Wally Yachts is a maritime design and manufacture company based in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Founded by wealthy Italian businessman Luca Bassani in 1994, Wally Yachts hit the ultimate in terms of futuristic and functional design!PingMag chatted with Wally founder Luca Bassani about the ultimate luxury plaything.
Here are a few interesting questions:
PingMag: I read that your father bought you your first boat when you were ten.
L.Bassani : “My father was passionate about sailing: He believed that that was a very healthy activity, physically and mentally. He was convinced that bringing my brother and especially me - because I was more passionate - on a sailboat would be very good for my instruction, for my culture, for my soul. He even spoiled me with sailing, because he did not want me to have another type of passion that could have been less healthy.”
PingMag: Like fast cars?
L.Bassani : (Laughs) Yes, exactly. My brother was very passionate about fast cars and racing rallies, and my father was scared about that. He said No. Go sailing! Whatever you need, ask me. But stay on a sailboat!
L.Bassani : “My father was passionate about sailing: He believed that that was a very healthy activity, physically and mentally. He was convinced that bringing my brother and especially me - because I was more passionate - on a sailboat would be very good for my instruction, for my culture, for my soul. He even spoiled me with sailing, because he did not want me to have another type of passion that could have been less healthy.”
PingMag: Like fast cars?
L.Bassani : (Laughs) Yes, exactly. My brother was very passionate about fast cars and racing rallies, and my father was scared about that. He said No. Go sailing! Whatever you need, ask me. But stay on a sailboat!
PingMag: Your powerboats feature a very flat design and resemble futuristic space ships or naval vessels. How did you come up with that? Tell us about the 118 WallyPower, your ‘Racing Diamond’
L.Bassani : Functionality means the way the boat sails through the waves, and then also the comfort on deck: to achieve a kind of silence on board whilst running the engines. At the end, it is about features that really could improve the comfort on board, not only through simple design but from the boat’s basic functionality. So, I had some ideas about the hull design and then we tested those in the water tank. At the end, it all brought out this kind of form that is close, as you say, to a navy ship. This is understandable because, actually, all the navy ships are really conceived and designed only for functionality, not for comfort. That is why it was obvious that even our study was bringing out the same results.Then, speaking of the design, for example the shape of the structure came out from a simple concept: From the beginning I had the idea to make the superstructure of the boat as transparent as possible from the inside. The answer was glass - as much glass as possible. And once you have to use so much, you have to take flat and not round panels, because it will become too difficult to build. So, the first result was a kind of gem; a diamond.
Also, I have to say that for any owner, probably the beauty of his yacht is the most important feature. At the end, even with the form for function, you want to build, to design something with nice proportions… we used carbon fibre because it was the lightest and most rigid material you would use for an aircraft, for example. Structurally, it is the best we can use.
L.Bassani : Functionality means the way the boat sails through the waves, and then also the comfort on deck: to achieve a kind of silence on board whilst running the engines. At the end, it is about features that really could improve the comfort on board, not only through simple design but from the boat’s basic functionality. So, I had some ideas about the hull design and then we tested those in the water tank. At the end, it all brought out this kind of form that is close, as you say, to a navy ship. This is understandable because, actually, all the navy ships are really conceived and designed only for functionality, not for comfort. That is why it was obvious that even our study was bringing out the same results.Then, speaking of the design, for example the shape of the structure came out from a simple concept: From the beginning I had the idea to make the superstructure of the boat as transparent as possible from the inside. The answer was glass - as much glass as possible. And once you have to use so much, you have to take flat and not round panels, because it will become too difficult to build. So, the first result was a kind of gem; a diamond.Also, I have to say that for any owner, probably the beauty of his yacht is the most important feature. At the end, even with the form for function, you want to build, to design something with nice proportions… we used carbon fibre because it was the lightest and most rigid material you would use for an aircraft, for example. Structurally, it is the best we can use.
PingMag: Moreover, what distinguishes your ships from others is the absence of any visual distractions on deck. I guess this is also a part of your functionality approach?
L.Bassani : That comes from the final aesthetic as, once you have designed this nice shape, it`s a pity to destroy it with all of the antennas, the dome for the satellite, etc.
L.Bassani : That comes from the final aesthetic as, once you have designed this nice shape, it`s a pity to destroy it with all of the antennas, the dome for the satellite, etc.
PingMag: Distinctively, you chose architects like Lazzarini Pickering or Sir Norman Foster to work on the interior design. Apart from your architectural approach, I saw on your website that you have a greater vision: The 3D views of your planned WallyIsland look huge – and at 99 metres (325 feet) long, this boat will be gigantic! Please tell us about the concept of such a mega-yacht (and why there is loads of space for either a tennis court, three helicopter ports or a tropical garden).L.Bassani : Today, all of these mega-yachts of that size built or under construction are made only for indoor life with a lot of interior space. But you`re missing an exterior area, where you can enjoy the sea, the view, the wind. That was the principal idea. Second, another functional approach: A long and low-shaped yacht is much more ‘sea-worthy’ than a short and tall one. If you can keep the centre of gravity of the boat as low as possible, then it is going to be safer and more comfortable when you have a rough sea. The WallyIsland has a longer and lower hull with very little superstructure - which is going to roll much less. To build a big yacht like this, it takes three years. If we are lucky, we’ll be able to see the first one in that time…
PingMag:I see. One last thing: How did the WallyPower get into the Hollywood blockbuster The Island?L.Bassani : The director called Monica, my assistant, saying that he was going to do a movie and that he was interested in having it in.
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For sure, the WallyPower fits quite well into the image of a high-tech, aerodynamically shaped future. The 118 WallyPower martial racer: get it for around 17 million Euros (US$26 million)! The racy 118 WallyPower's superstructure is made of carbon fibre and laminated composite glass. 17,000 horse power make these 118 feet, or 36 metres, quite speedy... And the WallyIsland is a mega yacht with all the comforts and amenities to live onboard full time, that is completely independent and self-sufficient, and features improved nautical characteristics compared to those of similar size yachts.
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