Sailing at the heart of Wally: an interview with Vittorio Blengini

Wally is returning to the heart of the sailing world with renewed strength, an evolving range and a technical vision that remains faithful to the brand’s DNA: radical innovation, pure aesthetics and ease of use. Fully engaged in its new phase within the Ferretti Group, Wally confirms not only continuity with its heritage, but also a clear intention to push further, decisively entering the racing arena with the wallyrocket project and reinforcing its presence in high-end custom sailing yachts.

We discussed this with Vittorio Blengini, Sales Director Superyacht Division & Custom Yacht of Ferretti Group, a sailor before being a manager, to understand how Wally is positioning itself today between design, technology and new generations of owners.

PressMare - Vittorio Blengini, what is your background and how did your relationship with boating begin?

Vittorio Blengini - I was born in Turin, but as a teenager I moved to Viareggio, where I fell in love with the sea. I started sailing at 14, racing in the 470 class, and later attended the Centro Velico Caprera. This allowed me to experience and sail larger yachts as well. I began my studies in Naval Engineering in La Spezia and, thanks to an internship while still a student, I joined at 22 as a project manager the only Italian shipyard at the time building sailing superyachts. From there, I became coordinator of the sailing outfitting on board, from mast stepping to sea trials and commissioning. I then started sailing and racing superyachts in dedicated events such as the St. Barth’s Bucket. This first phase lasted 13 years, four as Project Manager and the following ones as Sales Manager.

After that came a period at Riva, followed by three and a half years as Commercial Director at another major superyacht shipyard, before returning about a year ago to Ferretti Group in the role you mentioned.

PM - It seems that behind your career there is not only a professional path, but a very strong personal passion.

VB - Absolutely. Today I have limited time to sail, but my soul remains that of a pure sailor. Sailing is a passion before it is a job.

PM - Wally is the only sailing brand within the Ferretti Group. What added value does it bring and how does it position itself among the other brands?

VB - Wally is a brand of its own within the Group, with a dedicated Business Unit, as is the case for the other brands. Sailing remains the soul of Wally, a strong and recognisable root. Today Wally has two main identities: tenders, power yachts and WHY models – aligned with market trends, focusing on ease of use and versatility – and pure sailing, which remains aimed at true enthusiasts, particularly in the full custom and racing segments, where we want to maintain our market share. In the past, Wally developed some series, but always with a strong owner-driven approach: every yacht was different, each interpreting a personal vision. Today’s Wally follows the same principles, reinterpreted through contemporary technologies.

More recently, we have separated the two paths: on one side performance cruisers, on the other pure racing, where with wallyrocket we created something that was missing, because the former Wally Class – especially the WallyCento – while highly competitive in racing, are in fact hybrid yachts, designed to sail in all conditions.

PM - Wally’s claim is “20 years ahead”. What are the development directions for the coming years?

VB - We continue to invest in research and development, constantly monitoring available technologies and how they can be applied to sailing yachts. The goal remains the same: easy sailing. The onboard experience must be as user-friendly as possible, especially for an owner who wants to helm his own yacht. That’s why we focus on manoeuvre management, guest safety – a key aspect in deck layout – and everything related to hydraulics and sail handling systems, working with the best component suppliers. Sustainability is another important topic: sailing is the most natural expression of “green” boating. Electrification allows us to increasingly reduce the use of combustion engines and move towards real sailing, not “sailing assisted”.

PM - Are you also observing developments in rigid wingsails?

VB - We are certainly evaluating them, although they move slightly away from the classic sailing concept. The real issue is management: these are complex aerodynamic profiles that generate lift even when not desired. They must remain systems manageable by the owner, without requiring a permanent professional crew.

PM - Are foil-assisted hull solutions also being considered?

VB - We are studying them for the wallyrocket range, where it is more natural to explore such solutions. Not for the cruiser segment, which is about the pleasure of sailing rather than the pleasure of flying. Of course, systems like DSS (Dynamic Stability System) are carefully analysed, but we apply them only when the benefit is real and coherent with the yacht’s intended use.

PM - On the aesthetic design side, is there anything in development?

VB - Yes, something is underway. Wally remains strongly oriented towards full custom, so each project starts from dialogue with the owner. However, building on the success of the wallywind110, we are working on a selection of products – not a full range – representing our contemporary interpretation of Wally’s stylistic codes. We are exploring sizes both above and below 110 feet, to broaden our offering and reach different owners.

PM - Speaking of owners: are Wally owners’ requests changing, or do they come to you to be “anticipated”?

