on 25 Sep 2019
The 50m fast open cruiser concept is the first collaboration between Espen Øino and Luca Bassani
Ferretti Group and Wally are pleased to unveil the brand’s latest showstopping concept, the 165 Wallypower, which is the result of a unique collaboration between two Espen Øino and Luca Bassani, who come together for the first time to design a fast open superyacht to change the concept of cruiser yachts.
(Image: Wally)
The Mediterranean cruiser, rethought
The 165 Wallypower is unmistakably a thoroughbred from the Wally stable, displaying performance and efficiency, an affinity with the sea and a piercing bow to effortlessly cut through waves. Inspired by the radical look of the 118 Wallypower, one of Wally’s first breakaway power boat creations, Øino took the essence of Bassani’s vision and transmuted it into this completely new category for the brand. The result is a Mediterranean cruiser that is fast, effortlessly cool and unapologetically contemporary.
The 165 Wallypower is the first power superyacht concept to be released by Wally since it became a part of Ferretti Group this year, with the focus on innovation being the common ground between the two major yachting brands.
Wally: innovation is a way of life
As a category that has seen a lack of modernisation over the decades, Wally saw that the fast open yacht market was due for an overhaul, aiming to fulfil owners’ desires of a modern, medium-range Mediterranean cruising yacht to take them quickly and comfortably between glamorous destinations.
(Image: Wally)
Øino’s 165 Wallypower concept incorporates features that are distinctively “Wally”, and previously unseen on Mediterranean cruisers: uncluttered lines and open decks with a sharp, angular look; a large interior volume made possible through smart naval architecture and design; a sprawling outdoor space with natural flow to the interior for an “indoor-outdoor” lifestyle; and a sense of always being close to the water.
An iconic design
The 50-metre superyacht has a tonnage of 499 GT, yet offers a superior feeling of space and many elements that are usually expected on a larger vessel. The 165 Wallypower’s standout features are plentiful, in particular the owner’s stateroom location on the main deck, providing privacy and space not usually afforded to owners of yachts this length. A further four ensuite guest cabins are found on the lower deck, alongside the crew and service area towards the bow.
Amidships on the main deck is a large saloon and dining area with double fold-down balconies, leading seamlessly to an outdoor dining space and swimming pool flanked by large sunpads. Port and starboard staircases take guests to the water’s edge with a beach club featuring U-shaped seating and large, fold-down bulwarks to extend the deck beyond the sides of the hull.
(Image: Wally)
Typical of Wally’s signature look, railings and deck equipment are kept to a minimum, giving a sense of space and serenity. Glass replaces solid exterior bulwarks where possible, to maximise the feeling of closeness to the water, and tenders are stored in a concealed garage beneath the foredeck, which is uncluttered and vast.
The sundeck extends a full 15 metres, unheard of on a yacht of this size and type. At the top of the staircase from the glass-encased bridge, a large raised settee offers an excellent vantage point for owners and guests while underway, and a central U-shaped bar is fully protected from the elements by a large hardtop and high glass bulwarks. A wide sunpad to the aft of the sundeck commands near-panoramic views of the water for the perfect relaxation spot.
Espen Øino commented on his inspiration for the 165 Wallypower: “I have always been an admirer of Wally design. Luca and I share the same vision and approach, rooted in a profound passion for the sea and sailing. We both grew up around the water, we have been in the industry for 25 years and we chose to base our activity in Monaco, believing it would become the world centre of superyachting. With the 165 Wallypower, two like-minded, driven brands have now finally come together to create a new icon.”
(Image: Wally)
Style meets substance
The 165 Wallypower delivers the seakeeping Wally promises on each of its yachts. Slamming is usually an issue when it comes to fast open yachts, but thanks to the expert naval architecture put to use in the superior hullform of the 165 Wallypower, it pierces the water without bumping or rolling.
With diesel engines and waterjet propulsion, the planing 165 Wallypower is expected to be capable of reaching 30 knots, making it the perfect way hop between Monaco and St Tropez or tour the coast of Sardinia, for example.
“Wally products must always be innovative and deliver the unexpected,” says Luca Bassani, Wally’s Founder. “I am very happy and proud to have worked with Espen on this exciting new project. He completely understood what was needed to bring the Wally ‘wow factor’ to the fast open boat market. There is no mistaking it: this is a pure Wally design for a new purpose.”