December 3, 2004 The118 WallyPower is an incongruous name for a high performance superyacht that integrates technology with aesthetics for a sleek and startling result. The deck superstructure has an aero-dynamic, stealth-bomber design with a vertical bow and air inlets encasing an innovative interior layout based on zen-like simplicity to mask a surprising amount of comfort. Three gas turbines generate 16,800 HP power that allow the 118 WallyPower to cruise a leisurely 60 knots in flat seas and tackle rough waters with ease in this ultimate luxury vehicle.
The designer and founder of Wally Yachts is Luca Bassani Antivari, a 47-year-old Italian entrepreneur and former champion yachtsman who has earned the Monaco-based company an international reputation for customised cruising boats. So much so, in fact, that the 118 WallyPower recently won the MYDA, the Millennium Yacht Design Award organised by Seatec (the yachting and shipping technology show of Carrarafiere) for the "Layout of the Third Millennium." The WallyPower is also currently being honoured by the San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art as the sole boat in its major architecture and design exhibition, 'Glamour: Fabricating Affluence', which runs from October 9 2004 to January 16 2005.
Innovative Design
The 118 Wallypower superyacht is full of technical solutions and innovations that have contributed to its appeal. The shape of the bow allows for a 50 per cent reduction of the vertical acceleration, and the superstructure design features flat surfaces in order to be transparent. The pure lines are enhanced by the absence of visible cleats, mooring winches, radar antenna, TV dome, anchor system - everything is perfectly and neatly concealed and hidden without sacrificing functionality. An innovative interceptor system controls the boat's trim to improve even further performance and comfort in any sea conditions. The deck is flush and features from bow to stern: the tender garage, the social cockpit, the glass superstructure, and the aft cockpit. Large open areas are designed to comfortably and safely move around the deck when at anchor and fit six passengers and a six member crew.
The 118 WallyPower displaces only 95 tons. This is due to the sophisticated building technology that uses a hybrid structure to save weight without transmitting shockwaves, ensuring the rigidity of the composite hull. The bottom of the hull is built in solid fibreglass. Topsides from the waterline are hybrid fibreglass/carbon composite with balsa core. On deck this becomes a Nomex/full carbon composite. The deck superstructure is made of laminated glass with carbon frames. The interior bulkheads and cabin soles carry no structural loads - they are constructed entirely of thin wood and laminate veneer skins with cores.
The deck, cockpit, navigation, dining and saloon areas have been conceived as one continuous element. Inside, the atmosphere is that of a New York style loft. The open space incorporates three areas, from stern to bow: the saloon, the dining/seating area, and the navigation cockpit. Transparency is a main feature of the yacht interiors and when dining, guests can enjoy the 360-degree view. Underneath the table, the skylight gives light to the lower corridor. The saloon is designed with the same relaxed life of the cockpit; the drop-down bulwarks increase the view from inside. The teak planes are covered with cushions to serve as sofas, while the spaces between the teak planes contain various functions such as additional seating, tables, storage and technology.
Propulsion
The yacht features all the spacious comforts of a mega yacht together with the nautical characteristics of coast-guard boat, including a CODOG (combined diesel or gas) propulsion systemcommon on small warships, but rare on yachts. Three gas turbines generating 16,800 HP drive water jets - two steerable outboard and a non-steering on centreline. For manoeuvring and long deliveries, the steerable water jets are powered by two diesel engines of 370 HP each. The exhaust system is made of titanium that saves weight while being very resistant to the high temperatures generated by the gas turbines.
At speed, the 118 WallyPower is comfortable and stable as a result of the V hull shape combined with the construction technology and the perfect isolation of the machinery, noise and vibration. The hull form is a deep V of 22 degrees at the stern, with a straight stem bow designed to perform as a wave piercing. The unique, chameleon-like paint finish is metallic dark green and changes reflections and colour depending on the light and landscape. At anchor, the sections of the bulwarks alongside the superstructure drop-down hydraulically to increase the light and the view from the salon and when open they serve as diving platforms.
Construction
The sleek lines of the 118 WallyPower are the result of an extensive R&D program that included the tank testing at the SSPA facility in Goteborg, Sweden, and smoke testing in the Ferrari Wind Tunnel Facility in Maranello, Italy. The air inlets of the gas turbines were optimised to verify any turbulence and back flow of the exhaust gas on deck and living areas, and to have further confirmation of the geometry of the hull and superstructure.
The beauty and luxury of the 118 WallyPower doesn't come cheap - it's current market price is US $16.55 million when equipped with only twin diesels, compared to US $24.83 million as tested, with triple gas turbines.
And if the 118 isn't "super" enough for you, Wally Yachts has also announced the construction of a massive 143 foot sloop with a deck layout that recalls a city loft building - it is a continuous uncluttered area like an open cockpit 43.70 meters long! The Wally 143 will be a stylish high performance off shore cruiser/ super yacht built in advanced composites at the Wally shipyard in Fano, Italy and is scheduled to be launched in spring 2007.
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