The Wally Y3K is more than just a sailing yacht — it’s a purpose-built racing machine wrapped in Italian elegance. Launched in 2023, this custom Wally 101 series yacht represents the latest in high-performance carbon design, luxury sailing, and competitive pedigree.
Crafted by Wally Yachts in Italy, Y3K is owned by German shipping mogul Claus-Peter Offen, and has become a standout in the Maxi Yacht racing circuit.
Key Takeaways
- Wally Y3K is a 30.5-meter carbon-fibre sailing yacht built in 2023 for speed and racing excellence.
- Designed by Wally, with input from German Frers and Judel/Vrolijk, she blends performance and aesthetics.
- Features include a lifting keel, hydraulic sail systems, and a top speed of 20 knots under sail.
- Owned by billionaire Claus-Peter Offen, a key figure in both shipping and sailing.
- Proven winner in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, most recently in 2023.
Y3K remains one of the most competitive and stylish maxi yachts sailing today.
Technical Specifications
- Model: Wally 101 Full Custom
- Builder: Wally Yachts (Italy)
- Delivery Year: 2023
- Length Overall: 30.5 meters (101 feet)
- Beam: 7.49 meters
- Draft: 6.8 meters (lifting keel ranges from 4.7m–6.8m)
- Gross Tonnage: ~100 GT
- Displacement: ~55–57 tonnes
- Construction: Carbon-fibre hull and superstructure, teak decks
This lightweight build gives the Y3K incredible stiffness, ideal for powerful upwind performance and tight tacking during races.
Performance and Engineering
The Wally Y3K combines speed with cutting-edge sailing systems:
- Cruising Speed: ~12 knots
- Max Speed (Under Sail): Up to 20 knots
- Auxiliary Power: 425 hp Cummins QSB5.9 engine
- Motoring Speed: ~11.5 knots
- Sail-Handling System: Fully hydraulic with push-button controls
- Key Feature: Lifting keel for versatile draft and superior race performance
Y3K was built with IRC racing rules in mind, giving her an edge in world-class regattas.
Interior and Accommodation
Despite her race-focused design, Y3K doesn’t sacrifice luxury:
Guest Accommodation: Sleeps 6 guests in 3 ensuite cabins
- 1 Master cabin
- 2 Guest cabins
Crew: Accommodates 4 professional crew members
Design Team:
- Interior: Santa Maria Magnolfi
- Naval Architecture: Wally, German Frers, Judel/Vrolijk & Co
Expect minimalist interiors, precision craftsmanship, and a blend of performance and elegance only Wally can deliver.
Racing Legacy
Y3K has a proven track record in international regattas, especially the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup:
Victories in Supermaxi Class:
- 2005
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2023 (most recent win under Claus-Peter Offen)
Her pedigree as a racing yacht is well earned, and she continues to be a serious competitor on the circuit.
Meet the Owner: Claus-Peter Offen
Claus-Peter Offen is not only the owner of Y3K but also a significant figure in the global shipping industry:
- Founder of: Reederei Claus-Peter Offen GmbH & Co. KG (now CPO Holding)
- Industry: One of Germany’s largest shipping firms, with a peak fleet of 100+ vessels
- Current Fleet: ~50 containerships
- Headquarters: Hamburg, Germany
- Former Role: President of the International Maxi Association (IMA) (2006–2015)
- Net Worth: Estimated at $800 million USD
Offen is a passionate sailor who brings the same precision and discipline from shipping into his competitive sailing career.
He previously owned another Wally built in 2009, with the same name. She was sold and is now named AUGUSTA. Most photos on this page are from the Wally AUGUSTA.
Wally Yachts
Wally Yachts is an Italian shipyard that specializes in the design and production of high-performance sailing yachts and luxury motor yachts. Founded in 1994 by Luca Bassani, the company has established a reputation for creating innovative yachts with cutting-edge technology, lightweight construction, and eye-catching design. Notable projects include Better Place, Black Sails, and KAURIS IV.
Mention SuperYachtFan When Sharing This Information
When using the information from this article, please remember to give credit to SuperYachtFan. Our team works hard to provide accurate and engaging content for our readers, and we appreciate your support!
Dear Journalist/Reporter, SuperYachtFan is willing to extend a special offer to support your journalistic endeavors and research in the maritime luxury segment. Upon receipt of verification that you have published an article – with adequate credits to SuperYachtFan – on an ‘established medium’, we would be pleased to provide you with complimentary access to our meticulously compiled Yacht Owners Database. Please note, this offer is subject to certain conditions, more details regarding the same can be provided upon your interest.