Wally has released the first sailing photos of its latest Wallycento sailing yacht, named Galateia. This is the third hull in the Wallycento line, but she represents a second generation evolution for the 30.48 metre box-rule Wally fleet. Galateia was launched from Green Marine and is currently undergoing sea trials along England's South Coast.
The Wallycento box-rule was devised to combine racing prowess and comfort in a planing hull package coming in under 100 feet, as the name "cento" implies. Impressed by the performance of the second Wallycento, Magic Carpet3, after her debut in 2013, the owners of Galateia also chose Reichel/Pugh Yacht Design as naval architects for their new build. Wally and Luca Bassani are responsible for the yacht’s interior and exterior.
“We developed the next generation Wallycento hull shape incorporating into the design the on-the-water experience of Magic Carpet3 and the results of our latest hull study in computational fluid dynamics,” said Jim Pugh of Reichel/Pugh Yacht Design. “All areas of the design were open for development with focus on improving the underwater foil package, reducing windage and improving the yacht’s systems, weight, and function. A critical emphasis was on providing a responsive and rewarding experience for the helmsperson with a reassuring feeling of stability and control especially in more arduous wind and sea conditions.”
The added emphasis on responsive steering and control should be an asset in a class where owners are encouraged to take the helm of their own yachts during competition – or face penalty. “Since we founded the Wally Class back in 1999, we established the Owner driving rule, that is the main driving force behind the unmatchable success of our racing division,” said Luca Bassani, Wally and Wally Class president.
Galateia features what Wally dubs a “super flush deck” and puts a priority on entertainment with a large guest cockpit set amidships that seats up to 10 people and a wide sun lounge set aft with the twin helm stations set between the two. The latest white-hulled Wally has a luxurious and comfortable interior, and she has a bow thruster for easier manoeuvrability.
After sea trials, Galateia will sail to the Caribbean with plans to compete in season's superyacht regattas, and in 2016 she will head over to the Mediterranean to join the rest of the Wally Class for the 2016 regatta circuit.
Wally currently has a Wally 110 sailing yacht and the fourth unit of its 26 metre Wallyace motor yacht under build. It is also finalising sales on the fourth hull of the Wallycento, the fifth 26m Wallyace, the first 30 metre Wallyace and the first custom 80m Wallypower.