The new wallyrocket51 immediately confirmed the high expectations: three wins out of four races and first place overall in the general classification. Designed by the renowned Wally shipyard, part of the Ferretti Group, this 15.5-metre boat represents a new generation of racers that combines the purity of one-design racing with the flexibility to compete at the highest levels in the IRC and ORC circuits.
The project was born with a clear vision: to create a fast, light, accessible and durable boat, designed for owner-skippers but capable of holding its own against any opponent, even with professional crews. ‘We wanted a boat that would make both sailors and owners happy,’ says Vasco Vascotto, one of the two experts involved from the early stages of development, together with Guillermo Parada. ‘Every day we sail on the wallyrocket51, we realise that we have hit the mark.’
Innovation in every detail
The naval architecture is by Botin Partners, the firm that has dominated the TP52 scene in recent years. The result is a hull with a record displacement of just 6,250 kg, with a 640-litre water ballast system on each side, transferable in just seven seconds. The pre-preg carbon construction with Corecell and Nomex cores is crafted with minimal tolerances to optimise every gram.
The rig features a Southern Spars mast, AEROsix rigging by Future Fibres and a 94 m² square-top mainsail. The sail area reaches 160 m² upwind and an impressive 360 m² downwind thanks to a 265 m² gennaker. A configuration that lives up to the boat’s name: a true “rocket” under sail.
Wally design, unmistakable DNA
Despite its pure racing vocation, the wallyrocket51 does not compromise on style. The design, developed in collaboration with the Santa Maria Magnolfi studio, echoes the brand’s distinctive features: upturned bow, sculpted transom and a steering wheel inspired by larger models such as the wallywind110.
‘We wanted a boat with an authentic Wally soul, without compromising on aesthetics and innovation,’ emphasises Luca Bassani, founder and Chief Designer of the brand. ‘It is a response to the new market scenario, where owners want more specialised boats: either cruising or racing. And if it’s racing, it has to be done well.’
Designed to win, anywhere
In addition to fleet racing, the wallyrocket51 is designed to shine on long voyages. It will compete this summer in the Cowes-Dinard-Saint Malo, the Admiral’s Cup and the Fastnet Race, proving that its one-design soul does not preclude top-level offshore performance.
Another strong point is its configurability: it can easily be converted from a one-design electric setup to a traditional one with manual winches, thus adapting to different regulations and types of regattas.
A future yet to be written
The wallyrocket51 marks the beginning of a new era for Wally in the world of racing. The project aims to become a true one-design class with strict regulations and guaranteed longevity, thanks in part to tight control over modifications and updates. ‘There will be no need to change boats every year to remain competitive,’ says Bassani.
This concept could attract owners from smaller classes, as well as maxi yacht enthusiasts looking for a more agile vessel to race with friends. In any case, the message is clear: Wally is ready to redefine the concept of the pure racer.
