Here’s Hamilton, the first megayacht in Wally’s WallyCento series.
The launch took place yesterday. The rendering below depicts what Hamilton will look like when completed.
The “cento” part of the WallyCento name refers to the LOA, just shy of 100 feet. WallyCento is conceived around the Wally box rule, specific parameters involving length, beam, displacement, and more to get the best performance. Wally has determined an LOA of 98’4” to 99’10” (30 meters to 30.48 meters, respectively) is ideal, as is a beam between 21’3” and 23’6” (6.5 and 7.2 meters). Furthermore, displacement should be 45 to 50 tons, and draft should remain between about 15 and 20 feet (4.5 and 6.2 meters), depending on whether the yacht employs a fixed or lifting keel.
Wally introduced the fiberglass WallyCento sailing superyachts when a few owners indicated they’d like to race against one another more competitively, yet still enjoy the luxury afforded by a cruising yacht. The WallyCento series lets compete the Wally Class circuit and IRC-governed races, plus of course friendly regattas. Hamilton is set to compete in two high-profile races this year: the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Voiles de Saint Tropez, both in September.
Hamilton was constructed in Hythe, England, not Wally’s own WallyEurope yard in Italy. The reason: Wally lets WallyCento owners choose other fiberglass specialists, upon approval. Also open to owner choice: the designer. Hamilton’s owner tapped Judel Vrolijk & Co. for naval architecture. One of the firm’s founders was chief design for Team Alinghi during its successful America’s Cup bid in 2003, so you could say it knows a bit about racing. The owner also selected Design Unlimited for interior design. It employs pale woodwork and recessed handles to reflect a combination of the owner’s style and Wally’s typical streamlined approach.
Hamilton further is equipped with the three-spoke steering wheel developed solely for the WallyCento series. Wally selected industrial designer Konstantin Grcic for its creation. The two first worked together when Grcic was asked to design two trophies for the Nespresso Cup race, a Wally event, in 2010.
The second WallyCento, to be christened Magic Carpet Cubed, isn’t far behind Hamilton. She’s under construction at WallyEurope for launch later this year.
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