A QUIET STORM
On board the 33m Wally yacht Galma
Designed for demon speed under sail but with aesthetics that blend into the seascape, 33-metre Galma embodies a low-key, modern approach to superyachting, discovers Risa Merl
GILLES MARTIN-RAGET
“It only took me 10 minutes to decide to buy it, which gives you an idea of how perfect the project was for me,” says the owner of 33.4-metre Galma, the first hull in Wally’s wallywind110 series. The new series hadn’t yet been announced and wasn’t for sale publicly when he caught word of it, but its marketing status was beside the point. He knew it was meant to be his.
The manageable size, sinuous lines and overall concept – a hybrid between Wally’s high-performance machines and a capable bluewater cruiser – was exactly what he and his wife were looking for. And he signed on with just enough time to put his own stamp on the project, supercharging the yacht’s performance capabilities, painstakingly creating a special hull colour that blends seamlessly with the sea and customising the interior to suit their exact needs.
GILLES MARTIN-RAGETKey to Galma’s cockpit is its flexibility. Cushions can be added to extend sunpads and the tables go from high to low
GILLES MARTIN-RAGETKey to Galma’s cockpit is its flexibility. Cushions can be added to extend sunpads and the tables go from high to low
Galma’s owner wasn’t always a sailor. You often hear about sailors hanging up their lines to switch to the ease of motor yachts, but it’s a rarer occurrence when an owner shifts from power to sail. “I owned motor boats for more than 25 years, from the time I was 24 to 50 years old,” he says. “Then I was in Menorca one summer and had a friend with a fast sailing boat; I said, ‘This is something I like.’”
“The biggest challenge was to design and build the low-profile coachroof so you don’t ‘see’ the deckhouse”
For a few years, he chartered a Ron Holland-designed sailing boat before trying out a Wally. “I chartered Wally B, and it was the most exciting boat I had ever been on,” he says. “From that moment, I was totally stuck on sailing boats and on Wally.”
His entry into Wally ownership started with a powerboat in the form of the wallytender 45. (He’s now sized up to a wallytender 48, which serves as Galma’s chase boat.) The first Wally sailing yacht he purchased was the 27-metre Tiketitoo, and when he wanted to get more seriously into racing, he upgraded to the 40-metre Wally Dream (now called Black Sails).
GILLES MARTIN-RAGETA backrest in the middle of the sofa around the dining table means guests can sit facing inwards to dine or outwards to take in the views
GILLES MARTIN-RAGETA backrest in the middle of the sofa around the dining table means guests can sit facing inwards to dine or outwards to take in the views
With Dream, he raced and cruised for 10 years. “In the beginning we were doing 50/50 racing and cruising, then we started doing the entire race circuit,” says Galma’s captain, Miguel Garriga, who has worked with the owner for 16 years. “But [the racing scene] became too professional and too competitive. [The owner] wanted to start doing proper cruising around the Med instead of just hanging around Sardinia.”
TONI MENEGUZZOThe curve of the coachroof gives an organic feel to the exterior
TONI MENEGUZZOThe curve of the coachroof gives an organic feel to the exterior
The original plan was to build a 43-metre Perini Navi, but Covid-19 and Perini’s temporary struggles put this on hold. The search began for a suitable yacht to fill the void, but nothing on the market was catching the owner’s eye. Then one fateful day, his luck changed.
“Luca Bassani is a very, very good friend, and in the summer of 2022 we were cruising together in Portofino. I asked him to get out his iPad and show me what was new at Wally, and I saw a boat that was absolutely perfect for me,” says Galma’s owner.
“The feeling I get when I sail on Galma is pure racing emotion with total cruising comfort”
ON BOARD GALMA
It’s a grey and muggy day in Barcelona. It should be calm and relatively flat on the water, but there’s considerable chop caused by all the boat traffic. As the 37th America’s Cup gears up for another day of racing, organisers and camera crews are zipping around and superyachts are lumbering into designated spectator zones to soak up the action. Wally’s brand new Galma is one such superyacht.
Wally founder Luca Bassani is at the helm, sailing us into a prime position to watch INEOS Britannia get thrashed by Emirates Team New Zealand. “At least the wind is picking up,” one of Galma’s crew says, as the AC75s retire to port and the yacht traffic around us begins to drain away. He’s right – the light breeze has a little kick to it now, and the sky is a touch darker. As the crew begin hoisting, Galma’s jet-black sails look right at home against the steely sky.
