Own rules
The wallyrocket71 project was designed to create a worthy competitor to the 72-footers in the Maxi Worlds racing series. The goal was not just to launch another maxi yacht but to develop a cutting-edge sailing vessel that would redefine the boundaries of performance and innovation on racing circuits.
For Wally Yachts, the launch of this new model represents more than just a routine addition to its lineup. After the iconic shipyard became part of Italy’s largest yacht-building conglomerate, the Ferretti Group, in 2019, the development of new products slowed down. However, this period of transition has now been successfully overcome. In 2024, the yard launched the first model of its new wallywind110 series, and this summer, the wallyrocket71 joined its portfolio.
The technical expertise, significantly enhanced production capabilities, and advanced strategies of the Ferretti Group have clearly provided Wally with a powerful boost for growth. Previously, Wally’s range consisted mainly of small- and medium-sized sailing and motor yachts, with superyachts being built exclusively as custom projects. Now, larger yachts are also entering semi-custom series production.
It took just 18 months to go from the initial sketches to the yacht’s launch. The project was a collaboration between the Wally team and the designers at Botin Partners, with construction carried out at the King Marine shipyard in Spain. “First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to the owner, Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, whose faith in this ambitious concept made it all possible. With the wallyrocket71, the brand opens an exciting new chapter in sailing, presenting a yacht designed to be one of the fastest in its class,” said Alberto Galassi, CEO of the Ferretti Group.
The yacht was designed with uncompromising versatility in mind. Acknowledging that optimising solely for upwind or downwind performance would limit its capabilities and make it overly dependent on weather conditions, the wallyrocket71 was engineered to deliver exceptional results on any course and in any conditions.
The first hull was named Django 7X. Its dimensions are as follows: length — 21.4 metres, beam — 5.55 metres, draught — 4.9 metres, and displacement — 12 tonnes. The exterior is minimalist and highly functional, a philosophy reflected in its spartan interior. The smooth, uncluttered deck features no superstructure and transitions seamlessly into a large working cockpit, where all sheets and halyards are led. In addition to standard winches on the coamings, the deck is equipped with five racing pedestals positioned centrally. Two elegantly angled consoles house the twin helms, while the underwater section features twin rudders paired with a high-performance bulb keel.
Slightly smaller than the Maxi 72, the wallyrocket71 is also lighter. Advanced composite materials were used in its construction, reducing the overall weight by two tonnes. This allowed for a slightly shorter keel and rigging, but the sail area remains comparable to its competitors. As a result, the yacht is just as agile as its rivals but faster in light and gusty winds. On close-hauled courses, the wallyrocket71 carries 305 square metres of sail, while on downwind runs, it can deploy up to 630 square metres.
Its water ballast is heavier than its competitors' — approximately 35% more. However, a high-tech system allows for the transfer of all 2,700 litres of water from one side to the other in just six seconds, enabling the yacht to execute quick and sharp tacks. During sea trials in Valencia, Django 7X easily reached its expected speeds of 10.5–11 knots upwind and even exceeded these figures on favourable reaches.
The wallyrocket71’s racing debut came during the height of the sailing season at the Loro Piana Giraglia 2025 regatta. Traditionally held in early June, the event includes four days of coastal racing in Saint-Tropez, followed by a 241-mile offshore leg from Saint-Tropez to Genoa. During the offshore stage, Django 7X finished 38th out of 107 yachts in its division (IRC 0–ORC 2 DH), but under the tactical guidance of Vasco Vascotto, it claimed victory in one of the coastal races.
In September, the wallyrocket71 competed in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo. This year’s fleet included 47 yachts over 60 feet in length, racing across five divisions. The event showcased a full spectrum of weather conditions, from complete calm to powerful mistral winds. Here, the debutante truly shone, winning the Maxi Grand Prix by a two-point margin!
At the time of writing, Django 7X is competing in the Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez regatta, held this year from September 27 to October 5. Its racing calendar remains packed, and as the yacht continues to be fine-tuned, following its progress will undoubtedly become even more exciting.
Alberto Galassi is confident in the brilliant prospects of this creation: “The wallyrocket71 is not just a new yacht; it’s a statement of intent, a step forward that once again highlights our deep commitment to innovation, performance, and design excellence. As the old sailing proverb goes: pessimists complain about the wind, optimists expect it to change, and winners adjust their sails. Wally doesn’t just adjust the sails—it changes the rules of the race.”
