The result of extensive development process, the newest WallyCento sailing yacht Hamilton by Wally Yachts, successfully launched today, boasts naval architecture by the renowned German studio Judel/Vrolijk. The 100ft Hamilton superyacht represents the beginning of a new chapter in the evolution of large sailing yachts that are genuine luxury cruisers as well as extraordinary, Grand Prix level race boats.
The newly launched WallyCento Hamilton superyacht with naval architecture by judel/vrolijk
Judel/vrolijk has been involved with the development of the 100ft superyacht Hamilton from a very early stage, and its previous experience of Box Rules through classes such as the STP65 and TP52 was invaluable from the start in defining the design parameters for the WallyCentos.
In this case however, the racing elements of the WallyCento luxury yacht Hamilton had mesh smoothly with requirement of an internal volume capable of accommodating a full‐facility, though very light, cruising interior.
Initial studies looked at a minimum displacement model with water ballast, but while this would have delivered an extremely powerful boat it was also deemed to be excessively complex.
After further work it was decided by judel/vrolijk and the other partners involved to forego water ballast and instead choose a lifting keel option with a maximum draft of 6.20 metres and maximum displacement of 50 tonnes in IRC measurement trim. This would deliver excellent performance at all points of sailing, and give a particular advantage upwind compared to the alternatives.
With the rule in place, judel/vrolijk was appointed by the owner for the design of what would become Hamilton yacht. A further study was undertaken to determine the optimum design within the rule for this particular yacht based on the anticipated conditions in which it would race.
As part of the process Rolf Vrolijk reviewed the designs of the existing Wally 100 fleet ‐ boats of the same length and with a similar ethos to the WallyCento ‐ and looked at ways of reducing the weight by 10,000kgs while retaining similar ballasting and sail area.
The judel/vrolijk team then selected a hull shape similar to that of their 2009 mini‐maxi, the 72’ yacht RAN. This is a well‐proven hull form and ideal for the powerful sail plan allowed under the Wallycento Box Rule.
Integrated beam variations were also reviewed and this analysis confirmed that a powerful hull with high stability was the optimum route. A soft chine was introduced into the aft sections to improve the reaching performance without producing too much drag upwind.
For the appendages a welded structure was selected for the fin keel to enable maximum weight in the bulb, while the rudder was positioned on centre with the size determined by the need to control reaching in heavy conditions.
Lastly the deck layout and general ergonomics of the Hamilton superyacht were planned in close cooperation with the boat’s crew, resulting in simple and practical solutions designed to maximise crew efficiency and effectiveness.
Rolf Vrolijk commented, “We are delighted with the way this project progressed. The various groups involved worked well together and we are very pleased with the results. We are also delighted to have the first of the Wallycentos out on the water and look forward to seeing her perform in next month’s Superyacht Cup in the UK followed by the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup later in the year in Porto Cervo.”
