In 1981, based on a design by Ron Holland, the Gallinari shipyard in Anzio built a cold-molded sloop destined to gain considerable fame. This would be the Botta Dritta V.
Boasting excellent waterlines and a very clean deck, the hull features the classic maximum beam of the era, positioned slightly aft. However, it deviated from the Ron Holland stylistic hallmarks of the time; instead of the inverted transom (a typical Holland trait back then), it featured a classic shape, almost like a schooner. This was an owner’s choice, ensuring a larger aft master cabin to complement an interior already featuring two other double cabins, two heads, a galley, and a chart table.

Originally designed as a cruiser, over time she proved to be an extremely high-performance vessel in racing as well, boasting an impressive track record: a first-place overall finish at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s 40th Anniversary (2007); a third-place finish at the Trofeo Formenton (2017) in the White Sails category; and a first-place finish at the Regata dei Legionari (2022) in the Classic Boats category.

To give you an idea, Botta Dritta V is nicknamed the “White Whale,” an evocative image of the power she conveys when sailing on a reach and in steady winds.