Wallywind110: A Game Changer for Cruiser-Racers

The wallywind110 marks a game changing new range of cruiser-racers from Wally. Super lightweight with a carbon fibre hull, Wally is establishing a new market for cruising comfort with genuine race pedigree, with the wallywind130 and 150 setting new standards for large carbon-fibre hulls.

The three sailing boat models range from 110ft up to 150ft; aiming to completely redefine the possibilities for owners interested in blistering performance allied to long-range cruising comfort. The project once again unites Wally know-how with naval architecture by judel/vrolijk & co, the studio that has signed some of the fastest sloops on the water today. She bears a certain simplicity and elegance, while offering beguiling pace and stability.

“The wallywind110 is the equivalent of the Grand Touring car in the automotive world,” says Wally Managing Director Stefano de Vivo.

“It is a very powerful yet smooth long-distance cruising machine–but one that could become a serious challenger in a race-if you felt so inclined. The boat is ideal for an experienced sailor, maybe someone who has had boats in the 60-80ft range and is now willing to make the jump to the 100ft size range to get the extra comforts.”

Founder and Chief Designer Luca Bassani confirms: “The 110 is a true hybrid because it offers the volumes and comforts of a deckhouse yacht, but with a flush-deck that offers the spirit and the performance of a racing boat. The raised bulwarks do the job of disguising the fact that this is a raised saloon yacht, with the engine room beneath the floor. That means all the advantages of the layout, without the compromised aesthetics.”

Technology always remains close to Wally’s heart, where it can add real value to the sailing experience. Besides the full carbon lay-up, there is a high-performance carbon rig and the choice of three keel types: a fixed 4.5m keel, a 3.95-6.10 metre telescopic keel or a high-tech 4.50-6.80 metre lifting keel.

In terms of technical highlights, she also includes the use of lightweight lithium-ion batteries and auxiliary equipment, multiple high-pressure hydraulic pumps for maximum redundancy, and a low-profile twin rudder set-up. Naturally, thewallywind110 also features Wally’s underwater anchoring system, and famous Magic Trim hydraulic system for the main and jib sheets.

She also offers abundant social space for those on board, offering completely customisable areas to the owner's taste, with seating and dining for up to 15 people. The huge 80sqm cockpit is on a single level and fills the full beam of the boat. This alone is twice the size of cockpits in typical boats of this length.

Other key design elements include her stylish, removable deck furniture, which pays homage to the heyday of big yacht racing. Every seat, sunbed, lounger, and table can be removed and kept ashore to ready the wallywind110 for racing. There is also a generous tender compartment hidden beneath, capable of harbouring a boat up to 4 metres long. 

With the engine room tucked away below the saloon, the stage is set for a huge open-plan space that combines dining, lounging and even working in style. A single skylight runs the full length of the low-profile coach roof, while hatches and hull windows all combine to turn this into a sun-soaked living area.

Numerous layouts are possible for the luxurious owner’s cabin forward, including walk-in wardrobes, separate his and hers bathrooms and relaxed seating. There are up to three further guest cabins, plus two more for crew and a further Captain’s cabin. 

The two larger boats in the wallywind range are the 130 and 150. The first of these yachts is suited to an owner with experience of boats around the 100ft mark, but who wants a little more space. It has a deckhouse offering true raised saloon area that spans the divide between indoors and out. 

Where other boats need 12 knots-plus of wind to hoist the sails, the wallywind150 can do so in just 6-7 knots, thanks to its exceptionally light displacement.

“The 130 and 150 are clearly for owners who wish to take long cruises in any sea in the world, on a boat that offers not only comfort and a high degree of service, but also exceptional performance,” says Stefano de Vivo.

“They are therefore passionate about sailing and the sea. The boats will also appeal to young people who want performance and who really connect with Wally’s brand values.”

The first unit of the wallywind110 is scheduled to be launched in May 2024.