VB - Many are driven by design. Wally was born this way and that soul remains. Pure lines, clean decks, innovative functions that are never invasive: everything must be functional without compromising aesthetics. Sail handling must be simple, with manoeuvres hidden beneath the deck and servo-assisted, allowing everything to be controlled easily from the helm station, at the touch of a button.

PM - Turning to the wallywind110: you have already delivered two units. What level of customisation is available?

VB - The wallywind110 offers extensive freedom: the interior layout is fully customisable, as is the deck, which we offer in three configurations. Then there is the choice of components: an owner can opt for a lightweight interior combined with a lighter electrical system, or prioritise comfort, with more cabins and the owner’s suite forward or aft.

PM - Can you give us a preview of upcoming sailing models?

VB - We are working, also involving a potential client, on an 80-footer. I would define it as very smart: 100% Wally, a return to the heritage while looking ahead. The historic 80-footer made history, and many references are intentional. A sleek, elegant yet functional yacht, a pure cruiser. It could become a benchmark for future Wally sailing yachts.

PM - Is there a typical Wally owner profile?

VB - I would define them as lovers of beauty: a Wally must first and foremost be beautiful. Clean, instantly recognisable lines, even from afar – the same lines that fascinated me when I was young. It’s the same with other great brands: you see them and you immediately know what they are.

PM - Many Wally owners race. Beyond the wallyrocket line, are there dedicated programmes, such as the Wally Class?

VB - The Wally Class lives thanks to the owners who participate. It enjoyed a period of great success with a very active fleet. We are always present at events where our owners race; it’s part of our DNA. To rebuild a Wally Class you need motivated owners, and today the class is being revitalised thanks to new passionate owners joining some of the historic ones. We encourage them, because it’s an opportunity to meet, exchange views and see how the yachts perform around the buoys.

PM - With the wallyrocket51 and wallyrocket71 you entered pure racing, new territory for Wally. How did this evolution begin?

VB - It all started with the wallyrocket51. The brand wanted to enter a racing sector already frequented by our owners. We noticed an interesting trend: owners at the helm, not spectators. So we designed the wallyrocket51 as an owner-driven racer: reduced crew, very high quality, lightweight materials, optimised manoeuvres, with options for both coffee grinders and powered systems. It sits in a highly competitive segment, but with very high standards and a clear concept: putting the owner at the centre – or rather, at the helm.

PM - The wallyrocket71 is currently a one-off but already a world champion in the Maxi Grand Prix class. What developments do you foresee?

VB - The wallyrocket51 is our foundation and the platform on which we are building, including the idea of a dedicated circuit. The wallyrocket71 originated from a specific owner request for a racer capable of competing in the Maxi Grand Prix class. It entered the wallyrocket range as the bigger sister of the 51-footer, with a more open technical evolution potential.

PM - Will the wallyrocket71 remain a one-off?

VB - The 71-footer will remain an on-demand project. We do not intend to build it in series, but it is ideal for an experienced owner wanting to enter the Maxi Grand Prix Class with a proven and winning project.

PM - How many wallyrocket51 units are currently in production?

VB - We have reached the fifth unit under construction. The fourth will be launched soon and the fifth is currently in lamination.

PM - Are race results a driver for sales? Could they influence the power segment as well?

VB - I don’t think racing directly affects power yacht sales, but I do see a strong reverse potential: motor yacht owners approaching sailing through the wallyrocket51. The combination of a motor superyacht and a pure racing sailboat works very well.

PM - Does the racing aesthetic generate interest across the rest of the range?

VB - Absolutely. During sponsored events we also present wallypower, wallytender and wallywhy. It’s an ecosystem strategy: showing the complete family and reaffirming Wally’s strong commitment to sailing.

PM - How is the design process structured between Ferretti Group’s technical office and external studios?

VB - We collaborate with some of the best studios. For the wallywind range we work with judel/vrolijk & co for naval architecture and Santa Maria Magnolfi for interiors and exteriors. For the wallyrocket range, the main design is by Botin Partners, specifically Adolfo Carrau, supported by consultants such as Guillermo Parada and Vasco Vascotto. Santa Maria Magnolfi contributed to those aesthetic details that immediately identify these pure racers as part of the Wally family.

PM - Where are Wally sailing yachts built today?

VB - The wallyrocket51 is built externally with Performance Boats, while the wallyrocket71 was built by King Marine. All other sailing yachts are built, and will continue to be built, at Wally’s base in Ravenna, which offers ideal space and infrastructure.

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