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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