Maxis in the Med
Wally Yachts stole the style stakes at this year’s Regate di Primavera, with the picturesque backdrop of Portofino.
Photography by Studio Borlenghi
13 May 2021
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All eyes in the sailing world turned to the Italian Riviera last week, where the Regate di Primavera – Splendido Mare Cup marked the explosive return of Maxi racing to the Med.
Held in the sheltered waters of the Gulf of Tigullio from 5 to 9 May, the invitation-only event gathered some of the world’s most prestigious sailing yachts.
And none more so than the towering elegance of the Wally fleet, which was represented in style at this year’s event.
Kauris II (24.31-metres) and Ryokan 2 (24-metre winner of the coveted Compasso d’Oro International design award) showcased the yard’s enduring aesthetic appeal and evergreen design, where clean lines, perfect proportions and performance all combine to create emotions that only Wally yachts can.
VIP guests and visitors enjoyed another treat courtesy of Wally at this year’s event. The yard’s hugely successful Wallytender series were on hand to transport VIPs in ultimate style.
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Both the 43wallytender and 48wallytender served as courtesy vessels, standing out with their avant-garde design, immaculate handling and uncompromising luxury. It set the tone for a week where elegance on the water was only matched by the warmth of the Corinthian spirit on shore.
Now known as the Regate di Primavera – Splendido Mare Cup, the event has been running almost non-stop since 1980 against the backdrop of Portofino, the town known as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean”. Last year naturally saw a hiatus due to the pandemic, but Wally owners have been eager to restart racing and are supporting this year’s maxi events.
Wally is also doing its bit to bring these magnificent yachts back to the race course with the return of the exclusive Wally Class.
Counting among its number some of the most iconic sailing yachts of the last four decades, the Wally Class fleet runs from 24 to over 50 metres in length and includes some breathtaking recent deliveries that define the state of the art in performance, interior fit out and sheer flair.
“Now more than ever, people are appreciating the value of owning a yacht. We fully expect to see an exciting rebound in regattas as those who love to sail return to the water,” says Wally Managing Director Stefano de Vivo.
“For us as a brand, it is key to support regattas such as the Regate di Primavera – Splendido Mare Cup and foster growth for the future. Having delivered a new 145-footer at the height of the pandemic and recently signed a contract to build a stunning 101-footer for a loyal client, I am delighted to say that the Wally family keeps getting bigger.”
“Around the cans off Portofino, variable conditions prevailed. Seas ran quite high at times, while the wind went from flat calm to gusty and back again. It made for some classic racing and some memorable moments,” says Wally Founder and Wally Class President Luca Bassani.
“The two Wally yachts were never far off the pace, and provided an unforgettable spectacle finishing close in under the lighthouse at Portofino.
“After a year without Maxi yacht racing, owners are understandably enthusiastic to relaunch the Med regatta circuit. Wally is delighted to be supporting Wally owners and Wally Class members this summer to participate in some of the world’s most prestigious events.”
Wally Class events will unfurl majestically over the course of the next six months. Following the Regate di Primavera – Splendido Mare Cup in Portofino, Wally owners can look forward to the Loro Piana Super Yacht Regatta in Porto Cervo (1 to 5 June); the Giraglia Rolex Cup (16 to 19 June); the Superyacht Cup in Palma de Mallorca (23 to 26 June); the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo (5 to 11 September); and the unmissable Voiles de St Tropez to close the season from 4 to 9 October.
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