Here is the new wallyrocket71 (21m) that wants to be the fastest maxi in the world

What better occasion than the Giraglia 2025 to unveil Wally’s new “missile”? Here it is, under sail, the wallyrocket71 (21.40 x 5.55 m), designed by Botin Partners (in the person of Adolfo Carrau) and built in the Spanish shipyard King Marine. Same team as the wallyrocket51 (which we tested in this video).

This is no coincidence, because the owner is also the same. Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, who is preparing for the Admiral’s Cup with his boats named Django. Stronati, 62, a great sailing enthusiast and a member of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, is a lawyer active in the securitization market and an expert in the financial sector of nonperforming loans: between 2007 and 2010 his foray into the world of soccer, as president of Siena Calcio.

wallyrocket71: will it be the fastest maxi in the world?

As was the case with the 51′ (which had TP52s as a reference), the “brief” was lapidary: get a boat that was as fast as possible in its category. The key word: lightness and pure carbon. In fact, the weight of the new wallyrocket71 is only 12,500 kg: suffice it to say that the Maxi 72s, considered the “non plus ultra” of hi-tech sailing on this size (and obvious “reference” of the new 71) displace between 16 and 17,000 kg.

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“We started with a blank page, wondering how to beat the more competitive Maxi 72s on compensated time,” Carrau explained. “At the time, those designs were constrained by a box rule, with many parameters already defined. Now, with optimization under IRC rules, there is much more freedom.”

Secrets of wallyrocket71

The new Wally has double rudder, high-performance bulb keel and 2.7 tons of liquid ballast. However, being slightly shorter than the Maxi 72s, it was able to lighten by about two tons in total weight. Being lighter, it allows for a smaller keel and a slightly shorter mast , creating a virtuous circle that leads to a boat as agile as its competitors but more responsive in light winds and capable of lightning-fast acceleration.

The only element heavier than its competitors is the liquid ballast-about 35 percent more. But onboard systems allow the 2.7 tons of water to be transferred from side to side in about six seconds, making turns quick and efficient. During early testing, the boat easily reached 10.5-11 knots upwind and often manages to exceed wind speed downwind.

The wallyrocket71 is designed for uncompromising versatility. For Wally, optimizing exclusively for upwind or slack gaits means limiting possibilities and depending on conditions. The new wallyrocket71 is designed to excel on any course and in any scenario.

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What people who know wallyrocket71 well say.

Vasco Vascotto, tactician aboard Django, first wallyrocket71, says, “After the experience with wallyrocket51, sailing Django is really exciting. She is the big sister: incredibly light and fast, with 2,700 liters of liquid ballast and a displacement of only 12 tons. After a few days at sea, I am really impressed with the build quality and performance. The future of this type of boat is promising. We will be on the starting line at the Loro Piana Giraglia, then at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo and finally at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez to close the season.”

Guillermo Parada, wallyrocket71 Django strategist, also adds, “We developed a boat about 3 tons lighter than the main competitors, while maintaining similar power and sail area. After the first days of sailing in Valencia, the performance is in line with expectations: it is a complex and very high performance boat that requires careful handling but gives great excitement. Now we are preparing for the Giraglia, with the goal of putting this project to the test, led by an experienced team and supported by an ideal environment.”

Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group owner of the Wally brand, said that “This is not just a new yacht, but a true statement of intent, a leap forward that once again underscores our deep commitment to innovation, performance, and design excellence. As the old saying goes: the pessimist complains about the wind, the optimist expects it to change, the winner adjusts the sails. With wallyrocket71, Wally doesn’t just adjust the sails – he changes the rules of racing.”

wallyrocket71 – Datasheet

Overall length 21.40 m
Maximum beam 5.55 m
Displacement 12,500 kg
Draught 4.90 m
Sail area to windward 305 sq. m
Sail area to bearers 630 sq. m
Ballast 2,700 liters
Design Botin & Partners
Construction King Marine
www.wally.com

wallyrocket71, all photos