wally yacht design

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Wally founder Luca Bassani: The man at the cutting edge of yacht design

• October 1, 2020

Luca Bassani, the visionary founder of Wally Yachts, created an iconic brand and shaped the trend for clean aesthetics in yachting. Mark Chisnell interviews Luca Bassani

Photo: Guillaume Plisson

Try a game of word association with any superyacht industry professional and I’d be surprised if the word innovation didn’t bring the response Wally. Since 1994, Wally Yachts has – initially in sail and then in power – brought to the market a series of game changing initiatives. It’s often true that innovative companies (think Apple or Dyson) are driven by a singular mind, a powerful creative force and vision. In the case of Wally, Luca Bassani is that man.

“I had the freedom and the possibility, the financial possibility to realise my ideas,” he told me. “When you just have the ideas, but you never have the chance to realise the ideas because you have to find the finance to do the prototype and then the product… it becomes very difficult. I had this big, big chance to be able to finance my ideas, my innovations. That freedom was extremely important, because it put us at a completely different level from any competitor.”

Luca Bassani was born to a successful Milanese business family, and his early career followed a conventional roadmap. He was educated in Milan, attending Bocconi University where he earned a PhD in Economics. He then went to London for a year, to work at the St James’s office of McKinsey & Company before returning to Italy to join the family firm, BTicino, a manufacturer of residential and industry electrical equipment, where Bassani was CFO.

The latest Wally, a 45m/148ft Frers design, is currently in build

The family sold up in 1989, and Bassani could then give more attention to his life’s real passion – and his path started to diverge from the expected. “Sailing has been my passion since I was very, very young because we were spending a lot of time in Portofino during the summer, where we had a house… I learnt everything about the sea. How to fish, how to sail, how to paddle, everything.”

Sailing roots

“My family always had a power boat and a sail boat, and when I was 12, the captain of the sail boat told me, ‘Hey, why don’t we spend more time aboard, because we are only using the boat during the weekend when your father is here?’

“I said, ‘Okay, let’s go.’ We sailed 5,000 miles during that summer and the big passion started – from there I’ve been sailing, sailing, sailing.”

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The boat was an S&S 37-footer skippered by Tito Prato, and they would sail her from early in the morning to late in the evening. Soon the attention turned to racing . There were several of the top Italian boats in Portofino at the time and in 1971, when Bassani was 15, the S&S 37 was changed for a Swan 43.

“We started to race – I’m going to say seriously – but seriously for that time. Nothing to compare to what seriously means today. So, we started to build up a crew and were doing all the races in Italy, between Italy and France.”

They won the Two Ton Cup in 1972, and an Ericson 46 followed in 1973 and then in 1975 a C&C 66 called Phantom . “At that time, it was considered the first maxi,” said Bassani. “We raced two or three years with that boat. Then we went to the International 6-metre class and we had a long career and five different boats.” Bassani raced for almost 15 years in 6-metres, winning two European Championships (1986 and 1990) and placing third at the 1983 World Championships.

During this time Bassani also raced a Laser, introduced the J/24 to Italy, and then moved into the Mumm 30 when it arrived on the scene in the mid-nineties. He won the world championships at Hilton Head in 1998 and was 2nd at the Europeans the same year. It’s a long racing pedigree and, unsurprisingly, when he came to build a cruising boat for his family, he looked for speed and efficiency.

The first Wally emerges

It was the tail end of the 1980s and the International Offshore Rule (IOR) still held sway over the world’s racing fleets. “Racing boats were absolutely uncomfortable. Also, [they were] not very fast, because the handicap system was producing slow boats. At the same time, cruising boats were just following this formula. They were racing boats just transformed into cruising boats and they were again, not so comfortable… and slow.

“I knew that… there were already technologies and materials that could have made the boats much faster, much easier. That’s why I decided to choose a naval architect to design and build the boat that I had in my mind. It was the first Wallygator [named after the cartoon character], the 83-footer, designed with Luca Brenta and built by Sangermani… That was the mother of all the Wally’s, actually.

“I built that boat only for myself and my family. I didn’t have the idea of starting a company, but I really wanted a boat that could be fast and comfortable, and easy to manage. Once I launched the boat in 1991, I used it for a couple of years and I was very, very happy with it; everything was beyond my expectations, in terms of reliability, in terms of performances and easiness to use.

