A regatta of shifting fortunes
The Bay of Palma delivered everything expected of Puerto Portals — steady sea breezes, tactical knife-fights, and a nail-biting finish to a week of relentless pressure. When the final spray settled, Doug DeVos’ American Magic Quantum Racing stood clear as champions, their third consecutive regatta win of the 2025 52 Super Series.
The victory underlined both their consistency and resilience. Led by tactician Terry Hutchinson, with Victor Diaz de Leon as strategist, Sara Stone navigating, and Harry Melges IV on the helm, the US-flagged team converted average starts into decisive results. They closed out the week with 38 points, 12 clear of nearest rival Sled.
For Hutchinson, it was about refinement rather than dominance:
“WE DID NOT PUT OUR BEST FOOT FORWARD AT TIMES TODAY. BUT AFTER THE STARTS, WE SAILED REALLY WELL. IT IS A GOOD RESULT, AND ALWAYS SOMETHING WE CAN IMPROVE ON.”
Early leaders falter
The regatta opened with a shock. Andy Soriano’s Alegre, with Olympic gold medallist Paul Goodison calling tactics, stormed Race 1. On Day 2, Takashi Okura’s Sled hit back with textbook upwind control. American Magic hovered in the mix, their speed clear, but their dominance yet to appear.
That changed on Day 4. In a marathon three-race session, Hutchinson and crew kept their nerve as others faltered. Alpha+, steered by Kiwi Nick Egnot-Johnston, impressed with steady top-five results that briefly lifted them into second overall. Alkedo Vitamina, Gladiator, and even a resurgent Platoon Aviation each claimed race wins, proof of how open the fleet had become.
But it was American Magic’s ability to stay in the hunt in every race — and seize opportunities when rivals stumbled — that set them apart.
Kiwis in the fleet
New Zealand sailors played pivotal roles throughout the regatta.
Nick Egnot-Johnston guided Alpha+ to their first ever Super Series podium, finishing third overall on 54 points. Supported by tactician Adrian Stead and navigator Ian Moore, the Hong Kong-flagged crew mixed youthful energy with steady experience. Egnot-Johnston reflected:
“THE TEAM IS REALLY GETTING TO GRIPS WITH THE BOAT AND THE CLASS. WE BOUNCED BACK AFTER SETBACKS AND EARNED THIS PODIUM. IT’S FANTASTIC.”
Don Cowie, trimming for Sled, helped deliver second overall with 50 points. The Kiwi veteran highlighted their resilience:
“TO FINISH SECOND IS GREAT. WE’D LOVE BIG MISTRAL BREEZE IN PORTO CERVO, BUT FOR NOW WE’LL TAKE THIS RESULT.”
John Cutler and Hamish Pepper, racing on Provezza, battled in the mid-fleet pack. Their Turkish team finished eighth overall but contributed to some of the closest racing of the week.
These Kiwi performances brought a strong New Zealand connection to the Mediterranean stage.
Final day drama
The last two races in Palma were classic Bay of Palma contests — 10–12 knots of sea breeze, flat water, and relentless boat-on-boat pressure. Platoon Aviation, after a bruising midweek collision and penalties, rebounded to claim a race win and a second, their first signs of form this season. Owner-helm Harm Müller-Spreer admitted relief:
“FINALLY WE HAVE THE BOAT GOING. WE’VE MADE SO MANY CHANGES, AND TODAY IT CLICKED.”
Sled kept up the fight with a race win of their own, while Alpha+ sealed their podium with a close second in the finale.
But there was no stopping American Magic. Even after being over the start line in Race 9, they clawed back to fifth. Their total package of boat speed, tactical clarity, and composure proved unmatched.
Final standings
1. American Magic Quantum Racing (USA) – 38
2. Sled (USA) – 50
3. Alpha+ (HKG) – 54
4. Alkedo Vitamina (ITA) – 59
5. Vayu (THA) – 61
6. Platoon Aviation (GER) – 64
7. Alegre (GBR) – 66
8. Provezza (TUR) – 70
9. Paprec (FRA) – 70
10. Crioula (BRA) – 71
11. Gladiator (GBR) – 79
12. Teasing Machine (FRA) – 104
Puerto Portals in perspective
For American Magic, this was not their most spectacular win, but perhaps their most important. Three straight regattas — Baiona, Cascais, and now Palma — underline their supremacy. Yet Hutchinson insists improvement remains:
“WE WON HERE, YES, BUT THERE’S STILL ROOM TO BE BETTER. WE’RE ALWAYS CHASING THAT ONE PERCENT.”
Behind them, Sled continue their season of podium consistency, while Alpha+ made a breakthrough that could redefine their trajectory. For the Kiwis in the fleet, it was a week of highs and hard lessons — but one where their fingerprints were all over the story.
Puerto Portals once again proved why it is a cornerstone of the Super Series calendar. Glamour, grit, and great sailing combined in a regatta that will be remembered not just for who won, but for how fiercely the fleet fought every point.
