Better Place Yacht News & Events

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Better Place sailing in a regatta

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Better Place yacht saloon

Better Place Under Construction

In this new weekly series of articles, we take you back in time as we open the SuperYachtTimes.com archives to reveal some of the most exciting moments in yachting that took place each week over the last decade.6 February 200850m Wally Better Place under construction in Italy<img src="/uploads/store/photo/24725/image/large-db6f47c5931be8acb640b7d6acb73325.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/24725">Known as the world’s largest carbon fibre sloop at the time of her build, the 50-metre Wally sailing yacht Better Place was taking shape on this day exactly a decade ago in Ancona, Italy. She was delivered four years later in 2012 to her owner and remains the largest project undertaken by the Monegasque yachting brand.7 February 2011Keel laid of 65m Heesen superyacht&nbsp;Galactica Star<img src="/uploads/store/photo/24726/image/large-63f204ca69cb0e907f8a93e64f285024.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/24726">What was their largest superyacht project at the time, in early 2011 Heesen Yachts laid the keel of the 65-metre hull YN 16465 that would go on to be launched two years later as Galactica&nbsp;Star.8 February 2011Superyacht&nbsp;Big Fish reaches polar circumnavigation half waypoint <img src="/uploads/store/photo/24727/image/large-79d5281180ecc7e37f68801515bda41e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/24727">In a time where few luxury yachts braved to venture too far out of the Mediterranean and Caribbean comfort zones, the 45-metre superyacht Big Fish was pushing the limits by having set a polar circumnavigation course shortly after her launch in 2010. On this day in 2011, she was spotted in the waters of the Antarctic and reached the halfway point of this daunting challenge.6 February 2013Feadship launches largest yacht to date<img src="/uploads/store/photo/24728/image/large-fbf06b69f5ef58f7270dab37219005ad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/24728">On this day in 2013, Feadship floated their largest superyacht project to date, the 99-metre Dream, out of her build shed for the first time to reveal a bright blue superyacht far surpassing any other yacht built in the Netherlands at the time in overall size. Project Dream later became Madame Gu and remains one of the Dutch shipyard’s most iconic vessels today.

On this day: SYT archive stories from this week

Baltic Yachts are currently in the process of preparing for the build of three new carbon sailing yachts. The Finnish shipyard secured the construction of a 43-metre, 34-metre and 26-metre project, with construction on each project starting this year.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165174/image/large-2ae5c1eed23d4020654caa4f2769edcb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165174">

The Baltic 142 Custom is designed by Farr Yacht Design and styled by Lucio Micheletti. The project is commissioned by an experienced Baltic client in search of a modern long distance cruiser that will be able to deliver a comfortable ride at high speeds.

Another big project soon to kick off is the Baltic 112 sloop designed by Malcolm McKeon. The performance yacht will feature a lifting, telescopic keel, the latest version of Baltic Yachts’ Retractable Propulsion System developed with Hundersted, and a removable cockpit hardtop cover, amongst other things. Her interior is designed by Adam Lay Studio who also worked on the Baltic 107, Inukshuk.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165175/image/large-4148eb93621eaf05f673f05b8139a781.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165175">

 

A custom Baltic 85 performance cruising yacht will also start taking shape this year. Designed by Bill Dixon, the 26-metre project is developed to comfortably take on global long-distance cruises with a durable E-glass and carbon fibre construction. Mark Whiteley has been commissioned to design the yacht’s interior with Nigel Ingram of MCM appointed as owner’s representative during the construction period.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165176/image/large-e5456788ad14798f828efc754e8ea915.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165176">

Baltic Yachts are making the final touches to their 54-metre Pink Gin VI project which is set for launch later this year. The yacht is believed to become the world’s largest carbon fibre sloop yacht following her launch, after the 50-metre Wally, Better Place.

