Commissioned by an experienced yachtsman who prefers a traditional blue-water yet high performance super yacht, the new Wally 148 is developed from the hull lines of the breakthrough Wally 143, and features the lines of Tripp Design, with the interiors and styling of Eidsgaard Design, and the project management of Jens Cornelsen.

The medium-light displacement (150 tons – 308,647 lbs), combined with the lifting keel increasing the draft from 4.20 to 6.20 meters (13’ 1” to 19’ 8” ) allows for a blue water yacht combining large volumes and full equipments for extensive round the world cruising, and very good sailing characteristics.

The sail plan includes the 110 per cent jib trimmed through Magic Trims, while the rigging is in PBO. The furling boom simplifies the handling of the big mainsail. The long-distance equipment includes very large water tanks for a capacity of 3,000 l – 793 US gal on each side of the yacht, that can be used as water ballast to further increase the performance.

“Large sailboats offer serious challenges and tremendous opportunities –says Bill Tripp- The challenges of the technical complexities, volume for living space and equipment, high loads, and need for reliability must all be resolved perfectly in balance. The opportunity of size allows for the creation of superb sailing proportions, great seagoing capabilities and a linear beauty of line”.

”To best resolve the difficulties, and get the best of the design opportunities, we make full use of the state of the art construction and technology –explains the naval architect - Technology, when applied to a yacht 45 meters in length, has a tremendous impact on the type of boat. Lightening the weights and resolving draft limitations leads to new and preferred design solutions. Weight savings through the use of carbon composites, composite rigging and lifting keel help the weight spiral downwards, and realize a lower center of gravity.”

“The approach through technology goes beyond the impact of speed and seaworthiness –continues Tripp - The weight savings gained help allow the best systems and equipment installations to be utilized by Wally for reliability, and still reach design weight. The lighter boat will sail well in very light air, and thanks to the displacement length ratio (DLR) of only 71, she will be sailing the oceans at speed, and won’t be digging a hole in them”.

The deck is characterised by the low and aggressive pilothouse , that perfectly matches the sleek lines of the yacht. “ The unique superstructure design – explains Peder Eidsgaard – features longitudinal mullions stretching the pilothouse alongside titanium strips that are continuations of the cockpit furniture”. A permanent bimini is developed as an extension of the deck house, providing protection from sun and rain without altering the profile of the Wally 148.

The wide cockpit door giving access to the main saloon enhances the inside-outside living concept typical of Wally, while flooding the interiors with natural light along with the large windows of the deckhouse.

The interior layout provides for the guest quarter aft with the master suite, the master office, and two double guest cabins, and for the crew quarter forward with the captain cabin and two double cabins.

“The raised saloon has a 360 degree view –continues the interior designer - and features the dining area to starboard and the lounge to port side. Both living areas are framed by sofas recalling the exterior concept of longitudinal elements.

The forward stairs accessing the crew quarter and the half-level navigation station, flanks the lifting keel box at the forward end of the saloon.”The aft staircase leads down to the guest quarter and prolongs into the central “catwalk” in dark timber that stretches all the way to the aft end of the enormous master suite. The master suite features the bed to starboard and the lounge area with a desk to port. The en-suite with a free-standing bathtub, is accessed through a wide sliding door.

The owners’ office with sofa and another en-suite can be accessed both from the master suite and from the corridor, and converted into an additional guest cabin with two bunks. The suite hallway features several recesses to display the owners’ collection of Asian art. The two double guest cabins with en-suite feature twin beds that easily convert into doubles. Both have pulman beds above the portholes.

“The simple yet stylish interior decoration follows the owner’s brief –says Eidsgaard –to have a homey and comfortable feeling.” The Wally Research & Developmentt conducted on the sound and vibration insulation of the large engine room results in a very low noise and vibration levels, only 48 decibel in the main salon and the guest cabins.

Two tenders can be stored onboard the Wally 148: one forward in the recessed garage, and one aft in the stern.

The Wally 148 is built at WallyEurope yard in Fano, Italy with the latest advanced composite technology using pre-preg carbon. The launch date is scheduled for the end of 2007.

Photo courtesy of Wally.