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Credit: Gilles Martin-Raget

Why single-level living works on the new 21m Wally cruiser

9 December 2024 • Written by Hannah Rankine for Wally
BROUGHT TO YOU BY WALLY
BROUGHT TO YOU BY WALLY

When you first set eyes on the striking wallywhy100, it’s easy to see why Wally affectionately refers to the range as “spaceships”. At 21.4 metres LOA, the model builds on the success of her larger sisterships - the wallywhy150 and wallywhy200 - offering an entry point into the series.

The model’s exceptional versatility is a key factor in her popularity, whether serving as a support vessel for a larger yacht or providing the perfect weekender for family getaways. After her successful debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024, BOAT’s Hannah Rankine takes a closer look…

Credit: Gilles Martin-Raget

It’s impossible to miss the wallywhy100 on the dock, showcasing a bold exterior design that is unmistakably Wally. Penned by the shipyard’s in-house design team, she features sharp, planar surfaces and a minimalist, low-profile superstructure, all complemented by extensive use of darkened glass throughout the superstructure and hull - a hallmark of Wally's signature style.

When designing the wallywhy100, Wally founder and chief designer Luca Bassani prioritised maximising volume and space over speed, focusing on the enhanced onboard experience this would offer this segment of the market.

The yacht’s wide-body design and sheer bow shape the foundation of a hull that offers abundant space, catering to owners who cherish connection to the sea. Although the wallywhy100 is smaller in LOA on paper than her older siblings, a substantial 5.7-metre beam extends further forward than most yachts of her size, enhancing not only space on board but also stability on the water.

Credit: Gilles Martin-Raget

The design revolves around single-level living and entertaining on the main deck, defined by her largely glass superstructure. This layout offers uninterrupted sightlines from bow to stern and flexibility to open or close the deck on either side, depending on whether owners and guests prefer to embrace the elements or enjoy a sheltered experience.

According to Wally, this open-plan concept “reimagines how we connect with the sea and surroundings on board”, fostering deeper connections and memorable moments with family and friends on board.

Credit: Gilles Martin-Raget

Life on board the wallywhy100 is designed to be “lived near the water” and “at one with the elements”. The glass superstructure floods the main deck with natural light, arching over a six- to eight-person dining table and deep sofas, all offering panoramic 360-degree views. Sunbeds are thoughtfully positioned in the shade of the hardtop and nestled snugly behind the bow bulwarks, creating a serene space to relax.

The contemporary interior design, penned by Vallicelli Design Studio, features both loose and built-in furniture. Featuring carbon fibre accents, warm wood panelling and pale upholstery, the minimalist design creates an inviting and informal feel.

Credit: Toni Meneguzzo

Additional sunbeds are located aft, where three shallow steps lead to an expansive swim platform. This area is enhanced by two fold-down wings that increase its size by nearly 50 per cent, transforming the aft deck into a spacious 14-square-metre sea terrace. The space features a hydraulic hi-lo platform for launching tenders and toys up to 3.6 metres in length, along with a separate hydraulic passerelle swim ladder, ensuring easy access to both the water and the dock.

For a change of scenery, the foredeck offers another al fresco retreat. Here, a versatile lounge area includes an adjustable table that can be raised for dining or lowered to create a relaxing sunpad zone.

Credit: Toni Meneguzzo

Flanking Wally’s two signature split-back helm seats, twin staircases lead to the lower deck, each serving distinct purposes. One staircase provides access to the bow area, where accommodations for two crew and a galley are located, and the other leads to the three-cabin layout guest accommodations.

At the heart of the lower deck lies the owner’s cabin, spanning the full beam amidships. It features a king-size bed and sea views through a large smart glass hull window on the starboard side, which can switch from fully transparent to completely opaque at the touch of a button. To port, the ensuite master bathroom boasts a separate shower and head, with a smart glass wall that can switched to cloudy for privacy dividing the space. In addition, the lower deck includes two further ensuite guest cabins - one configured as a double and the other as a twin.

Performance is a key element of the wallywhy100’s design. Powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS1350 1,000hp engines, she achieves a top speed of 27 knots and a comfortable cruising speed of 24 knots, offering a cruising range of 340 nautical miles.

For more information on the new wallywhy100, contact the team at Wally today.

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