Baltic Yachts to build new 43m Baltic 142 carbon sailing yacht

When it comes to the field of sailing yacht naval architects, Bill Tripp is undoubtedly among the top names in this exclusive section of design. The American’s portfolio contains some of the most technologically advanced and innovative projects out on the water today. As Tripp spends most of his time at the studio in Connecticut, we were fortunate enough to catch up with the maestro in his charismatic satellite office located in the heart of Amsterdam to discuss the responsibilities of naval architects, the future of design, and what it is like sailing one of the largest yachts in the world.

Does your involvement in projects stretch beyond the design phase?

It does happen that when we do a motor yacht it is sometimes a case of handing over the keys, where after we may or may not hear about the yacht ever again. Sailing yachts however, and the ones who actively take part in races in particular, we are still very much involved with even after the launch. It is part of our passion to stay in touch with the owners and crew to follow them on their journeys around the world and relive the experiences that was enjoyed on board with them

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/160219/image/large-5da2672a56ebfbcfb162c6305360af78.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/160219">

Have you thought about becoming more active in the motor yacht scene at all?

As a studio we are interested in design and technology first and foremost. When the motor yacht world decides to start driving towards greater efficiency, then we will definitely be keen to get more involved. Creating a yacht to stay tied up in a marina and to enjoy your cocktail on does not interest us very much. I do however believe the motor yacht world is due for change especially with regards to the impact on the environment. Every other industry is working towards it, and I believe so should we.

Where do you find your design inspiration comes from?

Well, really any design that we find interesting. Design is something that we think is always evolving and moving forward. We particularly like to look at the classics. Although considered old-school in today’s terms, at the time they were the pioneers of technology, and we like to learn from that to see what is possible today. Better Place is a prime example of how, working with Luca Bassani, we applied nearly everything that is possible today into a single yacht, and because of that some people find it an unusual boat, others see her as extraordinary.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/160220/image/large-e7c278ccdc754f6d48c41765671d9929.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/160220">

Aquijo was recently delivered. What was the brief that you received to design one of the world’s largest sailing yachts?

It started with the owners of the yacht coming to us with accommodation requirements and a preliminary layout (from Dolker&amp;Voges), and describing to us what he wanted: Safety-Comfort-Speed. We then put pen to paper and tried to give some design leadership, but also follow through with his ideas to make sure that what he was after from the beginning was in fact realised. We started out with a lifting keel and fitting the yacht with a very particular rig. From the beginning he made it clear that he didn’t want an aero rig but two masts instead. Boats that size are often three-masted but from an ascetic’s point of view he opted for two, which seemed like a reasonable request to us. From there our work involved making the rig controllable and not having too many sails having to go up at the same time. The final configuration essentially makes Aquijo a four-sail yacht which makes her an interesting and fairly easy boat to sail. In Palma we were out in near 30-knots of wind and with a reef in the mizzen and the one in the main and the staysail up, we felt quite comfortable. No one was looking around thinking uh-oh, what’s going to happen next. There were discussions as to why not fit the yacht with a sloop rig. We had a quick look at the calculations and soon realised that fear was a pretty good reason not to go that route. We wanted something that would be comfortable to sail when the wind is blowing hard, and not have people on board think about whether they are safe, or whether they will get back.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/160221/image/large-c23ce2ae6380aaf3edabd785498da978.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/158964">

You have a strong history with Wally. How did that partnership come about?

When the owner of Alithia was thinking about building his new yacht, he had us and Wally bid for the eventual design. He ultimately chose our design, not because of anything Wally did or didn’t do, but perhaps of our ties with Abeking &amp; Rasmussen [the shipyard where the yacht was ultimately going to be built]. Afterwards Luca Bassani got in touch to congratulate me and asked if I could come down to meet with him. A few years later Esense was built at Wally, and yachts such as Saudade followed soon after.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/160222/image/large-0bf67f0e25f9aecbac5e9acb945ccb0c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/160222">

In terms of technology how do you see the sailing yacht industry developing over the next few years?