“I said, ‘Oh, why is nobody trying to copy this boat?’ Something that I wouldn’t say today… at that point we had sold the family company, so I had more time, more finances available, and I said, ‘OK, why not start a small business around this idea?’”

The first Wallygator was sold in 1993 to an Italian owner, becoming Mr Gecko. Luca Bassani then built another two boats to his own specification to get things moving. Wallygator II (now Nariida ) a 105ft ketch that was launched in 1994 and was sold in 1997 to a Norwegian owner. It was this boat that introduced the hydraulics-led push-button handling that enable the sweeping, open and uncluttered decks that have become synonymous with Wally design.

Bassani describes the 32m Wallygator II (now Nariida ) as “the first big sailing yacht with a modern racing hull, changing the look with a plumb bow, a very beamy hull and stern, a very flush deck and carbon fibre construction and sails”. Photo: Guy Gurney

In 1995 the ketch was followed by Genie of the Lamp , a 79-footer also sold in 1997, this time to a Swiss owner. “Between these two boats,” said Bassani, “I finally convinced the market that that was the way to go.”

The proof of that was really the first person to commission a Wally: former Chairman and CEO of L’Oreal, Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones. He saw a photo of Genie of the Lamp and knew almost instantly that it was what he wanted.

Bassani explained how Owen-Jones asked if he could test the yacht and how he then lent it to him for a week’s cruising. “He came back saying he wanted to buy the boat. I convinced him to build a sister ship, which was the first Magic Carpet .” Owen-Jones is now on his third Wally, Magic Carpet3 .

“The first new generation yacht, [ Magic Carpet 3 ] brings very high performances, but also a lot of comfort for cruising,” says Bassani. Photo: Nico Martinez

It’s an ambition that has always found its expression in the boats, through the wide range of designers and shipyards that have been involved in the Wally yachts.

“I think, let me say, sorry, but we influenced them,” said Bassani, of the designers he has worked with – a list that includes Luca Brenta, German Frers , Bill Tripp and Reichel Pugh.

Bassani in his office in Monaco in January 2019. Photo: Toni Meneguzzo

Function before form

“What is today recognised as Wally design style was a result of the systems that I wanted to build for our boats… always to be faster, to be more comfortable, to be easier to manoeuvre, easier to maintain, and the aesthetic was a result, it was not a target.

“It’s what they call the fault of function… I just applied my personal style when I was deciding that I liked that line or the other line, this kind of finish or a different finish… but it was not a target for me to do something stylish. I wanted beauty – for my eyes – but mainly very functional.”

Luca Bassani can identify three core features of the boats that have driven much of the design. The first is the sail plan. In the dying days of the IOR when the first Wallygator was designed, a big overlapping headsail and a small mainsail was the norm. “We abandoned the big, overlapping genoa because we wanted to have self-tacking and we wanted the boat to be fast.”

The serious racing side of Wally – a big fleet start at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2017. Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

That concept at that size required a carbon fibre mast. It was the only way to make a mast that would stay up without runners and an inner forestay. “If you have an inner stay, you cannot have a self-tacking [headsail],” said Bassani. The carbon fibre mast was inspired by the Kiwi big boat [KZ-1] that was built for the 1988 America’s Cup . Laurent Esquier sailed with Bassani in the 6-metre, was with the Kiwi Cup team and told him about the impressive new material.

The second and third features were the hull, and the appendages. “We wanted the boat to be wider, to be much faster reaching, but with the right appendages to have good performance… so they surf easily, but they are still very, very fast upwind. This was made possible by all the new materials, the composites, carbon fibre and titanium.” And it’s really the materials that have enabled the innovation in all these three areas and driven the journey that Wally has been on for the last 25 years.

“Innovation is based mainly on the new materials. The computer, cars, aeroplanes; it’s just the materials that have allowed the big steps forward. I come from an industry where technology and engineering are fundamental; the electrical industry, and also from the entrepreneurial philosophy of my father, who always said that the product is the company… I mean, you cannot make a product by a brand, but you can make a brand by a product. The product, in this case, is based on engineering and materials.”

