Revolutionary Wally WHY200 Motoryacht makes an impact at the Monaco Yacht Show

Since I have sailed, piloted, tested and admired Wally Yachts as a yachting journalist since Luca Bassani turned the design and building of conventional sailboats upside down in the mid-90s, I have only one thing to say . Luca Bassani is a genius. Period.

And I could cite a number of his designs – from iconic flush-deck sailboats to the one-of-a-kind 118 Wallypower – to back that up.

But, his latest creation, the WHY200, is perhaps the best example of Bassani’s unique talent, as he and his design team Wally, as well as the engineers of the Ferretti Group working with Laurent Giles NA Ltd for naval architecture and Studio A. Vallicelli & C for interior design have done more than just develop an 88 foot long motor yacht that combines the comfort and space of a larger displacement yacht with the speed and performance of a semi-displacement yacht. They have created a whole new category of motor yachts that may well prove to be superior to anything that has come before.

“We are very proud of WHY200, a yacht which was a bit of a gamble but which rewards us today with a result which exceeds our wildest expectations”, says Stefano de Vivo, Managing Director of Wally. “With its wide body design, this 200 GT yacht offers much larger volumes compared to traditional powerboats, as well as much more living space and stability than any competitor. all the advantages of a catamaran but none of the limitations, namely the lack of volume linked to the main central hull and mooring problems.

“This innovative yacht in terms of performance and stability was born from the brilliant vision of Wally, from the considerable experience in the construction of hulls of the Ferretti Group, which has designed its hulls ‘in-house’ for more than 20 years, and from the collaboration with Laurent Giles Naval Architects. WHY200 is a yacht that will stand out on the international scene both for the essential design that sets Wally Yachts apart, and for its innovative concept, which can offer a different sailing experience to the owner. It is the ideal yacht to regain possession of its space in complete freedom and safety with family and friends. ”

“Like all Wallys, who for 25 years have been ahead of their time and pioneering yacht design, the new compact superyacht WHY200 carries the ‘Wow’ factor etched in its DNA,” comments Luca Bassani, Founder and Chief by Wally. Designate. “The new WHY200 expresses all its innovative power through new architectural elements, which represent a break with the past and with the typical clichés of a motor yacht. Ferretti Group has made it possible to realize a concept close to my heart for some time believing in the success of a bold design that will enhance the owner’s experience on board and represent a turning point in the motor yacht market.

And while the most notable (and some may say controversial) feature of the WHY200 is its 15-foot-high arch that houses the massive master suite (400 square feet!) With an uninterrupted 270-degree view of the horizon. This cabin is also distinguished by its exceptionally quiet sound levels thanks to the positioning of the engine room which is located at the opposite end of the boat. And the futuristic glass and carbon dome of the eye-catching upper deck, a distinctive feature of Wally that is reminiscent of the crisp, angular look of the legendary 118 Wallypower.

Meanwhile, her innovative hull which measures 78 feet at the waterline and 88 feet overall was designed to cut the waves and is powered by four Volvo Penta D-13 IPS 1350 engines with 1000 hp each.

The interior of the model I saw in Monaco includes the master cabin with two separate bathrooms on the main deck, while the VIP and two guest cabins are on the lower deck.

Other innovative features include the flip-down beach club bulwarks that not only allow access to the sea from three sides, but also expand to provide tons of space to relax and enjoy the water. at anchor. And perhaps most impressive of all, the WHY200 boasts of them garages with storage capacity never before seen on yachts of this size, capable of accommodating everything from a 13-foot-long jet dinghy, to wave runners, seabobs, paddleboards and other water toys.

I don’t say this lightly but… I am impressed.