Photography by Gilles Martin-Raget
24 September 2019
Following a period of strategic partnership, the iconic Wally brand is now fully owned by Ferretti Group.
The acquisition has already resulted in sales with three confirmed orders for the new 48 Wallytender before the first unit touches the water. The first units were sold in Europe and USA, reflecting Wally’s global appeal.
Since emerging from the Ferretti Group production site in Forlì, the third and fourth units made their international debut at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival, followed by the 2019 Monaco Yacht Show. One has a Gunmetal grey paint finish and will be exhibited in the water, the other, with custom Sahara sand livery, will be on land.
“These sales confirm the vision of Ferretti Group in acquiring one of the world’s most renowned and innovative yacht brands,” said Stefano de Vivo, CCO of Ferretti Group and Managing Director of Wally.
“In terms of research and development, engineering and production, Ferretti Group is in a position to develop Wally’s unique potential even further.”
The original Wallytender concept opened a new market as a standalone runabout, ideal for day or overnight cruising and not just as a tender for a larger yacht or private villa.
The new model retains the stylish solutions that define the Wally philosophy of combining form and function, but introduces innovative new features to enhance the yachting experience.
“Ever since we entered the power market in 2001, the Wallytender has been a symbol of the pure joy of open-air boating,” said Luca Bassani, Wally founder.
“The new 48 Wallytender is proof positive that our very special design DNA continues to thrive under Ferretti ownership.”
The 48 Wallytender has generous interior volumes with an elegant suite combining the sailing heritage of teak decking with panels and fittings in carbon fibre, a material introduced to the yachting world by Wally in 1991. The challenge here was to raise the freeboard without losing the purity of the hull lines associated with all Wally yachts.
The 48 Wallytender is the only one in its segment to offer as standard fold-down bulwark sections to increase the swim platform for relaxation and party moments at anchor, an evolution of the innovation introduced by Wally in 2002 on the 118 Wallypower. The retractable passarelle doubles as a swim ladder.
According to its designers, the 48 Wallytender is a great family boat and child-friendly with a single-level teak deck as standard and deep bulwarks.
On deck, the layout has been designed to let family and friends relax in convivial comfort with generous seating and sunbeds, and alfresco dining thanks to the well-equipped galley unit.
To fully enjoy the on-the-water experience both at anchor and underway, the aft seating can be configured to face either forward or the dining table.
A special anchoring system is hidden behind a flush-fitting hatch in the bow and can be operated at the touch of a button from the helm station. The wraparound fender is a trademark feature of Wallytenders and provides a practical docking solution instead of bulky fenders.
The standard propulsion package comprises the twin Volvo IPS 650 engines (totalling 960hp) for a top speed of 38 knots and is equipped with user-friendly joystick controls for easy docking.