Saudade, the largest Wally built so far, is a traditional blue-water yet high performance mega yacht, developed from the hull lines of the breakthrough Wally 143 Esense. The medium-light displacement (150 tons – 308,647 lbs) combined with the lifting keel (from 4.20 to 6.20 meters - 13' 1" to 19' 8") produces a fast yacht with large volumes and full equipments for extensive round the world cruising.
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.
The deck is characterised by the low and aggressive pilothouse, that perfectly matches the sleek lines of the yacht. The unique superstructure design features longitudinal mullions stretching the pilothouse alongside titanium strips that are continuations of the cockpit furniture. A rigid removable bimini is developed as an extension of the deck house, providing protection from sun and rain without altering the profile of Saudade.
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, for the raised saloon amidships with 360 degree view, and for the crew quarter forward with the captain cabin and two double cabins.
The raised saloon has a 360 degree view and features the dining area for eight to starboard and the lounge to port side, separated by the keel box while a flat television screen rises from behind the centre sofa.
Both living areas are framed by sofas recalling the exterior concept of longitudinal elements. Bookshelves flank the wide glass doors, which leads aft to the large cockpit only three steps above the saloon level, creating a smooth continuation between interior and exterior. 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 centreline 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 ensuite 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 to have a homey and comfortable feeling. Unusual for sailing yachts of this size are the horizon-line views from the interior, which have been maintained by ensuring portholes, window and floor levels and seating were positioned for the benefit of the guests.
Straight grain oak – laid horizontally for outboard bulkheads and vertically for inboard bulkheads – is separated by white painted timber transverse walls, which appear to float within the cabins thanks to the concealed vertical strip lighting. Contrasting with the transversely laid dark-stained oak floor planks are textured sea grass carpets, used for cabins and raised areas in the saloon. Leather-covered door handles are hand made in England, while brushed metal cupboard handles have been sourced from the aviation industry.
Beds and tables are made from dark wood with matching dark leather inserts. The limited palette of materials and colours creates a modern but timeless design with a relaxed feel.
The Wally Research & Development conducted an extensive study on the sound and vibration insulation of the large engine room to obtain a very low noise and vibration levels, only 48 decibel in the main salon and the guest cabins.
Two tenders can be stored onboard Saudade: one forward in the recessed garage, and one aft in the stern.
