The 2025 52 SUPER SERIES season kicked off in unpredictable fashion with the Saint-Tropez Sailing Week, where light and patchy winds limited the fleet to just four races over five days. Gladiator, helmed by British owner Tony Langley, claimed a breakthrough win in the series’ opening regatta, edging out 2021 champions Sled by a single point in a dramatic final-day showdown.
With no racing possible on Saturday due to near-glassy conditions, the leaderboard remained tight heading into Sunday. Just two races had been completed since Wednesday, and a third on Saturday was abandoned when the wind collapsed before the leeward gate. Organisers scheduled an earlier start on Sunday, banking on forecasts of 10 knots of breeze — and they were rewarded with conditions that allowed two final races to proceed.
Langley’s Gladiator, supported by tactician Guille Parada, strategist Ray Davies, and navigator Bruno Zirilli, entered the final day with a slender three-point lead. That margin proved crucial. In the deciding final race, the British team showed tactical brilliance, overtaking Sled on the last downwind run to secure the overall win. Their finishing score: 12 points to Sled’s 13.
It was a landmark achievement for Langley, marking his first-ever regatta win as driver in the 52 SUPER SERIES after 15 years of campaigning. Parada, who normally helms, made his debut as tactician, and the role swap paid dividends. With America’s Cup veteran Kiwi, Ray Davies providing strategic oversight, the team executed with precision when it mattered most.
“This is very special for me,” said Langley. “It’s taken a long time. I just said to Guille on that last run, ‘We’re tied with Sled—we can’t follow them. We’ve got to do something.’ He said, ‘I got this.’ And he did.”
Meanwhile, Sled’s Francesco Bruni admitted the team had let the win slip away. “We made a few mistakes, including mechanical issues and missed tactical opportunities,” he said. “Gladiator deserved their win. They were the best boat this week.”
The American Magic Quantum Racing team, featuring tactician Terry Hutchinson, took third overall after winning the final race. “We’re encouraged by our result,” Hutchinson noted. “There’s a lot of potential here. We’ve got some comms issues onboard to iron out, but this crew can improve significantly.”
Kiwi Nick Egnot Johnson’s Alpha+ placed fourth, with 21.5 points, a promising start for the Hong Kong-based campaign as they continue to integrate into the fleet.
The 52 SUPER SERIES format includes five regattas across the season, with approximately ten races per event. All scores count — there are no discards — so consistency is key across the 45–50 races expected for the full championship.
Next stop: Baiona, Spain for the Galicia-based Royal Cup, running from June 2–7. The Atlantic coastal town, known for its historic harbour and tourist vibe, will bring different challenges, possibly favouring teams with strong coastal racing experience.
After Saint-Tropez’s light airs, all eyes will be on how the fleet adapts to Galicia’s potentially heavier breeze. The season is wide open.