There is a lot of exciting developments happening in the world of professional racing at the moment. What we are focusing on is taking technology that is workable and safe and implementing that into something that can go around the world. Which is why racing is so important to us; it allows us to explore different types of construction, rigs, keels, foils and rudders, all the while keeping innovation as the drive force. There is a lot of risk involved in being a naval architect, whether you are working on a 62 footer or an 86 metre that is sailing around the world. You want to make sure the people on board return and also enjoy their experience on the boat. In terms of materials, composite technologies have advanced tremendously and has already made its way into sails and rigs and will soon be introduced into the hull materials as well. Ways to make the yachts less environmentally impactful is also developing. Creating lighter boats means we can simply do with smaller engines which use less fuel.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/160223/image/large-1be634c7fe36d01d2efada0f8a76f4d0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/160223">

How important have superyacht regattas become in the sailing yacht industry?

First of all, the superyacht world is not about the media or the architects, it’s about the owners. There are only a couple of thousand people who support this industry and so when we are forty people out on a sea trial or taking part in a regatta, we are all working for the owner. We want to make sure that there are various ways that they can enjoy their yacht, and I feel regattas are fantastic for a lot of these guys. It’s an event to meet people with other boats, with different ideas and a way to enjoy the act of creation together. For us as architects, racing these boats is a great way to adapt the technology that is available and implementing it into the cruising scene.

What are on the boards for the studio’s future?

I like to keep things tight around the studio. I certainly do not have grand ideas of expanding the company to 30 members, the largest we have been was 12 with the smallest team only six of us. I don’t see us progressing into the aviation and property design arenas in the future either, so with the yachting scene being as small as it is our studio will remain at a manageable size. Young designers with fresh ideas are important to us, and involving some cross-cultural individuals as well. There is a lot of room for young ideas but you don’t have to get intellectually old at the same time.

Sunscribe here to the latest issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper to enjoy the full interview: 
	 

<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank"><img alt="[no-lb]" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/160224/image/large-bf45c78e59e6e38617db4e2fdac847a8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159949"></a>

Photos: Giles Martin-Raget and Carlo Borlenghi

Insight: Bill Tripp on designing the largest sailing ketch in the world

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157598/image/large-ea5fcfef5cb9d816d8871442c59e903e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157598">Sailing yacht Better Place in GustaviaMoored in the famous Caribbean island port of Gustavia in St Barths is the performance sailing and motor yacht builder Wally’s 50 metre all-carbon superyacht Better Place. Her Bugatti-blue hull, towering black mast and minimalist exterior design has made her one of the most recognisable sailing yachts on the water today. Launched in 2012, the world’s largest carbon fibre sloop is designed by Tripp Design and Wetzels Brown Partners. Inside Better Place accommodates 12 guests across her light, fresh and functional 300 sqm interior.By Charl van Rooy

Wally sailing yacht Better Place in Gustavia

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153514/image/large-0eb82090a380559c11dc1c17812c557d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153514">Superyachts in West Palm BeachDocked side by side in West Palm Beach, from left to right are superyachts Naia, Grace E, Esense, Better Place and Tango. Naia, the second largest in this row, is a 73.6 metre built in 2011 by Freire Shipyard, to a combined design by H2 and Moore Yacht Design. Grace E, a 73.3 metre Picchiotti Vitruvius superyacht from the Perini Navi Group, was launched in 2014. Esense is a 43 metre high-performance sloop by Wally, characterised by the innovative design by Tripp Design. Docked next to her, is another Wally-Tripp superyacht, Better Place, this one measuring 49.90 metres. The largest yacht in the row, is the 77 metre Tango, delivered by Feadship in 2011. She is designed by Eidsgaard, with naval architecture by Feadship.By Maarten Janssen, photo by Charl van Rooy / <a href="http://SuperYachtPhoto.com" target="_blank">SuperYachtPhoto.com</a>