Sailing upwind at about 19 knots in 23 knots of wind, the ride is comfortable and dry. Galma’s deck design is clean and uncluttered but still fitted with plenty of spots to sit and things to grab hold of.
When the yacht heels sharply, I still feel safe and secure, which is something that Bassani had hoped to achieve from the early inception of the wallywind110. Aft of the steering wheels, the two “madame’s seats” (as Bassani calls them) give me, an anxious sailor, the feeling of being involved even without taking the helm. But my seat of choice is one of the dual-facing amidships benches, where I curl up and admire the low-profile, teak-clad coachroof and the jib filled with wind. Galma canters along with pace and grace, and while she doesn’t have the foiling technology of the AC75s, I still have the distinct sensation of flying over the water. – Katia Damborsky
It’s a grey and muggy day in Barcelona. It should be calm and relatively flat on the water, but there’s considerable chop caused by all the boat traffic. As the 37th America’s Cup gears up for another day of racing, organisers and camera crews are zipping around and superyachts are lumbering into designated spectator zones to soak up the action. Wally’s brand new Galma is one such superyacht.
Wally founder Luca Bassani is at the helm, sailing us into a prime position to watch INEOS Britannia get thrashed by Emirates Team New Zealand. “At least the wind is picking up,” one of Galma’s crew says, as the AC75s retire to port and the yacht traffic around us begins to drain away. He’s right – the light breeze has a little kick to it now, and the sky is a touch darker. As the crew begin hoisting, Galma’s jet-black sails look right at home against the steely sky.
Sailing upwind at about 19 knots in 23 knots of wind, the ride is comfortable and dry. Galma’s deck design is clean and uncluttered but still fitted with plenty of spots to sit and things to grab hold of. When the yacht heels sharply, I still feel safe and secure, which is something that Bassani had hoped to achieve from the early inception of the wallywind110.
Aft of the steering wheels, the two “madame’s seats” (as Bassani calls them) give me, an anxious sailor, the feeling of being involved even without taking the helm. But my seat of choice is one of the dual-facing amidships benches, where I curl up and admire the low-profile, teak-clad coachroof and the jib filled with wind. Galma canters along with pace and grace, and while she doesn’t have the foiling technology of the AC75s, I still have the distinct sensation of flying over the water. – Katia Damborsky
At this point he had decided that a 40-metre-plus vessel would actually be too much boat and was looking instead in the 30-metre size range. “To me the scale is very important, because a sailing boat over 110 feet is not as fun at the helm,” he adds. The wallywind110’s hybrid cruiser-racer platform was especially appealing. “I wanted to have a very fast cruising boat, because I’m not racing as much anymore – but I race when I cruise; I like to race myself!”
To achieve the performance that he was looking for, he asked Wally to make some changes to the concept. The boat was about halfway through construction and the hull was complete, but fortunately there was still enough time to tweak a few key things. “The concept had a traditional sailplan with a pinhead main and a fixed keel,” says Captain Garriga. “But a Wally nowadays for me must have a square-top main and a telescopic keel to give the yacht more performance.”
DESIGN SPOTLIGHT
Highlights of the new wallywind110
Aft-facing sunpads flank the entry hatch to the crew quarters and provide exquisite views aft to watch the sailing action
L-shaped sofas on the swim platform extend the deck living spaces and make Galma feel even larger than she is
To ensure flexibility for both racing and cruising, exterior furniture is mostly removable, allowing the yacht to segue between cruiser and racer with ease
The owners will often be the ones manning Galma’s dualrudder helm. Or perhaps they’ll take a break to sit at the aft terrace, letting their feet dangle in the water while under way
The design team developed several different bimini tops that meet various needs, including one that can be used when sailing and another that covers the entirety of the aft deck
While Galma’s owner opted for a telescopic keel, owners of future hulls can stick with a fixed keel if preferred. To aid in fast performance, the interior was also optimised by choosing lightweight materials and streamlining down to the necessities.
“We got rid of all the optional extras to make the boat as light and high performance as possible, but we still have all the comforts that are needed for a cruiser with a good-sized galley, watermaker and washer and dryer.” Coupled with a carbon rig, this makes Galma light and fleet-footed.
