Wally's wallyrocket51: A Fast-Track to Adventure

The Rise of the Wallyrocket51

The wallyrocket51 has taken the world of sailing by storm, marking its debut as Wally’s first dedicated racing yacht. Owned by Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, this sleek vessel made its racing debut at the prestigious Tre Golfi Sailing Week in the Gulf of Naples, around a location that will soon host the 38th America's Cup. The vessel is designed as an owner-driver one-class boat while still being competitive under IRC/ORC rules, allowing for an impressive performance across varied sailing formats.

Initial Achievements

Team Django, the name under which the wallyrocket51 races, clinched victory in three out of four races during the championship, showcasing its competitive edge. This success was greatly fueled by the expertise of esteemed crew members, including Argentine strategist Guillermo Parada and Italian tactician Vasco Vascotto, who has an impressive track record of 28 world championships. They have been involved in the wallyrocket51’s development from the very beginning.

Vascotto, reflecting on this achievement, stated, “The journey from design to launch, ensuring every detail is on point has been a rewarding experience.” The regatta revealed not just the yacht’s capabilities but also the satisfaction of witnessing the concept materialize into a fast, competitive boat.

Summer Racing Schedule

Looking ahead, Team Django prepares for an exhilarating summer filled with events, including the Cowes Dinard St Malo Race, the Admiral’s Cup, and the Rolex Fastnet Race—organized by the esteemed Royal Ocean Racing Club. The performance displayed by the wallyrocket51 recently has instilled confidence in its racing capabilities, hinting at a thrilling series of contests ahead.

Design Ambitions: The Genesis of the Wallyrocket51

The wallyrocket51 was announced in 2023 by Wally’s founder and chief designer, Luca Bassani, alongside Ferretti Group. It was aimed at crafting a 50-foot racing boat that would excel in both one-design and fleet races. With a dual-mode capability of both manual and electric-powered racing, this 15.5-meter vessel is designed for efficiency and speed, created for a reduced crew of just 11 sailors.

Bassani shares his vision: “In founding Wally, I sought to develop yachts that are not just comfortable for cruising but also fast for racing. As the market evolves, we recognize the divide between cruising enthusiasts and the competitive racers. The wallyrocket51 caters beautifully to both sides.”

Innovative Hull Design

The importance of hull design cannot be overstated, and Wally has collaborated with the renowned Botin Partners Naval Architecture to turn their design ambitions into reality. Known for crafting TP52s and other racing vessels, Botin has helped to develop this yacht as a lightweight performer.

The wallyrocket51 sports an ultra-low displacement of just 6.25 tonnes, significantly enhancing its speed, especially downwind. This necessitated substantial adjustments to various factors, including sail plans, hull shapes, and keel-bulb designs. A state-of-the-art water ballast system, with 640 liters of water on each side, permits optimal fore-aft trim variations. Filling these tanks is astonishingly quick, at just one minute, adding to the yacht's impressive performance metrics.

Deck and Features

Wally's innovative design philosophy is also evident in the features and layout of the deck. Hydraulics take center stage in the operating systems, augmented by a removable battery pack designed for efficiency and competitive integrity. This integration allows the wallyrocket51 to race in IRC and ORC formats without incurring any rating penalties, ensuring both performance and compliance.

Designer Adolfo Carrau from Botin Partners remarks, “The goal was to create a yacht that would be competitive globally, right from the design phase.” The wallyrocket51 is structured for success even in offshore races.

Distinctive Wally Aesthetic and Build Quality

While performance has been a priority, Wally ensured that the aesthetic remains unmistakably in line with the Wally brand. The aesthetic decisions made by the Santa Maria Magnolfi studio were crucial, demonstrating that style and functionality can coexist without compromise. The inverted sheerline, signature air intakes, and a sporty steering wheel evoke a distinct flair, building on the legacy of past Wally designs.

Craftsmanship is paramount in a yacht of such caliber. Wally entrusted Pure Design & Engineering in New Zealand with the oversight of the project, ensuring rigorous engineering standards are maintained throughout the construction process. The hull composition utilizes advanced materials like pre-preg carbon with Corecell and Nomex cores. This attention to detail makes a significant difference as even a small variation in material weight could shift sailing performance drastically.

Exceptional Performance and Versatility

Regarding rigging, a 94sqm square-top mainsail coupled with a Southern Spars rig ensures ample upwind sail area while a 265sqm gennaker enhances downwind capacity—tallying to an impressive 360sqm total downwind area. Sail trials highlighted its exhilarating speed and responsiveness, thrilling skippers and teams. The wallyrocket51 has demonstrated remarkable upwind capabilities alongside its renowned downwind performance.

Vascotto, an experienced sailor, is elated with the onboard capabilities, reassured that their design choices cater to a varied range of sailing experiences.

Future Horizons: Keeping the Competitive Edge

Only one hull of the wallyrocket51 is sailing so far. However, the excitement and enthusiasm resonating through the sailing community predict its widespread appeal. Parada is optimistic that this innovative design could attract yacht owners and perhaps even those managing larger sailing vessels seeking competitive joy in racing with friends.

As Team Django gears up for significant races out of Cowes on the Isle of Wight, anticipation builds for climactic competitions—most notably the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, which charts a demanding course across 695 nautical miles.

Vascotto stated, "We love challenges and aim to showcase the wallyrocket51's versatility and competitiveness in various formats.”

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