Superyachts in West Palm Beach 

Few brands in the superyacht industry produce such recognizable and innovative vessels as Wally, leading name for innovative sail and power yachts, hailing from Monaco since 1994. Always sleek, slender and boasting a contemporary design, a Wally superyacht aims at raising the bar and setting a higher standard. As is the case with brand new Better Place, the most recent addition to the Wally fleet, which was completely developed and produced in-house, in cooperation with Tripp Design and Wetzels Brown Partners for exterior and interior design respectively. At 50 metres LOA, Better Place is the world's largest carbon fibre sloop and as such, she was the first to be rewarded the RINA Green Star classification. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141459/image/large-afc4b55b1273032256e0fac72f015cef.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141459">Better Place boasts an almost signature Wally-look, with minimal, sportive lines that result in an almost aggressive and masculine look, and the typical raised bulwarks that add not only to onboard safety but purity of lines. With her clean Bugatti blue hull and modern physique, she truly stands out as a strong and confident sailing yacht. To top her impressive physical appearance, Better Place also stands out as an environmentally friendly vessel, all of which results in a forward-thinking design and engineering concept that combines a minimalistic look with impressive statistics and razor-sharp performances. Add to that her large interior areas, spacious decks and the elegant user-friendliness, and the result is a sailing yacht that stands out as a voluminous yet light displacement vessel that is easy to handle. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141460/image/large-c7665ac8f96031cb479aff2e9689d65c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141460">She offers an impressive 300 sqm of interior and 400 sqm of exterior living space, allowing the exteriors by Tripp Design and interior spaces designed by Wetzels Brown Partners to be optimally enjoyed. One of her many attractive features, is the integration of inside-outside living, which has been consistently applied throughout Better Place's decks for an optimal onboard experience. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141461/image/large-ea2732e5f1dea0b882f902abec46a544.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141461">The deckhouse encloses an impressively sized main interior space, housing navigation, dining and saloon areas. This large area is characterized by big, full height windows, allowing ample natural light to flow in. This results in a pleasant connection between the interior and exterior spaces. The lounge, dining room and wheelhouse form one large, 86 sqm space, adding to an onboard sense of space and lightness. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141462/image/large-2ce118d3af740f156c690c6b9e555124.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141462">The main saloon boasts impressive views and offers ample lounge seating for companies of up to 20 guests. With a spacious arrangement of four L-shaped lounge sofas and daybeds around a central table, the saloon is one grand space that opens up towards the airy aft deck. Here, a big cockpit combines with the main saloon to form one lush inside-outside living space. With the floor to ceiling windows on either side, and large glass sliding doors aft, the saloon is pleasantly open yet perfectly private. Fore, partly separated from the saloon by the open central staircase, is where the main dining room offers an equally open and elegant atmosphere. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141463/image/large-24218effb45518a6249ef32ea954eb2a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141463">With teak flooring and a white and light blue colour scheme, the main dining seats a company of up to ten in an ambiance that truly feels outdoor, with a large sofa facing fore and 5 comfortable dining chairs facing aft. A subtly integrated, state of the art navigation area can also be found here, combining the functions for this particular room and allowing effortless and spacious daytime navigation with a late night dining room and lounge area. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141464/image/large-7a2f97d4b3dd505b263eeadfb2aa5a4b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141464">The semi-sheltered aft cockpit connects the main lounge with a big 30 sqm terrace-on-the-sea, which is a few steps down and also directly accessible from the aft master suite. This large terrace is a luxurious lounging and swimming platform, and also perfect for tender boarding. Conveniently, Better Place offers an additional tender boarding and swimming platform, located amidships in the hull on starboard side. The aft cockpit's central coffee table can be converted into an al fresco dining table when needed, offering a first of several al fresco dining options. Right below the aft deck, a grand 60 sqm master suite has natural light flowing in from four different directions, allowing guests to optimally feel connected with the natural surroundings. The suite's central entrance has a clean and modern look, with ample hidden storage and cabinets, framed by an elegantly minimal lighting scheme. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141465/image/large-4cf3ce4853896721ade655336f7a3c36.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141465">With port and starboard portholes and mirrored glass aft and on top, the master stateroom is light and fresh with a cool, minimalistic design. Clean lines, a colour palette of white, beige and dashes of blue in the lighting scheme, plus gently rounded modern shapes throughout, form a clean composition of luxury, space and light. The master stateroom consists of a queen size starboard bed and a big port side lounge and television area. With curved aft fixed sofa and adjacent desk area, several low cabinets and convenient drawers, this stateroom combines refined design with a soothing modern atmosphere and lots of storage space. The spacious en suite has an equally luxurious, slightly futuristic look and feel, with a more contrasting colour scheme. It consists of an open central space with his and hers wash basins, with the head and shower spaces found adjacently, the latter with lush, large rain shower. Opposite the en suite, a walk in wardrobe offers large amounts of space and perfectly completes the spacious master quarters. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141466/image/large-f25dcea2ddb8e64097a58c2eec2ee135.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141466">Directly accessible from the main dining and lounge areas, is a forward cockpit with magnificent vista views, perfectly utilizing Better Place's sleek fore deck, which is another signature Wally feature. With two oppositely placed, large L-shaped sofas, this is a perfect after dinner hideaway and perfect for day to night lounging, especially while sailing. A walk to the vessel's bow shows Better Place's remarkably uninterrupted deck, free from any unnecessary details. Sun beds for up to 20 people available at the fore cockpit, and a big Jacuzzi, which is beautifully positioned below deck, turn this area into an absolute guest favourite. With two large tender garages, stay-sail locker and the Wally submarine anchor locker, this deck was designed with both elegance and functionality in mind, optimally utilizing every bit of space onboard. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141467/image/large-a19e9d80d0b00fabfa9da73f03d08ca0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141467"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141468/image/large-fc21a4ab32be39082f2629ecef4e1e32.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141468">Space is a capital ingredient onboard Better Place, not in the very least because of the magnificent 100 sqm sun deck, which can be accessed either by an open exterior staircase or the main interior staircase. Here, steering and navigation areas are elegantly combined with luxurious guest lounging, al fresco dining and sunbathing deck spaces. With the available barbecue and a convenient food lift connecting galley, interior dining room and the sun deck, ample comfort and perfect service are simply guaranteed. Additionally, the sun deck dining area can be transformed into one large sun bed, which does not burden available storage space do to the inflatable mattress used. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141469/image/large-653a8683054ac86e1fb9ff3484b17665.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141469">Better Place offers guest accommodation for a company of up to twelve guests, with the master suite, two family suites and two guest suites available. Guest cabins offer a queen sized bed, family staterooms offer twin beds and an additional pullman. All guest staterooms have a luxurious en suite with head and shower area. All suites are designed in the vessel's clean, modern style, with fresh dashes of colour or a refined black and white scheme for each stateroom. Ample light and a minimal design are key ingredients, forming a comfortable, luxurious and cozy environment for every guest onboard. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141470/image/large-dd58beb5354ec87a6c4250556c385f68.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141470">This latest Wally superyacht shows that minimalistic and plenty of atmosphere can go hand in hand with intelligent functionality and great guest comfort. With ample amenities, an airy ambiance and plenty of space, she truly aims at offering guests a Better Place. Wally +377 9310 0093 <a href="mailto:sales@wally.com?subject=S/Y%20Better%20Place%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">sales@wally.com</a> <a href="http://www.wally.com/">www.wally.com</a> Tripp Design Naval Architects +1 203 838 2215 <a href="mailto:yachts@trippdesign.net?subject=S/Y%20Better%20Place%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">yachts@trippdesign.net</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.trippdesign.net/">www.trippdesign.net</a>Wetzels Brown partners +31 20 696 31 33 <a href="mailto:info@wetzelsbrown.com?subject=S/Y%20Better%20Place%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@wetzelsbrown.com</a> <a href="http://www.info@wetzelsbrown.com">www.info@wetzelsbrown.com</a> By Jochem Kaan