The clean lines of the Wally 110 Barong D . Photo: Kurt Arrigo

An innovative future

Twenty-five years ago Bassani had to rely on himself and his team to find the materials that could drive the next innovation. “Today, there is a huge movement of people that are inventing, that are proposing new ideas and new materials. We have a position, an image in the world, and everybody looks at us as real innovators. So, we receive, practically every week, some new ideas and, at the end, we find some that are very, very interesting. So, not only do we have our own team, but we have the world helping us.

“Today, there are so many new ideas in naval architecture… they will allow it to be more sustainable, to be more comfortable, but you have to be brave enough to follow this path, otherwise you remain as everybody is now… There are innovations that will be applied both on the big displacement yachts, or in the medium semi-displacement, and in the planing yachts. In sailing, you see from the America’s Cup that there are extremely interesting new ideas about the sail plan. In a few years we will see yachts that are very, very different from today.”

I talked to Luca Bassani during the Düsseldorf boat show , not long after the announcement of the sale of Wally to Ferretti. Bassani was clear about his motives.

Photo: Toni Meneguzzo

“I realised that I didn’t have any more of the energy, the finances that the size of the market today needs, and I realised that was the moment to have a big partner. Alone, I was no longer strong enough to go on with the development of the company.

“I found, in the Ferretti group, the right mentality. A very young group of managers, very motivated, who were loving what we did. They love Wally, and they are very confident that together we could do a lot of things. So, I think this is the next step that Wally deserved to go on.

“I will be doing what I love to do. Inventing and designing, and promoting the development, promoting the innovation.”

And, let’s hope, doing it for another 25 years.

Luca Bassani on his milestone designs

“The sailing yacht would be Genie of the Lamp . On the power boat I would take the 118 Wallypower. They both looked very crazy when they were launched but, after many years, you can recognise they radically changed the industry.”

1995 – Genie of the Lamp [24m/80ft] “In terms of deck layout [this boat] changed the market. Today, practically 95% of the yachts up to a 100ft are a copy.” Photo: Guido Grugnola.

1998 – Tiketitan [27m/89ft] “ Tiketitan was the first boat with the ‘terrace on the sea’ — today, you see all of the boats, mainly the motor yachts, need to have the famous beach on the stern. There were also the metallic colours, a fully battened mainsail, and a canting keel.” Photo: Guy Gurney

2001 – Wallytender [14m/46ft] “The Wallytender opened a huge market that didn’t exist 15 years ago.” Photo: Gilles Martin-Raget

2003 – 118 Wallypower [36m] “This was commercially a flop… but in reality, everybody else in power boats then changed following the Wallypower. Both in the hull, with the vertical bow, in the superstructure and with all the glass.” Photo: Gilles Martin-Raget

2006 – Esense [44m/143ft] “It was kind of a traditional boat with the high bulwarks, and inside the bulwarks the boat is absolutely flush. So, I created a kind of open space cockpit, instead of having the usual little cockpit on the traditional big yachts.” Photo: Gilles Martin-Raget

Photo: Pedro Martinez

Luca Bassani Biography

Born: 24th November 1956

Nationality: Italian

Education:  1980, graduated in business/economics from Bocconi University, Milan, Italy; 2004, honorary degree in industrial design from the University of Architecture, Genoa, Italy.

Honours:  Two-time winner of the Compasso d’Oro (in 2004 and in 2008) – the leading industrial design award.

Inspirations: “He [Tito Prato, skipper of the family’s yacht] was my teacher. He was really the person that, more than anybody else, introduced me to the sea and to sailing, yes… and then, also, to racing.”

Career highlights and lowlights

“On the sports side, OK, I can say the things that I won; the world championships or the European championships. From the business side, it’s difficult to say because it’s a high when you are able to sell a new boat, not just because it’s new but because it’s different, it’s innovative.

“When you find a client who accepts your new idea, this is a fantastic moment, this is a real high in your career. And it’s a low when you don’t find a client accepting or understanding your new ideas. So, you cannot sell it. I mean, ideas are the base of everything for an entrepreneur, and if you’re able to sell your idea, that’s a high. If you’re not able to sell it, that’s a low.”

First published in the April 2019 issue of SuperSail World.

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Galma: The minimalist design decisions behind Wally’s latest regatta-ready cruiser

Following the launch of 33.4-metre Galma this summer, BOAT ’s Hannah Rankine steps on board at the Monaco Yacht Show to learn more about the design decisions behind the first semi-custom wallywind110 .

