As good as it looks?

Giuliano Luzzatto checks out the new wallywind110 Galma for Seahorse, while watching the 37th America’s Cup match

Sometimes you are lucky enough to have unique experiences, like on 14 October 2024 in Barcelona when I had the opportunity to watch the America's Cup Race 4 between ENTZ and Ineos Britannia from aboard the wallywind110 Galma together with the founder and chief designer of Wally, Luca Bassani. After the race – the fourth point for the Kiwis before the British interrupted their winning streak - we sailed for two hours in 11-13kt breeze and enjoyed this yacht that combines comfort and ease of handling with the excitement of a racer.

The wallywind110 – 33.42 metres plus bowsprit – which made her world debut at the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show, represents a significant milestone for Wally and the wider sailing industry. The name Wally needs no introduction, nor does Ferretti Group – the Wally brand became part of the Group in 2019. This yacht, named Galma like the previous Wally 94 (launched in 2003 as Y3K) for the same owner, now on his third Wally, is the first in the wallywind performance cruiser series, a new line of yachts designed to combine cutting-edge performance with exceptional comfort and the well-known “Wally style” that many have copied over time, especially in powerboats.

‘Since Wally entered the Ferretti Group universe, it has continued to be Wally,’ explains Alberto Galassi, CEO of the Ferretti Group. ‘The point is to continue creating yachts that are completely different from the rest of the yachts in the sailing world. With the wallywind110 we've managed to introduce something that's different: the boats are completely customisable, staying true to Wally's tradition, but with the Ferretti Group's industrial approach, so no two will ever look the same’.

‘This first marvellous sailing model since Wally became part of the Ferretti Group in 2019 is a very significant yacht for us,’ Galassi continues. ‘Not only is she making her world debut in the brand's 30th anniversary year, but she also reaffirms how relevant the sailing superyacht sector is for Ferretti Group. Our goal is to stay ahead of market trends by designing yachts that set new standards in both yachting and design’.

Wallywind is a story that began in 2022, with the concept of a range of high-performance sailing yachts from 110-150ft LOA. In this first model all of the brand's famous sailing DNA is on display, combining Wally's always innovative style and clean lines with the smooth performance and features of larger yachts.

Judel/Vrolijk design comment

The design is based on the wallycento concept with greater emphasis on cruising

The new wallywind110 is based on the successful wallycento concept but adapted for high-performance cruising in line with the original DNA of the Wally yachts. The hull shape is a development of our wallycento geometry but is slightly wider at 7.60m and can accommodate the extra weight of the interior and the complex deck layout.

She has an overall length of 110ft and has approximate 10ft of overhang aft which allows for higher boat speeds and will make allowance also for the different cruising displacement configurations without becoming draggy. The light ship displacement is under 70 tons.

The first wallywind110 has a telescopic keel arrangement with a draught range of 4.5m to 6.9m for optimal upwind and downwind performance in combination with a low displacement for a yacht in this size. This fin-and-bulb arrangement in combination with a square head mainsail will guarantee good all-round performance even in the typically light Mediterranean conditions. The wallywind110 will fulfil the performance expectation of an experienced owner under cruising conditions as well as under racing conditions.

This project is a true hybrid because it offers the volumes and comforts of a deckhouse yacht, but with a flush-deck hull that evokes the spirit and the performance of a racing boat. The raised bulwarks do the job of disguising the fact that this is a raised saloon yacht, with the engine room beneath the saloon floor. That gives all the advantages of this layout without the compromised aesthetics.

Besides the full carbon lay-up, there is a high-performance carbon rig and a choice of three keel types: a 4.5m fixed keel, a 3.95-6.10m telescopic keel or a 4.60-6.80m lifting keel. Not for nothing does this superyacht have an impressive 40 percent ballast to weight ratio.

Other technical highlights include the use of lightweight lithium-ion batteries and auxiliary equipment, multiple high-pressure hydraulic pumps for maximum redundancy, and a low-profile twin rudder set-up. Two further notable features are Wally’s underwater anchoring system and the Magic Trim hydraulic system for the mainsheet and jib sheets.

The wallywind110 is a yacht that epitomises the evolution of sailing performance and luxury design. With her striking aesthetics, versatile layout and high-performance capabilities, she offers a superb sailing experience. This summer Galma sailed more than 3,500 miles in the Mediterranean, many of them under sail, reaching 23kts in 28 of TWS with just the mainsail and jib and no problems. The owner was delighted with the new boat. Whether used for leisurely cruising or competitive racing, the wallywind110 sets a benchmark for high-end sailing yachts, combining innovative technology with Wally's signature style and craftsmanship.

