May 04, 2023
The 52 Super Series calendar has already started and the first points will be counted in the Saint-Tropez 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week. Normally, in previous years there are usually some practice and training regattas in these dates, but this year for the first time they go directly to the competition, and that is why it starts in May, earlier than it usually is in previous editions.
The 52 SUPER SERIES was created in 2012 and since then they have become the most important monohull racing circuit in the world. In 2022, the tenth anniversary was celebrated in Barcelona, which was where the first edition started.
In this competition, 11 teams participate, three American, two British, 1 French, 1 German, 1 Turkish, 1 Thai and the latest to join for this same year, 1 from Hong Kong (Alpha +). The Super Series remains as strong as ever, with a very high level of competition very evenly matched. For the first time, it will compete in the French city of Saint-Tropez, which joins an amazing journey with five events in three countries (France, Italy and Spain).
In this first regatta during the week of May 2 to 7, the teams will face each other in a total of ten scoring races. In a season with no discards, every race is very important, every maneuver, every failure and every point is very valuable and decisive.
After the debut in France, the next event of the competition will be from May 29 to June 3 in Scarlino (Tuscany). After these two venues, it will go to Spain for the last 3 events. First, Menorca for the Royal Cup from July 4 to 9; from August 21 to 26 the Rolex TP52 World Championship will be held in Barcelona; and the grand finale of the year will be in Puerto Portals, Mallorca, from September 18 to 23.
The defending world champions, Quantum Racing powered by American Magic, have five titles to their name. This year they will have three young crew members with the intention of learning as much as possible on board from one of the most experienced and successful teams on the circuit. They want to take advantage of the 52 SUPER SERIES competitions to develop young talents.
British Tony Langley's Gladiator will have former Azzurra helmsman and four-time winner Guillermo Parada making his debut in Saint-Tropez, a great addition to try to win.
The 2022 runners-up, Hasso and Tina Plattner's Phoenix, will be without Tom Slingsby in 2023. Argentine legend Santi Lange will be the tactician for the powerful South African team. "It's a pleasure for me to be in Phoenix, it's certainly a magnificent team," explains the Argentine Olympic champion.
The Interlodge (USA) is strengthened with 2020 U.S. 49er FX Olympian Stephanie Roble as strategist. She is joined by Cameron Appleton, and Italy's Michele Ivaldi, the former 2022 champion with Quantum Racing. These additions join regulars Murray Jones and Andrea Visintini.
Another novelty in terms of boat designs is that Vrolijk, Platoon and Provezza have new keels.
The competition will be broadcasted through the official website with tracker and live commentary. From Nautical Channel we will also follow all the information and everything that is happening in all the events of this 52 Super Series, follow us on our social networks and find out everything you need on our website.