Here’s Kanga, the first WallyAce megayacht built by Wally. The WallyAce series is Wally’s way of addressing long-range cruising aboard motoryachts in a more economical and more voluminous way than most current offerings in the marketplace.
The 80-foot (26.23-meter) Kanga, like two other WallyAce models under construction, bears a few design elements that enhance fuel economy. Primary among these is a bulbous bow. It’s combined with a plumb bow, which helps part waves. The overall design, developed in-house, is termed Wallybow. (Clearly Wally also recognizes the advantages of branding.)
Further related to fuel economy, Kanga is powered by twin 385-hp Caterpillar C12s. That horsepower may seem quite low for most megayachts in Kanga’s size range, and it is. Consider that a popular 85 built stateside bears 1,500-hp engines, while an 88 built in Asia has 1,800-hp engines. But, Wally deliberately chose lower-horsepower engines because the displacement-style WallyAce is intended for more leisurely cruising, therefore lower fuel consumption. Unlike the 85 and 88 mentioned above, which each see top speeds around 25 knots, Kanga is said to top out at 13 knots. Wally anticipates a best cruise at 11 to 11½ knots, with range close to 3,000 nautical miles. Dropped down to 9 knots, the megayacht should see a 5,000-nautical-mile range. Tomasso de Luca, Wally’s technical manager, says Kanga should also consume just 1.3 gallons (5 liters) per hour at the best-cruise speeds. Draft is 5’9” (1.75 meters).
Kanga further meets the MCA’s SCV Code for charter yachts. SCV, or “Small Commercial Vessel,” applies to yachts of less than 24 meters load (78’5”) line length. It outlines construction and safety standards, manning requirements, and more. In terms of the construction requirements, Wally says Kanga’s fiberglass hull skins are 50-percent thicker. However, since Kanga is classed as a private yacht, Wally says she can be operated without a professional crew. (While unusual in Europe, there are other owner-operated yachts in Kanga’s size range.)
One of the technical elements also translates to a creature comfort. Plumb bows tend to permit more usable space inside. Wally combined that with a beamier overall layout that it says makes the WallyAce 10 to 15 percent wider than comparably sized megayachts. Kanga’s beam is 25’5” (7.75 meters), which is more on par with that of a 100-footer. Also consider the beam of the 85 mentioned above is 21’3” (6.47 meters), and the 88 mentioned above has a 21-foot (6.4-meter) beam.
More creature comforts aboard Kanga include teak joinery throughout her three decks and floor-to-ceiling windows on the main deck. The megayacht also has accommodations for 10 in the owner’s party. (Two of the four cabins have pullmans.) A nice touch: direct beach-club access from the owner’s suite and VIP cabin. The four-person crew, meanwhile, has direct access to the tender garage. Fore and aft seating areas on the main deck plus a good-size sundeck round out the features.
UPDATE, JUNE 29, 2012: Another WallyAce, to be christened Marissa, is expected to debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in September.
Leave a Reply