The 2025 sailing season is hotting up, and Wally is stepping up its game: The Wallyrocket 71 is a racer that not only stands out visually, but above all is well thought-out and uncompromisingly built for speed. The new flagship celebrates its premiere at the Loro Piana Giraglia, but it is much more than just a showpiece - it is a clear challenge to the maxi competition. So it's not just taking on the TP 52 and ClubSwan 50 racing series, but also the really big names. Brave? Yes, but if the Wallyrocket 71 performs just like the Wallyrocket 51 especially with the Admiral's Cupthe attack could be promising. This type of boat won the inshore races there.
The new rocket was designed by the professionals at Botin Partners, built by King Marine and co-developed by owner Giovanni Lombardi Stronati - a trio that didn't just want to build another maxi boat, but something that sets new standards. The result: a high-tech projectile with twin rudders, 2.7 tonnes of water ballast, an aggressively slim rig and a weight that is around two tonnes less than the Maxi 72.
More than just maxi: the idea behind the Wallyrocket series
The Wallyrocket 71 is not an only child. In fact, it was built with a clear view to the experiences from the previous year - with the Wallyrocket 51 as its direct younger sister. This is what makes the project so exciting. While the 51 had already enjoyed its first successes, it was to a certain extent the laboratory version for what is now coming onto the big stage with the 71.
The Wallyrocket 51 was planned as a One Design - a purist 51-foot racing machine, light, sharp and uncompromisingly trimmed for racing. At the same time, however, it also fulfils the IRC and ORC regulations and has proven that it can compete at the very top. At the Central and Southern Tyrrhenian ORC National Championships, for example, Team Django sailed straight to first place.
So now the big sister comes into play - with more length, more potential and the same uncompromising DNA. She also goes by the name of Django, but is sailed by a much larger and experienced team. Tactician Vasco Vascotto sums it up: "The 71 is incredibly light, fast and responsive - and just as fascinating as her little sister. Just with more oomph."
Technology that not only impresses, but also decides
In detail, this means a shorter rig and a lighter keel - thanks to weight savings. At the same time, the ballast system has been revised. The 2.7 tonnes of water can be pumped from one side to the other in around six seconds - this ensures lightning-fast manoeuvres, especially when playing tactics in narrow fields.
The first test strokes off Valencia showed the potential: upwind 10.5 to 11 knots, downwind sometimes faster than the wind itself. So it's no wonder that expectations are high - and not just for the Giraglia, but also for upcoming events such as the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup or Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez.
A season characterised by rockets
Even apart from the new 71s, everything is running smoothly at Wally. Several of the label's yachts are competing in the big maxi events this year - from the St Barths Bucket to the Tre Golfi and the Rolex Middle Sea Race in October. Names such as "Galateia", "Bullitt" and "Tilakkhana II" regularly secure podium places.
Particularly exciting: The concept of the Wallyrocket 51 lives on. While the first yacht will be taking part in the Admiral's Cup and Rolex Fastnet Race this year, there is already talk of the next units - a separate class, perhaps even their own series regattas? Many things are conceivable because, according to the shipyard, there is a great deal of interest.
