Wally unveils a new yacht designed for ocean racing, with a streamlined hull, reduced displacement and a clear ambition: to beat the Maxi 72s in compensated time.
A project designed for the maxi circuit
Commissioned by Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, wallyrocket71 is the fruit of a collaboration between Botin Partners and King Marine. It marks a clear determination to offer a high-performance, innovative yacht, designed specifically for IRC rules. The project began with a blank sheet of paper and a clear objective: " Beat the Maxi 72 on corrected time" said Adolfo Carrau, architect at Botin Partners.
A more compact, lighter hull
With an overall length of 21.40 meters, a beam of 5.55 meters and a draft of 4.90 meters, the wallyrocket71 has a displacement of just 12,500 kg. Compared with the Maxi 72, this represents a reduction of around two tonnes. This reduction in overall weight has enabled us to optimize the rig (shorter), keel (thinner) and appendages (double rudders and high-performance bulb).
Optimized ballasting for easy handling
The wallyrocket71 features a 2,700-liter side ballast system, 35% more than the competition. This volume can be transferred from one side to the other in just six seconds, offering a major tactical advantage for fast tacking. The system was successfully tested during the first sea trials, where the boat easily reached the expected upwind speeds (between 10.5 and 11 knots) and matched or exceeded the wind speed downwind.
Lively and demanding at the helm
The first model, named Django was entrusted to an experienced crew for the first tests in Valencia. Tactician Vasco Vascotto praised the boat's responsiveness and build quality, while strategist Guillermo Parada praised its demanding but expected behavior. The wallyrocket71 is clearly intended for seasoned crews capable of exploiting its full potential.
2025 sailing program: top-level regattas
The launch of the Django coincides with an ambitious calendar: Giraglia in June 2025, Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in September in Porto Cervo, and Voiles de Saint-Tropez in October. The wallyrocket71 intends to demonstrate its ability to compete with older boats optimized for other gauges.
With the wallyrocket71, Wally enters a new era of design for offshore racing. Lighter, more maneuverable and designed from the outset for performance under IRC rules, this 21-meter could well redefine the standards of the maxi circuit. It remains to be seen how she will perform against the direct competition on a variety of courses and in contrasting wind conditions. We'll be keeping a close eye on this new unit to gauge its impact on offshore regatta naval architecture.
