The 52 Super Series Puerto Portals 2025 has already delivered two gripping races on Mallorca’s Bay of Palma. Andy Soriano’s Alegre stunned the fleet with a commanding win in the opener, driven by new tactician Paul Goodison’s sharp calls. Takashi Okura’s Sled struck back on day two, showing textbook upwind pace to seize the race and tie with American Magic Quantum Racing on points. With Kiwi Nick Egnot-Johns steering Alpha+ and New Zealand-linked Provezza battling mid-fleet, the regatta carries strong local interest. Alegre lead, but the battle for Puerto Portals remains wide open.
The regatta opened in a gentle 12–17 knot sea breeze, with a rolling chop bouncing off the cliffs to the right of the course. Getting out of the blocks cleanly mattered.
Alegre nailed the pin end, accelerating into clear air while much of the fleet was stacked high on the line. They sailed fast left, banking on a small lift near the shore. The call was spot-on — Soriano’s crew rounded the first top mark ahead, their bow clean of the spray and the pack just two lengths behind.
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Vayu and American Magic were close, but Alegre’s smooth bear-away set them up perfectly for the first run. With Paul Goodison calling laylines, the team extended downwind, threading the chop with balance and control. At the gate, they split right and covered the fleet, using straight-line pace to defend their lead.
By the finish, Alegre were never threatened. Vayu’s consistency put them second, while Alpha+, with Kiwi Nick Egnot-Johns steering, surged down the last run to claim third. American Magic faded slightly to fifth, showing that even champions can stumble in the opener.
“It was a fantastic way to start,” Goodison said afterwards. “These boats punish mistakes. You only get one chance — but we stayed sharp.”
PUERTO PORTALS 52 SUPER SERIES SAILING WEEK
Race 2: Sled’s turn to dominate
Day two began unsettled, with light air and thunderclouds threatening to spoil the rhythm. The race committee called the fleet out early, hoping to catch the first build of the sea breeze. They were rewarded with a steady six to eight knots.
This time Sled owned the start. Positioned mid-line, Takashi Okura hit the trigger at pace, then tacked smoothly to the right in clean water. Murray Jones, reading the shifts like a book, picked a perfect lane. By the top mark, Sled were bow-out by three lengths, their white hull sliding across a patchy sea.
Behind them, Alegre and American Magic rounded almost together, locked in a drag race. On the final run, Soriano’s team rolled American Magic with better VMG, holding a tighter lane through the gybes. That move secured Alegre second place and left the Americans to settle for third.
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“It came down to one lane,” Jones explained. “We crossed when it counted, and from there it was control.”
Okura’s grin said it all as Sled crossed clear ahead — their first race win in some time, and a timely reminder that they are second in the season standings for good reason.
American Magic steady, but not invincible
The defending champions, American Magic Quantum Racing, remain dangerous. With Harry Melges IV steering and Sara Stone on navigation, they showed flashes of speed but also vulnerability. Their fifth and third places keep them tied with Sled on eight points, but Alegre’s two-race consistency leaves the Americans chasing.
Victor Diaz de Leon warned before the regatta that “odds are one in twelve.” On this evidence, he may be right — Portals is wide open.
Kiwi connections: Alpha+ and Provezza
New Zealand interest remains strong.
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Alpha+, flying Hong Kong colours, carry Nick Egnot-Johns on the helm. Their third in Race 1 highlighted both Egnot-Johns’ calm hand and the value of Adrian Stead’s return as tactician. A trickier Race 2 left them eighth, but the potential is there.
Provezza, a fan favourite, continue to grind out results mid-fleet. Helsman, John Cutter, and tactician, Hamish Pepper, both with significant experience are part of the crew. Palma resident Nacho Postigo, Provezza‘s navigator with deep Kiwi ties, noted, “The fleet has never been this even. Everyone can win a race. That makes it harder, but it also means opportunity.”
A debut on home waters
For Mallorca’s Elvira Llabrés, the regatta is extra special. Making her 52 Super Series debut with Thai entry Vayu, she helped guide them into second place in Race 1. With Britain’s Nick Rogers and Mallorcan Manu Weiller alongside her, she slotted smoothly into the afterguard.
“Sailing at home is fantastic,” she said. “What better place to start than here?”
The Bay of Palma has already delivered drama, and the forecast promises more subtle, tactical racing. Three races are scheduled for Thursday. Alegre lead the way, but with Sled resurgent and American Magic lurking, the battle for Puerto Portals is only just beginning.
Kirsten enjoys sailing and is a passionate writer based in coastal New Zealand. Combining her two passions, she crafts vivid narratives and insightful articles about sailing adventures, sharing her experiences and knowledge with fellow enthusiasts.
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