The 52 SUPER SERIES is widely regarded as the world’s premier grand prix monohull racing circuit. Fast, fiercely competitive and with a proud tradition of excellence, it has set the standard since it was first launched back in 2012.
The idea for the 52 SUPER SERIES was born from the collapse of the Audi MedCup in 2011, when the principal sponsor pulled out. Rather than let their passion for TP52 racing die, three key stakeholders – Doug DeVos (Quantum Racing, USA), Alberto Roemmers (Azzurra/Matador, Argentina), and Niklas Zennström (Rán Racing, Sweden) – joined forces with TP52 Class Manager Rob Weiland and Lars Böcking of Jacaranda Marketing to create a new owner-driven circuit. Their goal was simple: fast, competitive real-time racing, in great venues, with like-minded teams.
The inaugural season in 2012 kicked off at the Trofeo Conde de Godó in Barcelona. Four committed teams – Azzurra, Quantum Racing, Rán Racing, and Gladiator – formed the core of the fleet, with other teams joining regatta by regatta. Quantum Racing won the first overall series title that year, setting a benchmark for excellence that still stands today.
Over time, the series has gone from strength to strength. The circuit today remains in robust health, with the 2025 season seeing new blood joining the fleet once again, including Andrea Lacorte’s Alkeda powered by Vitamina, adding Italian flair to the international mix. Other recent entrants include Thailand’s Team Vayu (2021), Hong Kong’s Team Alpha Plus (2023), France’s Teasing Machine and Brazil’s Crioula Team (both 2024).
Racing in the 52 SUPER SERIES is all about real-time performance. There are no handicaps, no time allowances. The boats are built to a tightly defined “box rule” that ensures certain parameters – like hull length, sail area and displacement – are controlled, but still allow for enough innovation to keep the designers busy and the racing close. It’s like Formula 1 on water: fast, technical, and demanding. Every advantage matters, every mistake is costly.
The racing format is equally intense. Each regatta runs across several days and includes a mix of windward-leeward and coastal courses. Typically, around ten races are sailed at each event, culminating in about 45–50 races across a full season. There are no discards — every race result counts — meaning consistency is as important as outright speed.
The 2025 52 SUPER SERIES is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons yet, with a refreshed calendar and a mix of familiar favourites and new challenges for the fleet. Over five events, teams will need to master a range of conditions, from the glamour and light airs of the Mediterranean to the rugged Atlantic swells. With no margin for error, and every race counting towards the overall title, the stakes could not be higher.
The season opens in a few days time with a new and spectacular venue – Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera. Known globally for its effortless style, classic yachts, and bustling harbour, Saint-Tropez promises a fittingly glamorous start to the campaign. But it’s not just about the scenery. The Gulf of Saint-Tropez is famous for its light and often fickle breezes, demanding absolute precision from the crews. Strategy and patience will be key as teams navigate the tricky Mediterranean conditions against a picture-perfect backdrop.
After the glamour of Saint-Tropez, the fleet heads west to Baiona on Spain’s rugged Atlantic coast for the Spain 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week (June 3–8, 2025). Baiona’s maritime heritage runs deep – it was here that the Pinta, one of Columbus’ ships, returned after discovering the New World. The racing here promises to be equally historic, with shifty breezes, Atlantic swells, and a coastline that can serve up anything from steady sea breezes to fast-changing frontal systems. Crews will need sharp tactical skills and a strong dose of local knowledge to stay at the front.
From Baiona, the 52 SUPER SERIES moves south to Portugal for the biggest title of the season – the Rolex TP52 World Championship in Cascais (July 1–6, 2025). Cascais is a venue that needs no introduction. Its reputation for strong, steady winds and rolling Atlantic waves makes it one of the world’s great sailing destinations. Winning here is never easy. Boat speed, power, and precision manoeuvres are critical, and the pressure is even greater with the World Championship on the line. Expect tight racing, bold tactics, and no room for mistakes as the teams fight for one of sailing’s most prestigious prizes.
After the intensity of Cascais, the series heads back into the Mediterranean to Puerto Portals, Mallorca, Spain, for the Spain 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week (August 19–24, 2025). Puerto Portals is a well-loved stop for the 52 SUPER SERIES and it’s easy to see why. The chic marina, vibrant atmosphere, and reliable summer conditions make it a favourite among teams and spectators alike. Racing off Mallorca usually features light to moderate breezes, with flat water and plenty of tactical options. It’s a place where consistency pays, and teams that can stay calm under pressure often make the biggest gains.
The season finale takes the fleet to one of the most iconic venues in sailing – Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy, for the Italy 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week (September 22–27, 2025). Sardinia’s rocky coastline, crystal-clear waters, and the potential for strong Mistral winds set the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 season. Porto Cervo is a venue that rewards boldness and punishes hesitation. With the championship on the line, every decision, every tack, and every gybe could make or break a campaign. No title is ever secured in Porto Cervo until the final race is done.
