This was the time of the Moro di Venezia
The 80-footer we’re building with Michael
project, and the first 80-foot Wallygator
Schmidt (yacht owner and proprietor of the
with Luca Bassani. I arrived at the right
yard) and David Chipperfield, (starchitect
moment - yacht design was exploring new
and passionate sail yachtsman) is proof of
dimensions and frontiers. Then came the
this. She’s a new classic, combining stylistic
second Wallygator, the first 100-footer built
elements from the past with thoroughly
entirely in carbon, and a series of technical
modern concepts. She also marks a new path
developments. This was followed by Wally
for the studio. Michael Schmidt wanted a yacht
B, Kenora, all the Bs, the IMS and cruise
of his own with clearly-defined characteristics
yachts up to Ghost and Chrisco, the first
- a revamped coachroof and doghouse, a deck
high-performance cruise models. Then there
deep in the hull, large, rounded bulwarks,
were the elegant and playful daysailers, too.
central cockpit for guests and an owner’s
Luca’s enthusiasm, professionalism and
cabin aft with private access. The innovative
ability as a sail yachtsman were contagious.
aspect lies in her profile - although she
Ours was the ideal blend of skills - Logica
looks like a flush deck yacht, her stern-on
(presented at Montecarlo in 2014) was the last
view reveals three separate levels with a
yacht we designed together, a well-mannered
traditional geometry softened by gentle angles
motoryacht, with none of the superfluous
borrowed from car design - the Mini Cooper,
elements of a megayacht. She is a homage to
to be specific. A black, hyper-modern strip
the gentle sailing typical of a sail yacht. When
surrounds grilles and hatches for ventilation
you step through our doors, prepare to be
and interior lighting. The first example will be
amazed. But the end result of a good design
launched in June, but she already has a sister.
should be elegant and intellectually honest.
I can’t wait to show her to Luca!”
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