The hull shape combines high form stabiilty with more than three metres of aft overhang, which reduces the chance of stern drag when fully loaded

The wallywind110 is made in Italy and built entirely in carbon fibre foam sandwich composite, a type of construction in which the Wally brand excels. High modulus carbon spars and rigging combined with the naval architecture developed by judel/vrolijk & Co make the wallywind110 a versatile hybrid: whether gliding through blue waters for a leisurely cruise or racing, this yacht is designed to perform. The sleek metallic blue hull catches the light in different ways depending on the sun, creating a striking visual impact at sea. One of the hallmarks of Wally is the sleek, low profile of the boat when viewed from the side. She gives the impression of a completely flush deck, with almost no coachroof to interrupt the lines. ‘The cockpit is deep, but you don't see it from the outside,’ Bassani explains. ‘It helps to hide the coachroof and gives the impression of a flush deck yacht. In reality, the wallywind110 has all the benefits of a raised saloon without the aesthetic drawbacks. Wally has achieved many goals, from performance to ease of sailing, with the wallywind project we wanted to go further this time in terms of comfort, even when sailing. In particular the very large cockpit, which can be fully customised, guarantees guests a yachting experience that is in no way inferior to a motorboat, and with the pleasure of sailing in a more sustainable way, powered by the wind. This is the wallywind philosophy.’

The interior styling plays with the contrast between light hardwood, fabrics and lacquered carbon fibre

Exterior features
One of the most striking features of the wallywind110’s design is the expansive, uninterrupted cockpit space. With more than 80 square metres, fully customisable and dedicated to lounging and dining, the yacht offers an outdoor lifestyle to rival many larger vessels. At the aft end of the boat is Wally's signature “terrace on the sea”, a social hub designed for relaxation and watersports, with direct access to the sea. The exterior design is the result of a collaboration between the Santa Maria Magnolfi Studio, Luca Bassani and the Wally design team. While sailing, we appreciated the comfort of the sofa on the leeward side, just inches from the sea and the lapping water on the hull. From this position we also noticed how clean the stern wake was, free of drag and turbulence. This is thanks to the well-designed waterlines and the stern overhang (on which the "terrace on the sea" is built), which accompanies the hydrodynamic flow towards the exit.

A close sheeting angle going upwind

The cockpit layout is user-friendly with all the sailing controls located aft, the mainsail sheets and self-tacking jib being controlled by Cariboni Magic Trims hidden under the deck. This type of layout prioritises the comfort of the guests without significantly affecting the performance of the boat; the deck extends aft to the sunbeds, creating an elegant and uninterrupted outdoor living area. From the helm, a masterpiece of “made in Wally” design, there is a perfect view of both the deck and the sails. As in all Wallys, the sails are fully trimmable by the helmsman thanks to the buttons positioned on the side of the console. These are also ergonomically convenient to reach while you are sitting on the gunwale.

Self-tacking jib and square top main

Interior design
Below deck, the wallywind110 continues to impress. The raised saloon design has many advantages, including the separation of technical areas such as the engine room, which frees up space for luxurious accommodation.

Large windows and skylights flood the interior with natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The interior design, developed with the Santa Maria Magnolfi Studio, combines modern aesthetics with comfort using light woods, pale upholstery and many carbon fibre details, for example on the cabin sole, to create a contemporary space based on the pleasant contrast between the warmth of woods and fabrics and the technical aesthetics of lacquered carbon fibre.

Luca Bassani: founder and chief designer of Wally, in his own words

At the helm of his latest creation

Luca Bassani is the luminary driving force behind Wally Yachts. He not only founded this esteemed brand but also serves as its principal designer. Paramount to these roles, he is first and foremost a fervent, seasoned, and deeply knowledgeable yachtsman with an unwavering passion for the open seas.

Bassani’s yachts, both sail and motor, have long been regarded as benchmarks in terms of aesthetics, functionality and technology. Since the Wally brand entered the Ferretti Group in 2019, there has been a robust momentum towards powerboats. Nevertheless, Seahorse recently engaged in a sailing-oriented conversation with Bassani, especially in light of the announcement of a novel Wally-branded one-design crafted exclusively for racing. Before delving into the future, we ask Bassani to share glimpses from his personal scrapbook of memories:

‘My father's enduring passion has always revolved around the sea, boats (initially, motorboats), and sailing, although not specifically focused on regattas. When my enthusiasm for sailing ignited during my youth, courtesy of a sailor from Portofino named “Titto” Prato, my father attempted to steer my older brother (six years my senior and already of age at the time) towards regattas. This move was a bid to deter him from participating in car rallies, which were notably hazardous in those times. Our initial forays into racing took place aboard the family yacht, a 37-footer penned by Olin Stephens and constructed by Chris Craft.

‘I must confess, my father spared no expense on board. In fact he indulged us generously, precisely because he wished for this passion to endure. Arranging all aspects of the regatta, both on board and ashore, provided an excellent opportunity for my brother and me to grow accustomed to collaborating, laying the groundwork for our future endeavours in our family company.

In 1970 we acquired a Swan 43, the second in the Mediterranean, with the first being John Ripard's Tikka from Malta. In 1974 we introduced Bruce King's Ericson 46, which, I must admit, turned out to be somewhat slow.

The pivotal moment, however, unfolded the following year with the debut of Phantom, a C&C 66. Remarkably it stood as the trailblazer among the maxi yachts circulating during that period.

‘In 1975, we were on the verge of setting the Giraglia record. Approximately an hour from Toulon, where the finish line was situated at that time, the French coastguard patrol boat approached to extend their congratulations. Despite all the prayers aboard, they proved insufficient: we dismasted just moments before crossing the finish line!

Following that, the 6mR races ensued and in 1979 we initiated the Italian J/24 Class, acquiring the initial seven units of the one design and distributing them to as many friends, with whom we engaged in competition. To this day I retain ownership of the inaugural J/24, sail number ITA 1.

‘In 1980, we acquired a Baltic 51. All the while my thoughts were already drifting towards my new course. By 1985 I had added a Baltic 55 to the fleet and interestingly, that marked the christening of my initial vessel named Wallygator. It sported a green hue, a colour I've always held an affection for – I'm not at all superstitious in this regard. The choice of the name was inspired by the colour and also happened to be endearing for my son, who was then a year and a half old.

‘I was a partner at Harken with Barbarossa, a company my father established. When he realised that a small Barient winch for our 37-footer was priced equivalent to a Fiat 600, he concluded that our own company could manufacture winches at a considerably lower cost. That realisation quickly led us to initiate a small production run.

‘As we've seen, my journey began as a fervent sailor, evolved as a client and simultaneously I took up drawing as a self-taught designer, applying the same passion I invested in sailing. In 1978 I sketched a design proposal Calabuig, as a retirement yacht for my father: a 30m boat, which was later built by Camper & Nicholson. Calabuig continues to sail to this day, though some refits she's undergone don't quite do justice to her original elegance.

‘The first Wally, now christened Wally One, was built for my family by Sangermani, using laminated wood with an outer skin and carbon structural reinforcements. It served as the prototype, the progenitor of all subsequent Wally yachts. Through racing I encountered numerous professionals, each with their unique experiences. I assimilated all that knowledge and merged it with my own to conceive and construct a yacht that was swift, easy to manoeuvre and simultaneously comfortable. After a couple of years, I was so content with the outcome that I established the company to market boats built on this conceptual foundation.’

The layout also includes a large dining area for up to eight guests, perfect for both casual dining and formal occasions. The yacht can be customised to include up to four large guest cabins and three crew cabins. In addition, the design offers the flexibility to include options such as a bar, office or media room, according to the owner's preferences.

Performance and sailing characteristics
The wallywind110 has a displacement of only 67.6 tonnes, thanks to careful attention to detail in both the design and construction phases, to ensure that it delivers the performance for which it was designed and is easy to handle. Galma has an APM telescopic keel that can be extended from 4.5 to 6.95 metres. The sailplan on the state-of-the-art Hall Spars mast in high-modulus carbon includes a square-top mainsail with runners and a deflector for added performance.

A signature feature of Wally Yachts is this stepped and spacious transom lounge which Bassani calls a “terrace on the sea”

Downwind, under gennaker, the yacht can deploy an impressive 1,300 square metres of sail area, making it an exciting option for competitive racing, while a large code zero is used for cruising.

The yacht is equipped with twin rudders, which ensure responsiveness and precise handling, also thanks to direct mechanical rudder cable control. Despite its size and power the wallywind110 is easy to handle. This makes it ideal for owners making the transition from power to sail, who may not want to deal with the complexities of a large sailing yacht. According to Luca Bassani, the wallywind110 is aimed at yacht owners in their 40s or 50s who want a performance-driven yacht that still offers the comfort of a luxury cruiser for family cruising in the summer, but who may also want to compete in a few regattas. The blend of speed, comfort and ease of use makes the wallywind110 a versatile option for those looking for both leisure and competition on the water. During our navigation we sailed upwind and close reaching. In 12kts TWS we tightened up to 25° AWA, with 12.1 kts of boatspeed. At 110° TWA the instruments showed a speed of 13 kts in 13.2kts TWS, using only the self-tacking jib. We can easily imagine the increase in performance if we had hoisted a code zero or gennaker...

The wallywind110 Galma has generated a lot of interest and a second hull is already under construction. This signals a strong demand for high-performance sailing yachts that can switch seamlessly between cruising and racing, while still offering the highest levels of comfort and luxury. ‘In all these 30 years, I've never had owners so happy with their new Wally,’ said Bassani. ‘It means that the couple not only love what we have designed, but also what we have built and the quality we have achieved. I can honestly say that this is the best Wally ever delivered’.

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