The 2025 calendar offers an exciting mix – the glitz of the Riviera, the toughness of the Atlantic, and the classic challenges of the Mediterranean. Teams will have to show versatility, resilience, and a willingness to fight for every point. With new venues adding an extra layer of unpredictability, this season is wide open – and it promises some of the best grand prix racing we’ve seen yet.
The 2025 52 SUPER SERIES is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons yet. A full line-up of thirteen TP52 teams representing ten different nations – Hong Kong, Great Britain, USA, South Africa, Turkey, France, Germany, Brazil, Italy, and Thailand – are set to hit the start lines across the Mediterranean, each hungry to lift the trophy.
The teams expected to compete are: Alegre (GBR), Alkedo powered by Vitamina (ITA), Alpha+ (HKG), American Magic Quantum Racing (USA), Crioula (BRA), Gladiator (GBR), Paprec (FRA), Phoenix (RSA), Platoon Aviation (GER), Provezza (TUR), Sled (USA), Teasing Machine (FRA), and Vāyu (THA).
Among them, a handful stand out either for their proven track record, new talent, or fresh designs.
American Magic Quantum Racing comes into 2025 as the team to beat. Winning the 2024 series by a single point in the final race of the season, they secured their sixth overall title, adding to victories in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2022. Their Botin Partners-designed yacht, built by Longitude Cero Composites, remains fast and reliable. Owner Doug DeVos returns to the helm for three regattas this year after America’s Cup commitments kept him away in 2024. Young talent Harry Melges IV will steer at the other events. With Terry Hutchinson back as tactician and Victor Diaz de Leon as strategist, alongside new navigator Sara Stone, Quantum Racing also continues its strong focus on nurturing young American sailors. Their data-driven performance programme, overseen by coach James Lyne, extends its influence to partner teams Vāyu and Gladiator.
Platoon Aviation enters 2025 off the back of a hard-earned 2023 title win. Skippered by Hamburg businessman Harm Müller-Spreer, the team sailed their Botin Partners-designed yacht, built by King Marine, to a dominant season. Müller-Spreer, a seasoned owner-driver, boasts an elite afterguard including Vasco Vascotto (tactician), Jordi Calafat (strategist), and Jules Salter (navigator). With trimmers like America’s Cup veterans Ross Halcrow and Dirk De Ridder, Platoon Aviation has a deep bench of talent and consistency. For 2025, they’ll be campaigning a new hull from the same King Marine mould as Alegre, positioning themselves well for another title charge.
Gladiator has also risen through the ranks dramatically. Owned by British businessman Tony Langley, Gladiator made significant strides in 2023 and 2024, highlighted by wins at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and the Puerto Portals regatta. The team, part of the Quantum Sails programme, benefits from the tactical brain of Guillermo Parada and navigation expertise of Bruno Zirilli. In 2024, Langley helmed while Parada called tactics, a combination that pushed Gladiator into title contention. Gladiator campaigns the former Alegre boat, which provided a notable boost in performance, allowing them to finish third overall in 2024, just five points shy of the title.
Provezza, representing Turkey under owner-skipper Ergin Imre, is another team to watch. Long respected for their professionalism and perseverance, Provezza enjoyed their best season yet in 2023, narrowly missing the overall title after suffering rig damage at a crucial point. The team, which has been racing TP52s since 2013, enters 2025 with a new Judel/Vrolijk-designed boat, built by King Marine and launched late in 2024. John Cutler steers, Hamish Pepper calls tactics, and Nacho Postigo navigates. Provezza is competitive on the water but equally values the camaraderie and spirit of the 52 SUPER SERIES scene.
Each of these teams brings something different to the series. American Magic Quantum Racing has a proven formula of experience and youth. Platoon Aviation offers consistent results backed by steady leadership and new hardware. Gladiator’s new boat and revamped afterguard have injected fresh momentum. Provezza brings resilience and sharp, well-timed racecraft.
Across the fleet, fresh talent and new partnerships are emerging. Vāyu from Thailand, for example, continues to benefit from their close collaboration with Quantum Racing, gaining invaluable experience while adding excitement and diversity to the circuit. France’s Teasing Machine and Paprec also strengthen the international mix, while Alpha+ from Hong Kong and Crioula from Brazil reinforce the global pull of the 52 SUPER SERIES.
Racing this year promises to be closer than ever. With multiple teams upgrading boats, refining crews, and pushing technological innovation, margins will be tighter and mistakes punished harder. The owner-driver format remains central, with passionate, committed owners like Doug DeVos, Harm Müller-Spreer, Tony Langley, and Ergin Imre leading from the front.
Off the water, the 52 SUPER SERIES continues to set standards for professional big boat racing. Sustainability initiatives, top-level race management, and growing media coverage ensure the series maintains its status as the premier monohull grand prix circuit in the world.
