Since I’ve been sailing, driving, testing and admiring Wally Yachts as a yachting journalist since Luca Bassani turned conventional sailing yacht design and construction upside down in the mid-1990’s, I have just one thing to say. Luca Bassani is a genius. Period.
And I could point to any number of his designs—from the iconic flush-deck sailing yachts to the one-of-a-kind 118 Wallypower—to back that claim up.
But, his newest creation—the WHY200—may be the best example of Bassani’s unique talent because he and his Wally design team, along with Ferretti Group engineers working with Laurent Giles NA Ltd for naval architecture and Studio A. Vallicelli & C for interior design have done more than simply 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’ve created an entirely new category of motor yacht that could well prove to be superior to everything that has come before.
"We are very proud of WHY200, a yacht that was a bit of a gamble but that today rewards us with a result that exceeds our wildest expectations," says Stefano de Vivo, Wally Managing Director. "With its widebody design, this 200 GT yacht offers far larger volumes compared to traditional motorboats, plus a living space and stability that are definitely greater than any competitor’s. It essentially provides all the advantages of a catamaran but has 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 building hulls of the Ferretti Group, which has been designing its hulls ‘in-house’ for over 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 distinguishes Wally Yachts, and for its innovative concept, which can offer a different sailing experience to the owner. It is the ideal yacht to freely and safely regain possession of one's space with family and friends."
"Like all Wallys, which for 25 years have been ahead of their time and the setters of new standards in yachting design, the new compact superyacht WHY200 carries the 'Wow' factor engraved in its DNA," comments Luca Bassani, Wally Founder and Chief Designer. "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 made it possible to realize a concept that had been close to my heart for some time, believing in the success of a bold design that will improve 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-tall bow that houses the massive (400 square foot!) master suite with an uninterrupted 270-degree view of the horizon. This cabin stands out also for its exceptionally quiet noise levels thanks to the positioning of the engine room which is located at the opposite end of the boat. And the eye-catching upper deck’s futuristic glass and carbon dome, a distinctive Wally feature that is reminiscent of the clean, angular look of the legendary 118 Wallypower.
Meanwhile, it’s innovative hull that measures 78-feet at the waterline and 88-feet overall was designed to cut through waves and is powered by four Volvo Penta D-13 IPS 1350 engines 1000 hp each.
The interior of the model I saw in Monaco features 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 folding beach club bulwarks that not only allow access to the sea on three sides, but also expand to provide tons of space to hang out and enjoy the water when at anchor. And maybe most impressive of all, the WHY200 boasts two garages with a storage capacity never seen before on yachts of this size, capable of accommodating everything from a 13-foot-long jet tender, to wave runners, seabobs, paddleboards and other water toys.
I don’t say this lightly but…I’m impressed.
