The new Wallyrocket 71 is the latest evolution in performance racing from Wally to rival other maxis on the marketPhoto: Gilles Martin-RagetWally launches a second Rocket. If the name and look seem familiar, it\u2019s because we ran plenty of coverage of the first Wallyrocket 51 earlier this year, following its eagerly awaited launch and build-up to the Admiral\u2019s Cup and Rolex Fastnet Race.
\nYet just as we began featuring the first Rocket, Wally announced this larger sistership, with both yachts launching in the same season. Both are Botin Partners designs, and where the 51 is conceived to take on the TP52s and smash races on handicap, the 71 has the equally herculean task of becoming the \u2018world\u2019s most successful maxi\u2019.
\nWallyrocket 71 Django 7X became a world champ at its first major regatta. Photo: Gilles Martin-Raget
\nCompared with its main Maxi 72 rivals then (most of which have been extended), the Wallyrocket 71 is two tonnes lighter, with over 30% more water ballast (2.7 tonnes of it) for the same sail area, which brings advantages both in the light and going downwind. It can clock upwind speeds of 10.5-11 knots, while matching or exceeding true winds going the other way.
\n\u201cWe started from a blank sheet of paper, asking how we could beat the most competitive Maxi 72s on corrected time,\u201d Botin\u2019s Adolfo Carrau explains. \u201cWhen they were designed, it was to a box rule, so many parameters were already set. Now, as everyone is optimising their boats under IRC rules, there is a lot more freedom.\u201d
\nClean, Spartan carbon interior \u2013 it\u2019s a racing yacht after all. Photo: Gilles Martin-Raget
\nGiovanni Lombardi Stronati commissioned the build of the first 71, Django 7x, at King Marine in Valencia. It is already being campaigned by his Italian Django team, which represented the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) at the Admiral\u2019s Cup with the first 51. Once again, this team is galvanised by the affable Vasco Vascotto, who holds more world titles than any other sailor.
\nDjango 7x\u2019s first major regatta was the Rolex Maxi Yacht Cup in September, hosted by the team\u2019s club YCCS, where it took on the likes of seasoned competitors such as Bella Mente, Vesper, Jolt and Jethou \u2013 and beat them all, to claim the first Rolex IMA Grand Prix World Championship. Quite the proof of concept!
\nArticle continues below\u2026<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWorld\u2019s Coolest Yachts: Wallygator II<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cThis was the boat that represented the style of Wally and was the first large yacht really able to sail\u2026<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWallyrocket 51 review: Is this the world\u2019s fastest new raceboat (on handicap)?<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYou have to admire the ambition. A goal to create the fastest race boat in the world (on corrected time)\u2026<\/p>\n
Wallyrocket 71 Specifications:
\nLOA: 21.44m 70ft 4in
\nBeam: 5.55m 18ft 3in
\nDraught: 4.90m 16ft 1in
\nDisplacement: 12,500kg 27,558lb
\nSail area (upwind): 305m2 3,283ft2
\nSail area (downwind): 630m2 6,781ft2
\nContact details: wally.com<\/p>\n
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The post New Wallyrocket 71: The Next Generation Racing Yacht appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The new Wallyrocket 71 is the latest evolution in performance racing from Wally to rival other maxis on the marketPhoto: Gilles Martin-RagetWally launches a second Rocket. If the name and look seem familiar, it\u2019s because we ran plenty of coverage … <\/p>\n