The only design detail
thatTangohas in
common with its fellow
Wallycentos is the
steering wheels, designed
by Konstantin Grcic.
He describes them
as “a very rational, even
edgy design, which
clearly expresses the
dynamic forces
of steering such
a maxi yacht”“We generated
an ultra-light and
super-performing
yacht, perfectly
suitable for cruising
as well as for racing ”PHOTOGRAPHY: GILLES MARTIN-RAGETproduce practical improvements without
harming the value of the interior,” says Mills. “By
centralising the engine and systems machinery,
we were able to co-opt a lot of the keel and mast
structure to support these; and place them beside
the keel and mast and under the winches to
reduce plumbing and wiring.” Centralising
machinery also reduced the inertia of the
pitching movements, conserving energy and
improving performance. They considered hull
stifness too. “We worked with Pure Engineering,
whose sophisticated structure used some of the
most advanced carbon and core options
available,” says Mills.
Inside, Tango has an automotive essence.
Persico Marine, which built the boat, has had a
long relationship with Pininfarina through its
sister company Persico Automotive. “Pininfarina
was the ideal fit to develop sporty interiors
matching the superyacht personality,” says
Bassani. “Tango’s visionary owner agreed right
away to integrate the renowned Italian design
brand in Tango’s team. From its inception Wally
has been open about involving new players in the
development of projects.”
Not only was this Wally’s first collaboration
with Pininfarina, but the firm was given a free
hand, with no details from other Wallycentos
carried forward except for the Konstantin Grcic
steering wheels. These feature tapering spokes
and what industrial designer Grcic describes as
“a very rational, even edgy design, which clearly
expresses the dynamic forces of steering such
a maxi yacht”.
The design approach follows the theme of the cockpit-less deck, with staircase-less steps down
to the saloon. Floating treads, their ends angled not unlike spoilers on a Formula One car or wavelets
on an otherwise smooth sea, are suspended from the saloon’s aft bulkhead. The ends of two of the
steps stretch out along the saloon walls forming shelves. Bassani enthusiastically describes the steps
as well as the entire approach to the interior as “cool”, while Paolo Pininfarina, chairman of the
company, notes that “to be innovative in a dream team of innovators” was a challenge.
The minimalist interior needed to be super-light and still ofer comfortable accommodation for
six guests in three cabins. “Thanks to the selection of materials and the innovative solutions of the
interior decoration, delivering both function and aesthetics, we generated an ultra-light and super-
performing yacht, perfectly suitable for cruising as well as for racing,” says Pininfarina. Key materials
used include carbon fibre, wood and leather, creating a sporty atmosphere, reinforced by red accents
in the furniture and red automotive-style seams on the upholstery. All of the accommodation is