A futuristic construction
The 118 WallyPower is the largest motor yacht produced by the famous Monegasque shipyard Wally Yachts. It was built in the early 2000's according to the drawings of Luca Bassani for a client who wanted a motor yacht inspired by the 27 m sloop built by the shipyard and with the Argentinean naval architect Frers, called Tiketitan.
Luca Bassani Antivari, founder of Wally and an accomplished former sailor is passionate about sailing. But through this project of a 36 m superyacht, he will launch the Wallytender, then the 118 WallyPower.
Its angular lines associated with the glass superstructure are reminiscent of a stealth ship. The result is a sense of power and speed. In fact, Wally's founder describes it as ".. a stealth bomber with a sailboat bow, Formula One-style air intakes and a stripped-down Asian-inspired interior design."
An exceptional motorization
The engines - i.e. 3 gas turbines of 5?600 CH each - develop a total of 16?800 CH (12?500 kW). They power a Rolls-Royce Kamewa jet-type transmission consisting of 2 steerable side jets and a fixed central jet. Two 370 HP (280 kW) Cummins diesel engines can take over from the turbines. In the first configuration, the 118 WallyPower will reach more than 60 knots (110 km/h), but only 9 knots in the second version, which will be preferred for long distance manoeuvres.
State-of-the-art construction
The hull of the 118 WallyPower is the result of an extensive research and development program that included tests in the hull tank in Gothenburg, Sweden and in the wind tunnel at Ferrari in Maranello, Italy. Stability at high speed is guaranteed by a deep V-shaped hull (22° degrees) and a wave piercing straight bow. The air intakes of the gas turbines have been optimized to minimize vibration and exhaust backflow on deck and into the hull. The hull conceals a tender garage.
The bottom of the hull is constructed of monolithic fibreglass. The dead works with a hybrid of balsa sandwich and fiberglass/carbon. The deck is made of Nomex (Kevlar honeycomb)/carbon. The superstructure of the deck is made of a carbon frame on which glass panels are glued. Inside, part of the interior layout is made of carbon to reduce weight. The dark green metallic paint changes with the reflections of the changing lights and landscape. On the deck, in the cockpit, the bulwarks tilt to enjoy an incredible view of the sea from the saloon but also to take advantage of the large outside space.
A luxurious and uncluttered layout
Inside, on the main deck, the open space offers 3 distinct areas, from bow to stern: the helm station, the raised dining/meeting area and the large saloon below, which opens onto the outside without a break in continuity, introducing the concept of the inside-outside living area. A 360° view is available from the dining area thanks to the raised floor. Under the dining table - which seats 8 people - long rectangular glazing brings light to the lower floor. This keeps the dining area at the front away from the heat of the engines. The boat also has 6 plasma screen televisions.
Below deck, the owner's cabin is located forward and has a deck porthole for light. There is a large double bed, a private bathroom and a large dressing room. Two guest cabins have a queen-size bed, a dressing room and a bathroom.
The kitchen (with the pantry) includes an oven, stove, television and several refrigerators.
A millionaire's boat
The price of the 118 Wallypower is $33 million for the triple gas turbine version, or $22 million for the dual diesel engines. Its range is 1800 miles at 9 knots or 300 miles at 60 knots. Finally, its fuel tank has a capacity of 22 tons.
At the maximum speed of 60 knots, the gas turbine uses 58 litres of fuel per mile, or 3?500 litres per hour. For example, to travel from Cannes to Saint-Tropez and back at 50 knots, it takes 90 minutes for 6?000 to get from Cannes to Saint-Tropez and back, using dépensé?! The WallyPower 118 weighs 95 tons and can accommodate 6 crew members and 6 guests on board.
Prestigious awards
The 118 WallyPower won the MYDA, Millennium Yacht Design Award, organised by Seatec (the Carrarafiere sailing and navigation technology trade fair) for "Design for the third millennium". It was the only boat in the architecture and design exhibition of the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco in 2004/2005), for the exhibition "Glamour : Fabricating Affluence".
