Wally unveils new 165 Wallypower
by Monica Paolazzi 25 Sep 2019 12:46 UTC
165 Wallypower © Wally
Iconic designers Espen diameterino and Luca Bassani collaborate on new Wally: the ground-breaking Wallypower 50-metre, a Ferretti Group-driven project.
Ferretti Group and Wally are pleased to unveil the brand's latest showstopping concept, the 165 Wallypower, which is the result of a unique collaboration between two creative geniuses whose reputations are truly stellar. For the first time, Espen diameterino and Luca Bassani have creatively come together to design a fast open superyacht that will change the way the world sees Mediterranean cruiser yachts forever.
The Mediterranean cruiser, rethought
The 165 Wallypower is unmistakably a thoroughbred from the Wally stable, displaying performance and efficiency, an affinity with the sea and a piercing bow to effortlessly cut through waves. Inspired by the radical look of the 118 Wallypower, one of Wally's first breakaway power boat creations, diameterino took the essence of Bassani's vision and transmuted it into this completely new category for the brand. The result is a Mediterranean cruiser that is fast, effortlessly cool and unapologetically contemporary.
The 165 Wallypower is the first power superyacht concept to be released by Wally since it became a part of Ferretti Group this year, and its innovative nature is testament to why the two major yachting brands are so well aligned.
Alberto Galassi, Ferretti Group CEO, commented on the announcement of the project: "Ferretti Group has made the impossible possible bringing together two geniuses in yachting: Espen and Luca are outstanding innovators who have each made a deep impact on yacht design. Now, in collaboration, they are shaking up the market with this incredible new yacht, the 165 Wallypower."
Wally: innovation is a way of life
The essence of any Wally is its innovation and power to surprise. As a category that has seen a lack of modernisation over the decades, the fast open yacht market was ripe for an overhaul. Owners wanting a modern, medium-range Mediterranean cruising yacht to take them quickly and comfortably between glamorous destinations need look no further.
diameterino's 165 Wallypower concept incorporates features that are distinctively "Wally", and previously unseen on Mediterranean cruisers: uncluttered lines and open decks with a sharp, angular look; a large interior volume made possible through smart naval architecture and design; a sprawling outdoor space with natural flow to the interior for an "indoor-outdoor" lifestyle; and a sense of always being close to the water.
Stefano de Vivo, Wally Managing Director, added: "With the 165 Wallypower project, we believe that the essence of Wally as interpreted by Espen has completely transformed how we will see the Mediterranean cruiser yacht, which up until this point has been a market lacking in innovation. The new project is a cutting-edge product in its category."
An iconic design
The 50-metre superyacht has a tonnage of 499 GT, yet offers a superior feeling of space and many elements typically expected on a larger vessel. The 165 Wallypower's standout features are plentiful, in particular the owner's stateroom location on the main deck, providing privacy and space not usually afforded to owners of yachts this length. A further four ensuite guest cabins are found on the lower deck, alongside the crew and service area towards the bow.
Amidships on the main deck is a large saloon and dining area with double fold-down balconies, leading seamlessly to an outdoor dining space and swimming pool flanked by large sunpads. Port and starboard staircases take guests to the water's edge with a beach club featuring U-shaped seating and large, fold-down bulwarks to extend the deck beyond the sides of the hull.
Typical of Wally's signature look, railings and deck equipment are kept to a minimum, giving a sense of space and serenity. Glass replaces solid exterior bulwarks where possible, to maximise the feeling of closeness to the water, and tenders are stored in a concealed garage beneath the foredeck, which is uncluttered and vast.
The sundeck extends a full 15 metres, unheard of on a yacht of this size and type. At the top of the staircase from the glass-encased bridge, a large raised settee offers an excellent vantage point for owners and guests while under way, and a central U-shaped bar is fully protected from the elements by a large hardtop and high glass bulwarks. A wide sunpad to the aft of the sundeck commands near-panoramic views of the water for the perfect relaxation spot.
Espen diameterino commented on his inspiration for the 165 Wallypower: "I have always been an admirer of Wally design. Luca and I share the same vision and approach, rooted in a profound passion for the sea and sailing. We both grew up around the water, we have been in the industry for 25 years and we chose to base our activity in Monaco, believing it would become the world centre of superyachting. With the 165 Wallypower, two like-minded, driven brands have now finally come together to create a new icon."
Style meets substance
The 165 Wallypower delivers the assured seakeeping that one would expect of a Wally yacht. Slamming is the bane of many an owner's life when it comes to fast open yachts but, thanks to the exceptional naval architecture expertise put to use in the superior hullform of the 165 Wallypower, it pierces the water effortlessly without a bump or roll.
With diesel engines and waterjet propulsion, the planing 165 Wallypower is expected to be capable of reaching 30 knots, making it the perfect way hop between Monaco and St Tropez or tour the coast of Sardinia, for example.
"Wally products must always be innovative and deliver the unexpected," added Luca Bassani, Wally Founder. "I am very happy and proud to have worked with Espen on this exciting new project. He completely understood what was needed to bring the Wally 'wow factor' to the fast open boat market. There is no mistaking it: this is a pure Wally design for a new purpose."