Photography by Toni Meneguzzo
11 January 2024
Wally has presented the new Wallywhy100 for the first time, during an exclusive Ferretti Group event in December 2023 .
Wally says the Wallywhy100 is the logical extension of the next-gen Wallywhy range, drawing on the key features that have marked its larger sisters – the Wallywhy200 and Wallywhy150 – and taking elements from other members of the Wally family to deliver a 21.4-metre yacht that blends head-turning looks with impressive performance.
So it is that the Wallywhy100 ignores the trend of similar-sized vessels that divide the layout over different levels – with the aim of creating the illusion of more space – by using a single-level, bow-to-stern layout. It delivers a ‘yawn’ of space that can be enjoyed in numerous different ways.
Indeed, the single living level brings the stealth-style glass superstructure, the open living areas and the vast sea terrace into one chic package that perfectly complemented the breathtaking surroundings of the Venice skyline during its launch.
“You couldn’t ask for a more fitting location to reveal the exceptional Wallywhy100 than Venice – a place where the canals run like veins carrying the lifeblood of the city, just like the saltwater that runs in the veins of everyone at Wally,” says Stefano de Vivo, Wally’s managing director.
“Venice is an exceptional location that is very dear to the Ferretti Group, and its intrinsic connection to the water perfectly embodies the connection to the sea that the Wallywhy100 offers by bringing the cutting edge, open-terrace design of her larger sisters to an approachable, sleek, nimble and class-leading 70-footer.”
Wally says the single-level design represents a shift in thinking about how people interact with the sea and surroundings when on board. To this end, the expansive guest area flows from saloon to dining to deck to terrace to sea, thanks to a design where inside and outside are seamlessly blended. The result is a flexible, open-enclosed space that eschews the traditional formalities of a yacht.
It all culminates in an aft sea terrace, a beach deck which on the Wallywhy100 stretches to 14 square metres. That includes a hydraulic hi-lo platform for launching tenders and toys up to 3.6 metres in length, and a separate hydraulic passerelle swim ladder that ensures easy access to the water or the dock. Drop-down wings aft extend the terrace by close to 50 per cent and offer unobstructed views across the water.
Further forward, the angular glass superstructure contains the hybrid saloon and dining area, plus an internal helm with joystick control. The yacht has a twin-D13-powered 24-knot cruise, and a top speed of 27 knots with the Volvo Penta IPS1350 option.
“The yacht’s appearance is 100 per cent derived from its function,” explains Luca Bassani, Wally’s founder and chief designer. “It stands out from other boats on the market due to its strengthening of the relationship between functionality and performance.
“The closed cockpit is pushed far forward to provide space for inside/outside living which gives the Wallywhy100 an eye-catching, sleek but still aggressive look. It’s further emphasised by a large and inviting beach area and the tall and imposing, slightly reversed bow which guarantees a dry and safe ride in all conditions.
“It’s unmistakeably a Wally, and unmistakeably a Wallywhy, but that also means it is unmistakeably seaworthy as well as unmissably liveable.”
While the Wallywhy100 serves as a dayboat, it’s equally suited as a weekender or for longer jaunts. There is a full-beam master cabin aft on the lower deck, complete with an ensuite that features electrically switched privacy glass that can effectively close the area off or leave it open to maximise the sense of space and light in the cabin.
There are also two guest cabins, comprising a VIP stateroom to port and a twin to starboard, both boasting ensuites and both offering large hull portholes. Crew are also well served, with dedicated crew access both from the main and lower decks without having to cross into guest spaces – a feature seldom seen at this size.
On the foredeck, the Wallywhy100 borrows from the Wallypower world with a dedicated, multi-use lounge that can serve as an aperitivo area or a spot for alfresco meals with its dining table. The two seats can also be converted into sunbeds complete with headrest cushions facing aft. This transformable area creates an all-purpose living space for guests at anchor or underway.
“The Wallywhy100 was born from a gap in the market,” says De Vivo. “While beautiful and sleek, traditional coupés do not offer the comfort and liveability that today’s owners expect from their boats.
“In the same way, larger and more voluminous boats generally don’t offer speed or usage flexibility. This leaves owners with a tough choice – do they want to compromise on comfort or performance?
“Through the Wallywhy line, we have solved this problem by harnessing all of the product and market knowledge we have accumulated over the years,” he continues.
“Like its siblings, the Wallywhy100 will be a game-changer in many different markets due to its compelling value proposition and infinite usage cases for a wide demographic. Some 20 years from now, the industry will still look at the wallywhy100 as a yacht that dared to be different – something that is ingrained in Wally’s DNA.”
The new Wallywhy100 will be showcased at the 2024 Venice Boat Show (29 May to 2 June) and the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival (10 to 15 September).
Powerplay: Will Green