The concept of the wallywind110 was in motion well before the owner came knocking. In fact, the owner and Wally's founder and chief designer, Luca Bassani, were already friends, and when he told Bassani what kind of yacht he was looking for, it was his lucky day. Bassani had already envisioned the wallywind110, a design that aligned perfectly with the owner's aspirations.

Led by Bassani, the Wally design team worked closely with the Milan-based Santa Maria Magnolfi Studio on the project. "The original idea was to take all the beloved features that are quintessentially Wally, while making changes here and there to improve the onboard experience, comfort and safety," says designer and co-founder Federico Santa Maria. "When the owner joined the project, he expressed a desire for a design that harmoniously combined functionality and elegance. To fulfil this request, we focused on creating spacious, open areas that promote a sense of freedom and comfort."

At first glance, Galma is unmistakably Wally, showcasing a streamlined low profile and a minimalist flush deck accentuated by striking black sails. Special attention was placed on her custom hull colour – a silvery blue that almost mirrors the sea when under sail. Originally inspired by the automotive industry, this colour was refined to perfectly capture the owner's vision.

Santa Maria explains: "The exterior profile is sleek and powerful, with a hull design that conceals an expansive deck space from a side view. The chamfer along the hull’s top edge further lowers the lightweight stern, giving it an assertive, dynamic appearance. The bulwarks enable a full-beam cockpit layout, enhancing both protection and the sense of security on board. The aft terrace is particularly distinctive, offering the rare chance to stay intimately connected to the sea at all times – even while sailing."

Externally, the owner requested maximum versatility with numerous convertible areas and ample storage spaces equipped with refrigerators. "The exterior furniture is designed to be mostly removable, featuring adjustable tables and cushions to create as many convertible areas as possible, all integrated into the boat’s aesthetic," notes Santa Maria. "Several different Biminis were developed to meet various needs, including one that can be used while sailing and another covering the whole aft deck."

When the owner joined the project, his primary focus was on the interiors. The designers opted for a minimalist interior style to create a bright, calming atmosphere, letting natural light flow through the portholes and minimising visual clutter to highlight the beauty of the materials. Special attention was paid to the material selection, carried out in close collaboration with the owner. The aim was to choose high-quality materials that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also meet Wally’s performance standards – in other words, maintaining a low weight.

Neutral tones and natural materials, such as light oak wood and soft fabrics, have been used to create a cosy atmosphere. "The warm tones of oak create an inviting ambiance, while the white ceilings, bouclé fabrics and Japanese paper bring a sense of freshness and purity," says the studio's other half, designer and co-founder Valentina Magnolfi. "The black carbon fibre, beyond showcasing the yacht's construction material, forms a striking backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the bright white ceiling."

These materials are enhanced by vegan leather details made by Viridis, composed of up to 69 per cent plant-based ingredients, primarily derived from corn. "It is more sustainable and resistant than real leather, setting a new standard in an industry that predominantly uses materials derived from fossil fuels," Magnolfi adds.

The designers chose two distinct yet complementary fabrics. "In the saloon, we used a pure white fabric with a dense texture, while in the cabins, the fabric is a warm white with a finer texture," Magnolfi continues. "For a cohesive look, we used the same fabrics to upholster chairs and stools, ensuring both chromatic and material uniformity throughout."

To find out more information about the new wallywind110, contact the shipyard today .

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20 Years ahead

World leader in nautical innovation, Wally combines the most advanced technologies with contemporary design, constantly looking at ways of improving the on-the-water enjoyment with performance, comfort, and style. Every detail, every fitting, every space is carefully analysed and designed to contribute to the overall Wally appeal, regarded as the state-of-the-art in yachting.

Founded by Luca Bassani, passionate yachtsman and visionary entrepreneur, Wally changed the entire concept of cruising yachts and built an iconic brand both in the yachting industry and in the luxury market.

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A New Benchmark in Yacht Design: The wallypower50

Introduction

Wally, in collaboration with the Ferretti Group, is set to unveil a new era in yachting with the launch of the wallypower50 at the upcoming boot Düsseldorf 2024, from January 20-28.

The wallypower50 emerges as a pivotal model, connecting the distinct worlds of wallytenders and wallypowers. This section delves into its role in redefining flexibility and practicality in yacht design.