TONI MENEGUZZO
TONI MENEGUZZO
TONI MENEGUZZO
TONI MENEGUZZO
TONI MENEGUZZO
TONI MENEGUZZO
Taking the place of the lower-level lounge that you would typically find on cruising sailing yachts is a self-service bar, which design studio Santa Maria Magnolfi “carefully designed based on the owner’s specific request”
The wallywind110 was designed inside and out by Wally and Milanbased studio Santa Maria Magnolfi, while naval architecture comes from judel/vrolijk & co. Of course, Wally founder and president Luca Bassani was deeply involved in the briefing and design process. Years ago, Federico Santa Maria worked in the Wally office in Monaco and had the opportunity to help on the exterior and interior design of the wallycento Magic Carpet 3 and the first wallyace model.
After he opened a design studio with Valentina Magnolfi, together the designers supported Wally on the design of the custom Wally 93 Nahita. Since then, Santa Maria Magnolfi has forged a fruitful partnership with the shipyard. The Wally 101 Y3K, launched last year, comes from their drawing boards along with the other sailing yachts currently under construction, like hull No 2 of the wallywind110 and the wallyrocket51.
“We got rid of all the optional extras to make the boat as light and high performance as possible”
“The idea for the exterior [of the wallywind110] was to push boundaries by questioning every fixed dogma,” says Santa Maria. “This is aimed at improving the onboard experience, comfort, safety and enjoyment.” The flexible cockpit design speaks to this notion. “The aft terrace is quite a unique feature, offering the rare opportunity to be close to the sea at all times, even while sailing,” he says.
GILLES MARTIN-RAGETThe yacht usually runs with four to five crew, but will take on many more racing crew when she takes part in a regatta
GILLES MARTIN-RAGETThe yacht usually runs with four to five crew, but will take on many more racing crew when she takes part in a regatta
Galma cuts a clean and powerful profile, giving a hint at her speedy performance. Yet her low-profile exterior is really a trick of the eye. “She looks like a flush deck, but in reality she has a raised saloon,” says Bassani. “This was the biggest challenge – to design and build [the low-profile coachroof] so you don’t ‘see’ the deckhouse.” The chamfer at the top of the hull is also designed to visually lower the already light stern, creating quite an aggressive look overall.
“The idea for the exterior [of the wallywind110] was to push boundaries by questioning every fixed dogma,” says Santa Maria. “This is aimed at improving the onboard experience, comfort, safety and enjoyment.” The flexible cockpit design speaks to this notion. “The aft terrace is quite a unique feature, offering the rare opportunity to be close to the sea at all times, even while sailing,” he says.
Galma cuts a clean and powerful profile, giving a hint at her speedy performance. Yet her low-profile exterior is really a trick of the eye. “She looks like a flush deck, but in reality she has a raised saloon,” says Bassani. “This was the biggest challenge – to design and build [the low-profile coachroof] so you don’t ‘see’ the deckhouse.” The chamfer at the top of the hull is also designed to visually lower the already light stern, creating quite an aggressive look overall.
TONI MENEGUZZOThe decor blends textured bouclé fabrics on the chairs and tatami-paper-style headboards with black anti-slip carbon-fibre flooring and black countertops
TONI MENEGUZZOThe decor blends textured bouclé fabrics on the chairs and tatami-paper-style headboards with black anti-slip carbon-fibre flooring and black countertops
“The hull, viewed from the side, hides an entire world on the deck,” says Santa Maria. “The bulwarks allow for a full-beam cockpit while providing a sense of protection and safety.” Hiding things away is a theme on Galma, with a mooring area hidden beneath the port side aft sunpads, a retractable chart-plotter and, in traditional Wally fashion, lines running beneath the deck.
“Having all the lines hidden is part of Wally DNA,” Santa Maria says. It also keeps the deck looking clean while being safe for guests. “We tried to emphasise this philosophy by also hiding the navigation screens that open up from the top of the bulwarks or the aft mooring area integrated in the bulwark itself, very uncommon on a sailing boat.”
The theme of hiding away is also apparent in Galma’s paint job. “We wanted a boat that couldn’t be seen when sailing… the sort of blue that blends in with the sea and the sky and seems to disappear,” says Galma’s owner of the fully custom colour. “We made 85 different versions and in the end we found the right colour.”
