A devastating fire broke out on the 27m (88ft) Wally yacht Tiketitan yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 2nd February 2010), whilst she was on the hard in the commercial docks of Palma de Mallorca. The alarm was raised from the STP repair and maintenance shipyard at around 1500, and Spanish media have reported that seven people were treated for various degrees of burns and smoke inhalation.

As a result it is sadly thought that this iconic boat will be declared a write-off, such has been the damage sustained. Designed by German Frers and built by Green Marine, S/Y Tiketitan was one of the original fast and easily-handled Wally superyachts, and their first with canting keel when she launched over 10 years ago.

Around 30 fire-fighters attended, and had to be craned over the boat due to the height involved (see picture). Foam was used to try to suffocate the flames and limit the danger of it spreading to other vessels, with the blaze taking over two and a half hours to contain. Amazingly, the rig stayed standing until it was removed this morning. There was obviously significant smoke caused from all the carbon, plastics and paints involved, visible from over five miles away – note it pouring out below the lowest spreaders.

Reports over the cause of the fire will obviously remain mixed while it’s assessed for insurance, with ‘battery explosion’, ‘flammable brake fluid’, ‘heat guns and cleaning products’ and an ‘engine-room’ fire all being mooted so far.

Heralded by Luca Bassni as the ‘cruiser of the future’ on her launch, this is not only tragic for yachting history, but also for Tiketitan’s new owne.