m lifting keel. The boat has a 40 per cent ballast to weight ratio.
Other technical highlights include the use of lightweight lithium-ion batteries and auxiliary equipment, multiple high-pressure hydraulic pumps for redundancy, and a low-profile twin rudder set-up. The wallywind110 also features Wally’s underwater anchoring system and Magic Trim hydraulic system for the main and jib sheets.
The huge 80sqm cockpit is on a single level and fills the full beam of the boat, up to the deep, safe bulwark — there is no coaming. The twin carbon wheels and the crew companionway are fixed; otherwise, the layout is completely customisable, with seating and dining for up to 15 people among the options.
The removable deck furniture harks back to the heyday of big yacht racing. Every seat, sunbed, lounger and table can be removed and kept ashore to ready the wallywind110 for racing.
There’s a large tender compartment beneath the deck, capable of housing a boat up to 4m long. This keeps the transom clear for swimmers, where a hydraulic bathing ladder can completely retract into the hull.
With the engine room tucked away below the saloon, the interior offers an open-plan space that combines dining, lounging and even working. A single skylight runs the full length of the low-profile coachroof, while hatches and hull windows combined, offer further natural light and views.
Numerous layouts are possible for the owner’s cabin forward including walk-in wardrobes, separate his and hers bathrooms and relaxed seating. There are up to three further guest cabins, plus two more for crew and a further captain’s cabin. The owner can choose the finish, with Wally proposing a sporty whitewashed wooden interior with lots of carbon detailing.
The wallywind130 is suited to an owner with experience of boats around the 100ft mark, but who wants a little more space. It has a deckhouse offering a true raised saloon area that spans the divide between indoors and out.
The wallywind150 is in full carbon-fibre, so offers a real advantage in light airs. Where other boats need 12 knots-plus of wind to hoist the sails, the wallywind flagship can do so in just 6-7 knots due to its exceptionally light displacement.
De Vivo said: “The 130 and 150 are clearly for owners who wish to take long cruises in any sea in the world, on a boat that offers not only comfort and a high degree of service, but also exceptional performance. They are therefore passionate about sailing and the sea.
“The boats will also appeal to young people who want performance and who really connect with Wally’s brand values.”
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