Gladiator’s performance in Porto Cervo’s practice races sent an early message to the 14 other TP52s gathering for this week’s world championship: the reigning champions know how to win in light wind. Tony Langley’s British team led both heats on Monday, despite the tricky conditions inside the bay that left many crews searching for consistency.
The result carries extra weight given the new configuration driving tactics and strategy. Langley, sidelined by back injury during May’s opening regatta in Mallorca, returns to find Victor Diaz de Leon now collaborating alongside him. Diaz de Leon arrives from American Magic Quantum Racing, bringing fresh energy but also the challenge of integrating three strong personalities into a functioning afterguard.
Helm Guillermo Parada steered the boat smoothly through both practice races, yet refused to read too much into the early speed. “We learned that it’s going to be a long week, a tricky week,” Parada said after racing. “The wind inside the bay today was very unstable, so we need to trust what we are doing. But today doesn’t mean anything. We had a good day, obviously, but the regatta starts tomorrow, so nothing changed from yesterday to today and nothing should have to change from today to tomorrow.”
Langley echoed that measured optimism, acknowledging the work ahead in melding three sailors accustomed to leading from the helm. “This is the first regatta that we are going to be doing together because in Portals Tony wasn’t able to sail,” Langley explained. “Victor is obviously a very talented sailor and we just need to learn how to communicate in the proper way within the three of us to make things happen.”
The 15-boat fleet marks a watershed moment for the series. It’s the largest starting line since the 52 SUPER SERIES began in 2012, with the championship running from Tuesday through Saturday. Races begin tomorrow in Porto Cervo, where the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda hosts the event for the eighth time since the circuit’s inception.