The light-blue paint morphs in richness and tone depending on the sunlight, and the ultra-shiny finish of the coat helps enhance this colourchanging quality. In stark contrast to yacht owners who wish to see and be seen, Galma’s owner wishes to fly under the radar with his yacht a cloak of invisibility.
TONI MENEGUZZOLight oak joinery ties the entire motif together
TONI MENEGUZZOLight oak joinery ties the entire motif together
Just as light dances on Galma’s hull, it streams down into the living areas below. The glass of the hatch door leading into the saloon runs the length of the deckhouse, creating a surprisingly bright interior. “What makes this boat special is the clarity of light during the day inside; we have natural light everywhere,” says the owner.
This light descends on a harmonious, minimalist, yet comfortable interior. Neutral tones and natural materials abound, with light oak, soft leather and textured bouclé fabrics creating a cosy atmosphere, while the white ceilings and Japanese tatami paper details contrast with black carbon fibre floors, which are opaque and textured with an anti-slip finish.
Just as light dances on Galma’s hull, it streams down into the living areas below. The glass of the hatch door leading into the saloon runs the length of the deckhouse, creating a surprisingly bright interior. “What makes this boat special is the clarity of light during the day inside; we have natural light everywhere,” says the owner.
“The feeling I get when I sail on Galma is pure racing emotion with total cruising comfort”
This light descends on a harmonious, minimalist, yet comfortable interior. Neutral tones and natural materials abound, with light oak, soft leather and textured bouclé fabrics creating a cosy atmosphere, while the white ceilings and Japanese tatami paper details contrast with black carbon fibre floors, which are opaque and textured with an anti-slip finish.
The “leather” found on Galma, from Italian brand Viridis, is derived from processing corn – it was chosen for its durability and sustainability, as it is composed of up to 69 per cent plant-based raw materials. “Our studio’s philosophy is to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces, where the materials are the protagonists, before the forms,” says Magnolfi of studio Santa Maria Magnolfi.
“We selected high-quality materials that not only enhance the visual appeal but also reflect a refined and sophisticated aesthetic, without compromising the standards required by Wally in terms of performance and low weight.” All of the fabrics on board were chosen in concert with Galma’s owner, who has an expertise in fabrics, say the designers.
As the owner appreciates autonomy when on board, he opted to rejig the layout with the addition of a customised bar area a few steps down from the main saloon in lieu of a TV lounge, as you’d find on many similar-sized sailing boats. The bar allows the family and guests to retain their independence and help themselves to a coffee or snack without having to call on the crew.
TONI MENEGUZZOGalma’s crew quarters include a good-sized galley, crew mess, navigation station and three crew cabins
TONI MENEGUZZOGalma’s crew quarters include a good-sized galley, crew mess, navigation station and three crew cabins
Undemanding as her owner and discreet as her “invisible” exterior might be, there is nothing modest about Galma’s performance. Like all Wally yachts, she is built for speed. “Galma is probably the most comfortable Wally we’ve ever built, yet still the boat is very, very fast,” says Bassani. During the summer season, Galma logged nearly 4,000 nautical miles around the Mediterranean, sailing in a wide range of conditions.
“Our record was 30 knots of wind north of Menorca with one reef in the main, and we were sailing at 24.8 knots,” says the owner proudly. “In light, medium or strong winds, she always performs and has incredible stability. We can be heeling at 40 degrees and it’s like going on rails. The feeling I get when I sail on Galma is pure racing emotion with total cruising comfort.”
Captain Garriga is equally impressed with the yacht’s high performance and responsive handling. He is urging the owner to get involved in a regatta or two this coming season, but until then Galma’s owner is very content racing against himself.
First published in the June 2025 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.
As on all Wallys, lines are hidden under the deck
A skylight extending from the companion way brings plenty of light into the saloon
The owners can make a coffee for themselves at the bar just outside their cabin
The good-sized galley includes an ice machine, water purifier and dishwasher
The low-profile coachroof is barely visible
LOA 33.42m | Gross tonnage |
LWL 30m | Engines |
Beam 7.6m | Generators |
Draught (keel up/down) | Sail area |
Mast and boom | Fuel capacity |
Rigging | Freshwater capacity |
Owners/guests | Tender |
Certification | Crew |
Naval architecture | Construction |
Exterior styling | Builder/year |
Interior design | +39 02 83994046 |