It's a mean water machine

Most men prefer the lean, mean look when they buy a motorcycle or a car, but when it comes to yachts, the choice is frankly, quite limited. However, if you want to buy a powerboat that looks lean, mean and comes with a path-breaking hull that is sure to get you the eyeballs on the high seas then check out the 118 WallyPower.

This Dh83 million, very menacing, contemporary yet futuristic-looking mega-yacht is the work of Wally, the Monaco-based company known worldwide for its innovative sailing boats.

Luca Bassani, Founder and President of Wally, told Emirates Business: "We were approached by a German client who said: " I just love your boat called Tiketitan. Could you build a powerboat with the same soul? "

"This question set me thinking about a new, innovative, design and technology. I determined that the boat, like the Tiketitan, would have to be extremely fast, with a look that would be aggressive yet sensual and completely different from any other existing boat. It would also be capable of sailing comfortably and smoothly in any sea conditions.

"All these characteristics finally materialised in my mind, shaping a boat that would look like a huge open tender, with an endless cockpit from stern to bow.

"Any superstructure would have to be as transparent as possible to keep the 360 degree view.

"The following weekend, I designed in my garden in Portofino, in scale 1 to 1, the first concept of the boat. With the help of my children we drew a sort of full-scale mock-up to get the feeling of the dimensions of the new yacht."

This high-performance, mega-yacht is the result of four years of intensive and exceptional research and development that involved specialised facilities like the SSPA in Sweden and the Ferrari Wind Tunnel Facility, to test the new features of the yacht. As a result, the 118-foot WallyPower stands out for her technology as well as for her contemporary design.

The propulsion system includes three gas turbines generating 16,800 HP and 60 knots of speed, and two auxiliary diesel engines of 370 HP each, for the manoeuvring, and for long range delivery at nine knots. The gas turbines are equipped with titanium exhausts so that not only are they light weight and can resist the system's high temperature but they also allow for the cooling of the gas turbines with seawater. The hi-tech exhaust system has been developed by the official supplier of the Swedish Navy.

Luca Bassani went on: "I had a brainstorming session with the Wally technical office and we focused on the ride capability of the hull. I wanted to create a new hull shape that would be able to maintain high speeds in rough and very rough conditions.

"In short, we needed to research a hull shape that could ride through the waves without jumping and slamming. The whole project was driven by this concept, because this achievement would hugely improve the way to live at sea.

"And I am proud to say that we have achieved what we set out to do. When you look at the 118WallyPower from the outside you are overwhelmed by the aggressive shape, but as soon as you come onboard you feel a sense of peace, comfort and relaxation."

The grey-green metallic colour of the hull contributes to the appeal of the 118 WallyPower that features unique lines enhancing her nautical characteristics, and a glass superstructure exploiting the Wally concept of inside-outside living spaces. The superstructure is built in carbon fibre and covered by laminated glass, and conceals in the top section the navigation radars and antennas in the navy style.

The forward deck of the yacht features the cockpit with pop-up tables and sliding seats. This system provides the opportunity to customise the layout according to various situations and requirements, from dining into sun-bathing or into living area.

The large tender garage with lifting door is also in the forward deck, and serves as an open-air gym as well. The sections of the bulwarks alongside the superstructure, fold down to broaden the view from the salon, and to serve as a diving platform. The aft sliding gangway serves as very large passerelle when completely extended and as swimming ladder when folded.

Luca Bassani concluded: "A famous international architect who saw the yacht, remarked that the 118 WallyPower is not revolutionary, it is only contemporary, real and functional, while all the other boats are obsolete."