Flexibility: A Core Philosophy

We explore the unique design philosophy of the wallypower50, emphasizing its role as a versatile link in the wallypower range, adaptable to a wide range of operational profiles.

Practical Elegance on Water

The article highlights the practical aspects of the wallypower50, from its aesthetically pleasing lines to its innovative use of deck space, offering a blend of style and functionality.

Dynamic Performance: Power and Grace

This section focuses on the cutting-edge propulsion system of the wallypower50, showcasing its speed capabilities, cruising comfort, and the engineering marvel behind its performance.

An Iconic Legacy

Discover the historical significance of the wallypower50, tracing its roots back to the legendary wallypower118, and how it continues the legacy of innovative yacht design.

Design Philosophy: Pure and Essential

The design elements of the wallypower50 are explored in-depth, highlighting its alignment with the iconic aesthetics of the wallypower and wallytender ranges.

Inside the wallypower50: Luxury Redefin

Step into the world of luxury with a detailed look at the wallypower50’s interior. From the comfort of the double cabin to the innovative Magic Portholes, every aspect exudes elegance.

Performance Specifications: Engineering Excellence

An in-depth analysis of the performance features of the wallypower50, including its twin Volvo IPS650 drives, top speed, and cruising capabilities.

Technical Sheet: Detailed Overview

• Length Over All (LOA): 14.6m (47 ft 11 in)
• Length Hull (LH): 14.6m (47 ft 11 in)
• Length Waterline (LWL): 13.4m (44 ft 0 in)
• Max Beam: 4.3m (14 ft 1 in)
• Draft: 1.3m (4 ft 3 in)
• Engine Model: VOLVO PENTA IPS650
• Engine Horsepower: 480 HP
• Maximum Speed: 36 knots

The wallypower50 is not just a yacht; it’s a statement of luxury and innovation. As it prepares for its grand debut at boot Düsseldorf 2024, the anticipation within the yachting community is palpable. This yacht is set to redefine the standards of luxury boating, merging performance with unparalleled elegance.

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wallywhy150 » Head-turning sight «

Wallywhy150  .

"Our ‘spaceship’ line redefines the volumes, exterior areas and features available in yachts of this size, drawing from a palette of elements such as wrap-around glazing, forward owner’s suite and high bow."

Far more than just a ‘little sister’, the wallywhy150 develops the pioneering ideas of the range while distilling key features. Characterised by its generous 150GT volume, the yacht offers experiences usually only available on much larger vessels. What other sub-24m yacht is able to offer such a large master cabin on the main deck? From this ‘amphitheatre of the sea’, the wrap-around glazing in the high bow gives the owner a breathtaking 270-degree view from the comfort of their large double bed. Overcoming engineering challenges, Wally’s use of floor-to-ceiling glass floods the flexible dining and lounging space of the main saloon with light. Unheard of 2.5m headroom and flush decking allow the saloon to merge seamlessly with the cockpit, where there is direct access to the sea. Exterior space is just as awe-inspiring. Masterful design allows this yacht to offer a huge sundeck with complete dining options that run to a sophisticated bar and various fridges. Providing a rich addition to Wally’s famous design language, the wallywhy150 is also a strong performer. Three optional Volvo Penta IPS1350 (Standard IPS1200) engines can push this fast, planing hull to 23 knots, providing incredible manoeuvrability and comfort under way.

Head-turning exteriors.

5-star vista, 5-star vibes.

Virtual Tour

Technical Sheet

Preliminary data.

23.99 [m] 78 ft 8 in

23.98 [m] 78 ft 8 in

22.5 [m] 73 ft 10 in

6.78 [m] 22 ft 3 in

2 [m] 6 ft 7 in

Unladen displacement

85000 [kg] 187,393 [lbs]

Laden displacement

98000 [kg] 216,053 [lbs]

9000 [l] 2,378 [US gal]

2000 [l] 528 [US gal]

People on board

VOLVO PENTA D13 IPS1200

VOLVO PENTA D13 IPS1350 (optional)

1000 (optional)

Transmission

23 [kn] (optional)

Cruise speed

20 [kn] (optional)

Range at cruising speed

370 [nm] (optional)

Crew cabins

Classification.

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