Wally to build mega cat

The plans for the luxury performance catamaran Aeroyacht 110 created a sensation when they were unveiled in Europe earlier this year and now the Italian yard Wally Yachts has been confirmed as the vessel's builder.

The first yacht is expected to be in the water by the end of 2011.

Ben Bartlett, who has responsibility for selling the Aeroyacht 110, says he is amazed by the levels of interest in the new vessel. "The project will set new standards for performance cruising, combining an ecologically sound approach with both performance and luxury not seen before," Bartlett says.

The Wally shipyard has built more than 40 advanced composite sailing yachts, now among the most desired millionaires'  toys in Europe, and has pre-preg composite facilities and post-curing ovens to hold yachts of up to 80 metres.

Wally yachts, which range from 80 to 130 feet, are noted for their clear decks and their ability to be sailed by just the owner if he or she so wishes.

Wally's technical office is specialised in the design, naval engineering, interior design and structural engineering of advanced composite yachts.

The naval architecture for the Aeroyacht 110 will be headed by multi-hull specialists Morrelli & Melvin who designed the late Steve Fossett's record-breaking catamaran Playstation and Dennis Connor's America's Cup winner Stars and Stripes.

Wally founder Luca Bassani says he had been approached by several multihull designers but he had never found a project that would reflect the Wally concept of combining performance, style, comfort and safety.