Superyacht of the Week: Wally's 50.5 metre Better Place

From 19 to 22 September 33,000 luxury yachting companies, yacht owners, wealthy customers and representatives of future purchasers converged on Monaco to meet up at the yacht show's 500 stands and aboard the hundred-odd superyachts on show. At last year's show there were signs of an upswing in the market. MYS 2012 confirmed the trend; slowly but surely, business is picking up. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141184/image/large-ade696cd79b2731b8e0a59bacb865571.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141184">With yacht prices that have fallen significantly in the past four years and a wider choice, luxury yachting was already clearly a buyer's market, benefiting affluent customers provided they decide to buy quickly. In this competitive situation brokers and shipyards brought out their best selection of superyachts for the four days of the Monaco show: 103 superyachts of an average 46.70m length, including six mega-yachts of more than 70m and 38 brand new 2012 models. Again this year the showcase spread along the Port Hercule quayside. Offshore 120 superyachts were at anchor, directly linked by tenders to the exhibitors on the docks. The constant to and fro of tenders showed that rendezvous diaries with potential buyers were full. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141185/image/large-6ab18c9293568d8510321d0fefc5fd4b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141185">Because the MYS today represents a decisive step in the yacht selling process; Bertrand Vogèle, CEO of Yachting Partners International, considers it "The most important moment of the year; the Monaco Yacht Show brings together all the output of boat builders wanting to show their latest models, with important boats for sale. It's the superyachting Mecca". Jonathan Beckett, CEO of brokerage house Burgess shares his view: "We had eight yachts on show, between 47m and 77m, and two catalogue items presented by the their builders as new 2012 models; we also had 25 other yachts at anchor offshore." The boat builders had an equally successful show: "The 2012 Monaco show was a success for us. Much better than last year. But I imagine you've been hearing the same thing all day," said Henk De Vries, CEO of Feadship. "The 2011 show was itself the best there had been since the start of the crisis; the crisis is still with us, but serious people are keeping busy. We have to be fit and ready for the fierce competition but that's OK. If you sit complacently on your laurels, you're out of the race." <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141186/image/large-508eecf25658b2bf6bd3fc1290751ab4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141186">Theo Hooning, Secretary General of SYBAss stressed the need to be at the Monaco Yacht Show to promote luxury yachting to a new clientele of non-initiates: "Once again this year the Monaco Yacht Show has proven itself the most important place to be if you want to share in the experience of superyachting. With such a variety of superyachts on show and events like our Monaco Sunset party, visitors had a host of opportunities to discover and understand the nature of these exceptional boats." That was one of the big challenges facing organisers and exhibitors this year: to attract a new A-list customer base to the show so that they can experience this ultimate luxury for the first time. Awards for three superyachts The official visit of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco to the Monaco Yacht Show was the occasion this year for three superyachts to be awarded trophies: The 2012 MYS design award went to sailing yacht Vertigo (67.2m, Alloy Yachts) for the outstanding work by French naval architects Philippe Briand and Christian Liagre. The trophy, a superb crystal glass sailing yacht, was made by MYS partner Baccarat. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141187/image/large-3dcd224c6bc06b91ad14cfae69277924.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141187">The Green Star Class 2012 certificate for boats built in compliance with rigorous environmental standards was awarded to Better Place (50.5m, Wally) and Aslec 4 (45m, Rossinavi) by Italian ship classification company RINA. Monaco Yacht Show <a href="http://www.monacoyachtshow.com">www.monacoyachtshow.com</a>

Record attendance for the 22nd Monaco Yacht Show

Wally has successfully launched the stunning Bugatti blue coloured 50 metre sailing yacht Better Place, the world’s largest sloop in carbon fibre developed on the lines of Tripp Design with the interiors by Wetzels Brown Partners, and uniquely classified RINA Green Star. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139196/image/large-efb864ed2175d5812006710db9a92d58.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139196">The Wally 50m touched the water after the owner’s wife smashed the champagne bottle on the keel bulb during a private ceremony in Ancona, Italy, where the yacht was built at WallyEurope facility using the most advanced carbon fibre construction technology. “With Better Place, once again Wally opens a new route in yacht design and innovation” enthusiastically says Luca Bassani Antivari, Wally Founder and President and head of the R&amp;D “We succeeded in delivering an environmental friendly and breakthrough Wally 50m with aggressive and sleek lines of a true performance sailing yacht, rather than the motor sailer look typical of this class of yachts.” <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139197/image/large-61ab470d04aa40c77fdf6041e1e169c1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139197">“Better Place introduces innovative concepts in the round-the-world mega yacht cruisers“ continues Bassani “such as big volumes associated with ultra-light displacement, latest diesel electric propulsion system, staysail simplified system, deckhouse with full height windows, uniquely large open-air living areas, raised bulwark, aft owner’s suite with portholes and hatches on four sides and direct access to the Terrace-on-the-sea. “ Better Place is the first sailing yacht ever developed to comply with the environmental requirements of the RINA Green Star Design additional class notation, reserved to the ships which are designed, constructed and operated in such a way as to ensure maximum respect for the environment. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139198/image/large-5c3b514f401f569c31e1e8fc252df557.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139198">The delivery of Better Place is scheduled at the end of June, when the Owners will start their cruise around the Mediterranean. Wally +377 9310 0093 <a href="mailto:sales@wally.com">sales@wally.com</a> <a href="http://www.wally.com">www.wally.com</a>

