Wally Yachts was founded in 1994 by the visionary Italian entrepreneur and passionate yachtsman, Luca Bassani. Bassani, a scion of a wealthy Milanese family, embarked on his journey into custom yacht building in 1991, with a profound motivation to revolutionize the concept of cruising yachts. His original vision centered on creating faster, more comfortable boats, driven by the belief that form should always follow function.
Before the official establishment of Wally as a brand, Bassani had already started to develop his distinctive boats. The "Wallygator," sold in 1993, served as an early precursor to the Wally brand, with Bassani building two more to his own specifications. The official unveiling of Wally's first cruising yacht took place in 1994, marking the formal beginning of the brand that would soon become synonymous with avant-garde design and cutting-edge technology. The first Wally superyacht was then built in 1995.
History and Evolution
From its inception, Wally has consistently pushed boundaries, ushering in significant milestones that have left an indelible mark on the marine industry. A pivotal aspect of Wally's brand identity has always been its pioneering use of carbon fiber construction and adherence to minimalist design principles. This focus on lightweight, high-strength materials, combined with innovative engineering, allowed for the development of groundbreaking features such as push-button sailing, which revolutionized the ease of handling large yachts.
Wally's evolution saw it expand beyond its initial focus on sailing yachts. The company made a significant impact by venturing into the motor yacht sector, notably with groundbreaking designs like the 118 Wallypower. This expansion demonstrated Wally's versatility and commitment to applying its unique design philosophy across different segments of the luxury yacht market.
A significant corporate change occurred when Wally was acquired by the Ferretti Group. The Ferretti Group initially acquired a majority stake and later completed its acquisition of the remaining 25 percent stake in Sea Lion, the company that owns the Wally brand, securing 100% ownership. Despite this acquisition, Luca Bassani has remained deeply involved, serving as the brand's chief designer and continuing to influence the unique aesthetic and engineering prowess of Wally yachts.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Wally has cultivated a formidable reputation in the sailing world and the broader luxury marine market for its avant-garde designs, cutting-edge technology, and a relentless pursuit of performance. The brand is known for its distinct "stealth design" combined with enhanced spaciousness, prioritizing both aesthetics and superior performance. The core philosophy, as championed by Luca Bassani, is that "form should follow function," a principle that ensures every design choice contributes to the yacht's performance, comfort, and usability. This meticulous focus on aesthetics and engineering has made Wally an iconic brand.
Wally's signature design features include clean, deceptively simple lines that create a unique and instantly recognizable style. The brand has also been at the forefront of adopting innovative construction techniques, such as the extensive use of carbon fiber, which reduces weight and enhances speed. Notable technological advancements include the first canting keel on "Tiketitan" in 1998, a feature that significantly improved sailing performance.
Wally has collaborated with several esteemed naval architects and design studios over the years to bring its innovative visions to life. Luca Bassani himself is a yacht designer and has worked with and influenced other notable designers like Luca Brenta. More recently, for the futuristic wallywhy200, Wally collaborated with the Ferretti Group Engineering team and Laurent Giles naval architecture studio. The wallywind110 saw naval architecture provided by Judel/vrolijk & co. alongside Wally's sailing design team. For the wallywhy100, the Wally-Ferretti Group Engineering team handled exterior design and naval architecture, with Studio A. Vallicelli & C. contributing to the interior. Additionally, Botin Partners have served as naval architects for models like the wallyrocket51.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Wally's legacy is marked by a series of iconic models that have not only achieved significant success but have also profoundly impacted the marine industry. Among the most significant sailing yachts are the Wallycento and Wally 80, which have redefined what is possible in sailing charters and racing. The new wallywind collection, including the wallywind110 and the wally101 Full Custom, continues this tradition of innovative sailing yachts.
In the motor yacht sector, the 118 Wallypower stands out as a true icon, known for its distinct design and impressive 60-knot speed. Other notable motor yacht lines include the versatile Wallytender, which features an angular sliding hull and a futuristic appearance, and the innovative wallywhy range, including the wallywhy200 and wallywhy100. The wallyace motor yacht concept was also reinterpreted in 2012, further diversifying Wally's offerings.
Wally's impact on the industry extends to its influence on boat building and yacht design globally, having revolutionized the entire concept of cruising yachts. The brand's commitment to innovation and bold aesthetics has made it a world leader in yachting. Beyond production models, Wally has engaged in high-profile special projects, including the establishment of the Wally Class in 1999, which allows Wally's maxi yachts to race against each other in major regattas, fostering a competitive community around the brand.
The Builder Today
Today, Wally Yachts operates as an integral part of the Ferretti Group, which holds 100% ownership of the brand. This integration positions Wally firmly within a larger, well-established global market player, leveraging the Ferretti Group's resources and engineering capabilities while maintaining Wally's distinct identity and design autonomy, particularly with Luca Bassani still at the helm as chief designer.
The modern Wally boats continue to appeal to a discerning clientele who value avant-garde design, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional performance combined with luxury and comfort. The ownership experience of a Wally yacht is characterized by possessing a vessel that is not only a statement of style but also a testament to advanced marine engineering. While the search results do not explicitly detail a broad, informal owner community, the existence of the Wally Class for racing their maxi yachts clearly indicates a strong and active community among performance-oriented Wally owners. This reflects the brand's enduring appeal to those who seek both unparalleled design and thrilling sailing experiences.
