A large part of the fascination of the 52 Super Series is that it is almost guaranteed to be exciting in the leading international monohull series. Very often, overall victories in a regatta are only decided in the last race. This was also the case at the highlight of the year: the Rolex TP52 World Championship in Cascais. Only one thing was clear even before the first starting shot was fired: the eleven teams from nine nations would have to get down to business in powerful Atlantic winds.
Rolex TP52 World Championship: US team dethrones "Gladiator"
There were several favourites for this Rolex TP52 World Championship. And a look at the final standings after ten rounds of the World Championships in the spectacular Portuguese region reveals that seven of the eleven teams, or almost 64 per cent of the field, were able to claim at least one race win. Hardly any other league can boast such an exciting power density. After ten races, however, it was the record winners of the high-calibre hull racing series who took their eighth world championship gold.
One point was enough to dethrone Tony Langley's title defender on the British "Gladiator" ahead of the French team Paprec, who attacked so furiously this week. Both top teams weakened in the final phase of the Rolex TP52 World Championship. Both American Magic Quantum Racing (8, 8, 7) and Team Paprec (10, 5, 6) suffered their worst results in a row in the last three races.
For the Americans, who started the final race with a two-point lead, it was "only" a matter of sticking "Paprec" to the stern and not letting any boats get in between. However, it wasn't quite that easy on the course, which was once again characterised by strong winds and had some nasty eight-knot "holes" in the final race in 20 to 27 knots of wind. After Team Paprec, with tactician Loïck Peyron at the start, initially got away a little better in the middle than the Americans, the team led by experienced America's Cup campaigner and US tactician Terry Hutchinson was even able to overtake "Paprec".
"Paprec" only narrowly beaten at the Rolex TP52 World Championships
The French struck back with their "weapons" of the week: a new sailing wardrobe, very good speed in the powerful winds and smart positioning. But in the end, the crew flying the US flag managed to finish right behind the blue and white "Paprec" - a precision landing. That was enough for Doug DeVos' Team American Magic Quantum Racing (42 points) to win World Championship gold number eight, ahead of Jean-Luc Petithuguenin's Team Paprec (43 points) and the American "Sled" (51 points).
For the Americans, it is the third World Championship title they have won in the strong winds of Cascais. "This World Championship title is very special. Harry and the guys did an incredible jib today. It was a very challenging day. And when I think about it, a lot of things went well for us. And, dear man, if they hadn't gone that way, it could have been worse.
So I give us all high marks for mental strength and resilience." Terry Hutchinson
Commenting on the strong French opponents, Terry Hutchinson said: "They sailed a great regatta. Today in particular they gave us a task. And we answered it. But it wasn't easy." Les Bleus leave Cascais as proud runners-up. And - like 65-year-old Loïck Peyron - also with a smile. What hasn't this man done off and on the pitch?
Loïck Peyron: learning with and from the best
Peyron is now enjoying high-calibre racing in the 52 Super Series. At the Rolex TP52 World Championship in Portugal, the former Transat Jacques Vabre winner, Gitana skipper and Jules Verne record holder said: "I'm happy. I'm here to learn. And I'm learning with a very good and a very nice crew, a happy owner and a wonderful boat against a group of other wonderful teams and boats. I love that!" On Terry Hutchinson, Peyron said: "He's still the best."
The three-time world champions on Harm Müller-Spreer's "Platoon Aviation" (63 points) were unable to finish higher than seventh in what was a difficult week for them. Not only was the podium out of reach, they also had to give way to Tina and Hasso Plattner's "Phoenix" (60 points), the Italian "Alkedo powered by Vitamina" (61 points) and the British "Alegre". However, the crew led by helmsman Markus Wieser and Italian tactician Vasco Vascotto were able to leave the beaten defending world champions on "Gladiator" behind.
Difficulties with the new botin, crew changes and a few unfortunate moments on the water have thrown the otherwise regularly successful "Platoon Aviation" off course.more here. The effects are also reflected in the season standings, where "Platoon Aviation" is in fifth place with 143 points. The season championship is clearly led by American Magic Quantum Racing (93 points) ahead of their compatriots on Takashi Okura's "Sled" (122 points) and "Paprec" (129.5 points). Click here for the World Championship results and the season standings.
On course for Mallorca after the Rolex TP52 World Championship
With the Puerto Portals 52 Super Series Sailing Week (18 to 23 August) and the 52 Super Series Porto Cervo Sailing Week (22 to 27 September), two more 52 Super Series regattas are on the agenda this season. Markus Wieser will once again be the helmsman for the next one.
Replay! There was a lot of tension in the air during the live broadcast of the final day of the gold duel between Americaan Magic Quantum Racing and Team Paprec:
