By the end of next year, Wally expects to have the first two members of its new Wallycento series in their owners’ hands.
As you’d expect of Wally, known for dramatically different sailing yachts and motoryachts, the Wallycento is intended to be both a high-performing racer and cruiser. The “cento” part of the model name refers to the LOA, 100 feet (30.48 meters). While much smaller than some of the other cruiser-racer megayachts being built these days, it’s a size that Luca Bassani, president of Wally, says provides the best levels of creature comforts and racing maneuverability.
Basani adds that the series was inspired by a few owners who wanted to race against one another more competitively. They’ll be able to do so within the Wally Class circuit and IRC-governed races as well as other regattas, whether for fun (like The Superyacht Cup) or real bragging rights.
Wally is taking an unusual approach to this project: It’s giving owners input into where the Wallycento will be built. You read that right: With approval by Wally, an owner can tap the construction expertise of a handful of fiberglass yards around the world. Also open to owner choice: the designer. Of course, Wally itself does plan to build some of the yachts, at its own WallyEurope facility in Fano, Italy. But if an owner does choose another yard and designer, Wally says it will oversee the process.
Keeping each Wallycento true to the Wally Class is the fact that the yachts are conceived around what Wally calls a “box rule.” These are specific parameters, taking into consideration length, beam, displacement, and other factors to get the best performance. Wally has determined an LOA of 30 meters (98 feet) to 30.48 meters is ideal, as is a beam between 6.5 and 7.2 meters (21 to 23 1/2 feet). Furthermore, displacement should be 45 to 50 tons, and draft should remain between 4.5 and 6.2 meters (nearly 15 feet to 20 feet), depending on whether the yacht employs a fixed or lifting keel.
Even with the racing edge, the Wallycento is intended to be a relaxation platform. As such, each yacht will be open to owner’s input in design, though Wally does caution a limited number of staterooms and comfort systems need to be kept in mind, to preserve the performance abilities.
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