Wally Yachts, a brand synonymous with innovation and cutting-edge design, has set its sights on a new challenge: racing yachts. The Monaco-based builder is best known for its performance-based motor yachts but is taking a bold step into racing yachts with the launch of the new wallyrocket51. First unveiled in September 2023, the new 15.5-metre wallyrocket51 aims to outpace her competitors, in particular the well-established TP52 class, by offering groundbreaking speed, precision engineering, and advanced features designed for the ultimate racing experience. Made from carbon fibre, she features a sleek, streamlined exterior and a highly efficient layout, balancing her lightweight construction with the latest technology to deliver an unmatched performance on the water.
Set to launch later this year, Wally Yachts‘ decision to venture into the competitive yacht racing segment is a strategic move aimed at filling a gap in the market for a high-performance, one-design class that is both thrilling and as well as cost-effective. As the builder has always focused on speed and innovation, the wallyrocket51 reflects this ethos perfectly, according to Wally’s founder, Luca Bassani. With the TP52 class currently dominating the racing yacht market, Wally Yachts saw an opportunity to create a yacht that could surpass the TP52 in both real and corrected time while offering owners a more accessible and affordable option. The move sees Wally return to its roots as a performance-driven builder while remaining true to its commitment to push the boundaries of what is possible in yacht design.
Designed to dominate on the racecourse, thanks to a series of performance-enhancing innovations, Wally Yachts enlisted the help of naval architects Botin Partners, who have a history of success in the TP52 class, to help create the wallyrocket51. With previous simulations showing that the wallyrocket51 can outperform in any regatta under IRC and ORC ratings, she remains incredibly competitive.
One of the main features that sets the wallyrocket51 apart from competitors is her ultralight design, achieved through the extensive use of carbon fibre in her design and construction. This lightweight material not only reduces her overall displacement to just 6.3 tonnes but also increases her structural integrity, making her faster and more responsive than heavier yachts in her class. The pre-preg carbon hull, combined with Corecell foam for added strength and Nomex as the core for the deck, sees that the wallyrocket51 is not only light but incredibly durable. Thanks to her lightweight build, she will be able to achieve remarkable speeds both upwind and downwind.
Another key feature of the wallyrocket51 design is the adjustable trim tab on the keel’s trailing edge, a concept borrowed from America’s Cup yachts. The addition of the trim tab helps reduce leeway and allows her to sail higher and faster upwind despite the smaller keel profile. By aligning water flow with the hull, the wallyrocket51 experiences less drag, giving her a significant advantage in both speed and manoeuvrability. However, the wallyrocket51’s competitive edge comes not just from her speed but also from the ease of handling her, making her a yacht that can be raced by a smaller crew than its competitors, further reducing operational costs.
By targeting the high-performance one-design class with a yacht that promises to outpace the competition while remaining cost-effective, Wally Yachts is positioning the wallyrocket51 to become a game-changer in the racing yacht segment.