There are moments in the evolution of yacht design when performance and artistry meet with such exactitude that the result feels inevitable, yet utterly extraordinary. The wallyrocket51 is one of those rare outcomes: a yacht conceived not as a compromise between beauty and speed, but as the embodiment of both. Born of Wally’s unmistakable design language and forged through collaboration with some of the greatest minds in performance sailing.
At 15.5 metres, this latest creation from Wally, a brand under the Ferretti Group banner, is more than just a fast vessel. It is a redefinition of what a one-design racing yacht can be: nimble, aggressive, elegant, and above all, uncompromisingly versatile. Designed for owners who demand the thrill of competitive sailing without relinquishing aesthetic and technical sophistication, Wally marks the brand’s bold entrance into the world of thoroughbred racing yachts. The vision behind the project is unmistakably that of Luca Bassani, Wally’s founder and chief designer. For over three decades, Bassani has stood at the forefront of innovation in yacht design, constantly anticipating shifts in owner expectations. “The market is evolving,” he explains. “There are those who want to cruise in luxury, and those who want to race with precision. The wallyrocket51 is for the latter. We chose 51 feet because it is the perfect size, powerful yet manageable, advanced yet accessible.”
That philosophy is embedded in every curve and calculation of the boat. The naval architecture, entrusted to Botin Partners, renowned for their work in the TP52 and ORC circuits, achieves something that feels closer to engineering alchemy than design. With a displacement of just 6,250 kg and a revolutionary water ballast system (640 litres per side), the yacht delivers immediate reactivity without sacrificing control. It is light where it must be, rigid where it matters, and fast where it counts. From the earliest trials off the coast of Valencia, the wallyrocket51 made its character known. The sailing experience is not only high-performance, but it is tactile, intuitive, and exhilarating. The helm offers direct yet refined feedback, turning every gust into an invitation and every tack into a deliberate decision. This yacht is not merely sailed; it is felt. Its racing debut at the ORC National Championship for Central and Southern Tyrrhenian Italy confirmed what its builders already knew. With three wins out of four races, the wallyrocket51 dominated the event, securing first place overall and leaving no doubt as to her competitive edge. And this is only the beginning. She is now poised to challenge some of the most revered races in the world, including the Admiral’s Cup and the Fastnet Race, ambitious, but precisely what she was born for.
Studio Santa Maria Magnolfi collaborated with the Wally team and Botin to ensure that the brand’s design DNA remains unmistakable even in this purebred racer. The inverted sheerline, angular stern inspired by Wally’s iconic air intakes, and sleek deck layout all evoke the elegance of the larger Wally fleet. At the same time, the low, aggressive profile signals serious intent. Construction, naturally, reflects the same pursuit of perfection. Pure Design & Engineering oversaw the structural development, with the hull built using pre-preg carbon and Corecell and Nomex cores, materials more commonly found in aerospace than yachting. Every gram was accounted for, every joint optimised. Even a 3% margin in composite weight was deemed unacceptable, given its potential to affect performance by over 30 kg.
The wallyrocket51 is not a boat for the faint of heart, nor for those satisfied with convention. Yet it is also far from inaccessible. Its hybrid nature, capable of alternating between electric-powered systems for fleet racing and manual setups for IRC/ORC formats, makes it remarkably adaptable. Hydraulic winches can be replaced with coffee grinders. Ballast can be shifted in seconds. Crewing requirements are modest, just eleven sailors are needed to unleash its full potential. Guiding this innovation are two legends of competitive sailing: Vasco Vascotto and Guillermo Parada. Veterans of countless regattas and long-time collaborators, their involvement from the outset shaped the boat’s development. “We wanted to build what sailors really want,” says Vascotto. “Not just another fast boat, but one that delivers long-term value, is thrilling to race, and always remains relevant.” Parada adds: “The wallyrocket51 has its own identity, it’s compact, intelligent, responsive, and versatile. It’s for anyone who wants the excitement of a Maxi with the freedom of a smaller crew.”
Indeed, that may be the most remarkable thing about the wallyrocket51. While designed to dominate on windward-leeward courses, she has also been engineered for offshore endurance, structural resilience, and tactical adaptability. Whether blasting downwind in heavy breeze or gliding upwind in shifting seas, she performs with poise and purpose. In an industry that often separates performance from pleasure, and style from speed, the wallyrocket51 reunites these elements with clarity and conviction. It is, in every respect, a Wally, yet unlike anything before her. For those ready to race not just to win, but to feel every moment of the journey, the wallyrocket51 is the vessel they’ve been waiting for.
Photo Credits: Gilles Martin-Raget
Article edited by Mark Webber