Sail away
Saudade is a 45m sloop and the largest boat Wally has ever made. Bespoke was granted the enviable chance of going aboard during her worldwide debut at the 2008 Monaco Yacht Show.
Though only founded in 1994, Wally has already established itself as an extraordinary shipyard that produces distinguished motorboats and sailing boats of varying sizes. The largest example of the former is the WallyPower 118 (36m) and it was so revolutionary in its design that it became the first and only yacht to be selected as an exhibit at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The largest example of the latter is the much-anticipated Saudade.
The founder of the company is Luca Bassani, an Italian sailor who had won many boating championships. Back in 1989 he decided to commission a yacht for his family that would be comfortable and luxurious but also have the drive and performance of a maxi-yacht racer.
As his ideas began to take shape, Bassani settled on a few key principals such as advanced composite construction, easy handling capabilities and a flush deck. His yacht was finally delivered in 1991 and he named it Wallygator. Amazingly, it was so enthusiastically received by the general public that Bassani immediately knew he was onto something special. As a result he founded a new shipbuilding company, Wally and without delay he got to work on a second Wallygator. This new build would utilise the same carbon fibre technology while featuring a new Wally anchor system, hydraulic links to trim the sails as well as an integrated computer able to manage all onboard systems. A sea legend had been born.
Though sailing boats were the driving force behind Wally, their specialised knowledge of composite materials gave them an advantage in numerous other fields. So in 2000 they built their first carbon fibre skis. And just a year later they launched the ambitious 35 million USD WallyPower 118. Thereafter the business was split into three divisions: WallyPower, WallySail and WallySki. Finally, WallyDesign was created to cater to the design and styling of motor yachts over 40m in length and sailing yachts over 50m, which are currently beyond the capabilities of WallyEurope. Saudade may be the largest boat yet to emerge from this prestigious shipyard but at 45m, there is still an extra 5m with which the company’s products can grow.
Saudade’s initial brief was an exacting one. Her owner is a former Admiral’s Cup winner and he wanted her to be comfortable enough to permanently live on, while he and his wife circumnavigate the world, and yet also fast enough to compete in sailing regattas.
Given the requirements, weight would have to be kept to a minimum and therefore composite construction became a necessity. Enter renowned designer Bill Tripp along with carbon fibre experts Wally. The result was a medium-light displacement (150 tonnes) combined with a lifting keel that allowed for a swift yet voluminous yacht that could be fitted with all the equipment necessary for around the world cruising.
Huge water tanks were added in order to allow for long distance sailing. With a capacity of 3,000 litres of fresh water, the designers decided it best to split the tank in two and place each one on one side of the yacht. That way the tanks could act as water ballasts and actually further increase the boat’s performance.
Saudade is certainly a striking yacht and the first thing you notice as you approach her is the amazing dark green metallic colour of her hull. This is made all the more dramatic by the fact that the superstructure and slender mast have a silver finish. Amazingly the cleats, the main rail, hawses and handrails are all made from titanium in order to keep above-the-waterline weight to a minimum. Moreover judging by the low and aggressive pilothouse it is evident that the designers have made every effort to keep the centre of gravity as low as possible. The rigid removable bimini is developed as an extension of the deckhouse, providing protection from sun and rain while not altering the profile of this sleek yacht.
For the interior, the owner chose not to go to a large design consultancy. Rather he wanted to employ the services of someone who would dare to be different. Peter Eidsgaard was engaged after having worked for ten years for Andrew Winch. This project would represent the first large-scale yacht he had undertaken on his own. He placed great emphasis on symmetry, clear horizon lines and cleverly thought out lighting. As a matter of fact, it is rather unusual for a designer of a yacht of this size to place such an importance on horizon-line views but he did, by ensuring portholes, windows, floor levels and seating were all positioned for the benefit of the guests.
As far as materials go, the interior is very tastefully appointed. Naturally varnished oak has been used for the saloon furniture, doors and wall panels; matt white painted oak has been used for the wall panels elsewhere; and wenge-coloured varnish has been applied to the oak of the flooring. These light and dark contrasts interplay perfectly with the white painted deckhead panels, the sea grass carpets and the dark grey limestone in the bathrooms.
The internal layout puts the guest quarters aft. At the extremity is the owner’s suite, an owner’s office and the owner’s bathroom. Then more to central point, you can find the two double guest cabins. And amid ship, Eidsgaard placed the main saloon replete with 360 degree views. He positioned the crew quarters forward encompassing a captain’s cabin and two double cabins.
The main saloon is a particular success due in no small part to the amazing amount of natural light. The raised saloon features a dining area for eight on the starboard side and there is a lounge to port side. The keel box separates the two areas and the party trick gizmo is a flat television that rises from behind the centre sofa. Cream Poltrona Frau leather sofas frame both living areas and the symmetry found here is just another example of this designers touch. Bookshelves flank the wide electrically operated glass doors that lead aft to the large cockpit.
If you do not go out but rather follow the dark timber planks to the aft staircase, you will descend to the owner’s suite. Here you will find the bed on the starboard side and the lounge area with a desk to port. The full beam cabin is quite sizeable and once again you feel the designers symmetrical touches with even the staircase concealed behind a sliding door that purposefully resembles the doors of the wardrobes. The owner’s bathroom has both a freestanding bathtub and a shower. Opposite the bathroom is an office that can be converted into an additional guest cabin with two bunks.
Further forward is a corridor featuring a stunning selection of Asian art. And either side are two identical twin cabins. Cleverly the single beds can be pushed together to form King doubles should the need arise. If more beds are required there are Pullmans that are stowed above the portholes. The simple yet stylish interior definitely achieves the brief of creating a homey and comfortable space.
Saudade not only looks great but she sails well too. So for this lucky family looking to upgrade, their wishes were not only fulfilled but also surpassed. Upon walking the gangplank and leaving this stunning yacht you are left with the impression that this is a very special sailing yacht indeed.
Specs:
LOA 45.2m
Draught 4.2 / 6.1m
Beam 8.6m
Displacement 152 tonnes
Speed (engine) 12 knots
Berths 8 guests, 6 crew
Tenders 2 x Nautica RIBs (4.3 & 4.7m)
Contact:
WallyEurope
Via Toniolo 45, 61032
Fano, Italy
Tel +377 93 10 00 93
HYPERLINK "http://www.wally.com" www.wally.com
Images: Exteriors Carlo Borlenghi / Interiors by Toni Meneguzzo