 Wally launches Better Place, the world’s largest sloop in carbon fibre

The construction of the largest Wally sailing yacht is proceeding on schedule at WallyEurope. The plug of the hull is currently being completed, and the lamination will start in the second week of March. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124032/image/large-8fb436ff7351cdd024e6000ed0d95b72.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124032">The advanced composite building technology developed by Wally provides for the plug to include the longitudinal omegas. By using this system, the hull will be already reinforced by the longitudinal structures when it’s de-moulded, reducing the construction time and improve the quality of the structure. This result is obtained by using the FEM (Finite Elements Model) analysis to dimension the main structures in order to include them in the plug. The delivery of the <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1690">Wally 50m</a>, the first megayacht of this size completely built in advanced composites, is scheduled for spring 2010. <noscript></noscript>

Construction of the Wally 50m on schedule

After the sale of the <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1067">Wally 101</a> last April and the <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1522">Wally 100.3</a> two weeks ago, the largest Wally so far is signed: the Wally 50m, a blue-water sloop combining all the comforts and amenities of a mega yacht with the Wally performance and ease of handling as requested by the owner. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122966/image/large-3b245086c1da618630400cbb18812d29.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122966">The Wally 50m is the first mega yacht of this size completely built in advanced composites and to improve even further the performance, she will feature PBO rigging, the water tanks will be used as water ballast as well, and the lifting keel increasing the draft to 6 m when sailing, from 4.2 meter when motoring, anchoring and entering ports. As a result, this Mega Sailer features a light displacement (only 230 tons – 485,017 lbs) combined with the accommodation and comforts of a yacht of this size.On deck, the Wally 50m is characterised by large lounge areas including the forward cockpit, the flying bridge, the aft deck, and the terrace on the sea. The foredeck features a 2.4x2.4 m (7’10”x 7’10”) Jacuzzi tub, and two hidden tender garages.The flying bridge / sun deck features the navigation and helmstations, and a lounge / dining area for 16 people with sofas and BBQ area. To enhance the Wally inside-outside living concept, a 360° transparent glass encloses the deckhouse providing the guests with the view and open-air feeling when they are in the salon. The deckhouse encloses the main salon aft and dining area forward; and a twin navigation stations at the forward end.All the living spaces are characterised by the open space loft and flexibility concept to change configurations according to the use and requirements of different moments. The accommodation is in the lower deck and includes the 65 sqm (700 sqft) immense owner’s suite aft opening into the vast Terrace on the sea, four double guest cabins (two aft and two forward the engine rooms), all with en-suites. The crew and service area is forward with pantry, laundry, galley, crew mess and five crew double cabins. The propulsion system is diesel-electric to reduce consumption, noise and vibration while improving the energy management of the mega yacht and providing a more efficient layout.Three diesel generators supply the power for the propulsion and for all the services. Other features of the Wally 50m are the two separate engine rooms for safety and the Wally anchor-system.The construction of the MCA classified Wally 50m uses the latest advanced composite technology with pre-preg carbon. The yacht is being built at WallyEurope facility in Fano, Italy, and the delivery is scheduled for spring 2010.<noscript></noscript>