Porto Cervo is set to host one of the year's most keenly fought keelboat regattas. Between 16 and 20 June, fifteen TP52s representing eleven nations will contest the Rolex TP52 World Championship off the Sardinian coast, forming the largest fleet ever assembled in the class's history. The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda takes on the hosting role for the fourth time, and with more than half the field capable of claiming the title, the competition promises to be relentless.
At 15.85 metres, these machines represent the pinnacle of keelboat design. Tight class regulations push designers toward constant innovation, producing a technical arms race that matches the calibre of the professional sailors who race them. The Porto Cervo entry list reads like a roll-call of ocean racing's finest. Francesco Bruni skippers Sled, winner of the season opener in Puerto Portals. Harm Müller-Spreer brings Platoon Aviation to the line carrying three previous world titles. Tony Langley's Gladiator won the 2024 Worlds in Newport. Andrea Lacorte's Alkedo Vitamina claimed two race wins in Puerto Portals and is regarded as one of the quickest boats in the fleet.
The depth of talent extends well beyond those names. Pieter Heerema's No Way Back draws heavily from the American Magic Quantum Racing programme, with Olympic bronze medallist Lucas Calabrese returning as strategist. Ergin Imre's Provezza and Andy Soriano's Alegre both arrive with serious competitive pedigree. Loïck Peyron, Ed Baird, and a host of other America's Cup and Ocean Race veterans round out a line-up that will punish any lapse in concentration.
Among the more compelling storylines is Vudu, owned by Mauro Gestri and making its 52 Super Series debut. The boat recently finished second at the ORC World Championship with Michele Regolo directing tactics, and was originally constructed as Azzurra in 2015. That history lends a particularly resonant thread to its Porto Cervo appearance. The last time the Worlds were held here, in 2014, Quantum Racing edged Azzurra by just two points for the championship. At that time Azzurra was owned by the Roemmers family and represented the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.
Commodore Andrea Recordati acknowledged the significance of welcoming the fleet back. "Hosting the Rolex TP52 World Championship for the fourth time is a great honour," he said. "It takes us back to the decade when Azzurra competed and won in the 52 Super Series. The strength of this fleet means the final outcome looks more open than ever. Consistency and minimising mistakes will be decisive."
Light winds are forecast across the competition window. Racing gets under way at noon CEST on 16 June, with the championship concluding on 20 June. Live coverage will be available through the 52 Super Series streaming platform. In a class this demanding, sailed by a fleet this accomplished, every start carries real consequence.
