Late this summer, a new member of the Wally family will make her international debut – and with it, the understanding of what you can expect in a sub-24-metre yacht will change forever. Wally has long been considered a benchmark of advanced design, and its iconic ranks are about to be joined by the all-new wallywhy150.
Of course, there are certain key criteria that define the wallywhy200 that were central to the design of the new wallywhy150. There’s the master cabin in the high bow at main deck level complete with sweeping 270-degree panoramic view, and there’s the nod to one-level living found on the wallywhy200 with an extraordinary split-level saloon-cum-dining area that leads straight out onto the aft beach, coupled to interior design from Studio Vallicelli Design. Up top, there’s a vast saloon en plein air that runs nearly the entire length of the yacht – part sundeck, part chill lounge, and part party space – with the trademark angular hardtop providing shade and weather protection while extending seamlessly from the stealth-style glass raised pilothouse.
Each wallywhy150 can bear the unique mark of her owner
The effect is not only immediate in terms of striking aesthetics – unmistakeably Wally – but also in terms of the genius of the spaces and what they offer. This is the traditional idea of what a yacht should be completely inverted to show what a yacht can be: bold, brilliant, and utterly practicable for big days out on the water with family and friends.
The forward master takes everything the wallywhy200 offers and slides it into the smaller 150 with barely a hint of compromise. The comfortable double bed still gets its walkaround space and still benefits from that glorious yawn of a view, a true aquatic amphitheatre to watch the ever-changing play of the sea and sky. Below, there are options for either a VIP, guest double and guest twin cabins, or two VIP cabins. Whichever layout is preferred, the stretch of glass that enwraps the hull and superstructure means vast vistas and natural light in abundance.
Back on the main deck, the interior is split between a lower and upper saloon area, with low-rise steps connecting the two. The standard layout would be to have the sofa on the upper level and dining on the lower, but this is not set in stone. Indeed, flexibility is key here, and this space begs to be configured in original ways – and, of course, customisation in function, materials and finishes is the Wally way, meaning each wallywhy150 can bear the unique mark of her owner. In addition, there is an option for an open-plan galley to open up the area even more.
For a yacht that packs in surprises and innovations at every turn, it’s hard to pick out highlights – but the aft terrace on the main deck is a clear contender.
The wallywhy150 will also offer her owners the capacity for extended cruising
In engineering terms, Wally has been able to draw not only on its own experience developing ultra-lightweight and geometrically complex sailing and motor yachts, but also on the extensive expertise of the Ferretti Group Engineering team. The result is dramatic, with the hull carrying huge expanses of glass that not only provide the forward, elevated master suite with the trademark wallywhy wraparound bow windows, but also create double-decker full-height windows in the split level saloon.
The wallywhy150 is not typical in any respect. The aft cockpit flows from the lower part of the saloon, creating a vast indoor-outdoor terrace that flows uninterrupted from the upper saloon forward to the sea aft. Clever design means stoppers can be raised to separate the lowering aft portion of the terrace from the forward part, creating a seaworthy barrier for passagemaking while allowing unrestricted water access at anchor. The hydraulic aft platform can be lowered both for launching a tender or as a submerged beach and swim platform, and the design allows not only for the carrying of a variety of water toys but also of a 3.9-metre tender.
The wallywhy150 will also offer her owners the capacity for extended cruising, with a range of around 400 miles promised at cruising speed. Powered by optional triple Volvo Penta IPS1350s, the 150 will be capable of a mile-chomping 23 knots top speed, with standard Volvo Penta IPS 1200s delivering 21 knots. Moreover, she will be an exceptional sea boat.
The combination of avant garde looks, astonishing spaces and admirable performance perhaps explains why a concept like the wallywhy, which eschews boating convention, already boasts a growing fanbase among owners.
Fortunately, it won’t be too long before you will be able to experience it for yourself – the wallywhy150 will have her international debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival from 12 to 17 September 2023, and without doubt will be one of the most interesting launches of the year. You only have to step on board to see Why.
Wally
World leader in yachting innovation and part of Ferretti Group, Wally combines the latest technology with contemporary design, constantly looking at ways of improving on the water enjoyment with performance, comfort and style. Founded in 1994 in Monaco by Luca Bassani, passionate and visionary yachtsman, Wally changed the entire concept of cruising yachts and created groundbreaking sailing and power boats which are unmatched reference points in yachting and in the design world. Wally is the only yachting brand to be a two-time winner of the ADI Compasso d’Oro, the world’s most important award for quality and design.
