The Rolex 52 Series World Championship came to a close at the Clube Naval de Cascais with a dramatic final day as American team American Magic secured their eighth world title, cementing their lead in the overall standings.
With everything still to play for between Paprec and American Magic, the last day featured two crucial races. The American team started with a five-point lead, fully aware that any mistake could prove costly. Paprec managed to cut the gap to just two points after the first race and went all in for the final showdown, but it wasn’t enough. The consistency of American Magic, who finished the championship with 42 points, combined with smart decisions by their crew, proved decisive in sealing victory in Cascais.
Helmed by Harry Melges, American Magic showed that World Championships can be won through consistency as much as race wins. They claimed victory in just one of the ten races but finished on the podium six times. They adapted well to all conditions, from strong winds to light breeze, and that versatility became one of their main strengths. Tactical brilliance from Victor Díaz de León was especially notable, with his decisions playing a key role in keeping the team at the top throughout the week.
.jpeg)
Paprec, guided by the experienced Loïck Peyron, also delivered a strong and consistent performance. They won race two and earned four podium finishes, but a second-to-last place in race eight ultimately made the difference. Even so, the French team never gave up and recorded their best result at a World Championship to date.
Sled, the second American team, completed the podium. They started strong with a win in race one but couldn’t maintain that momentum over the week. A broken foresail in the final race dashed their hopes of moving up, leaving them to settle for bronze. Despite that, they remain second in the circuit standings behind the new world champions.
The fight for the title was close throughout. Three teams led the championship at different stages: first Sled, then Paprec and finally American Magic. The battle was equally tight across the midfield. Only Alpha Plus from Hong Kong and Provezza from Turkey finished clearly behind the rest of the fleet.
Among the standout stories, Italy’s Alkedo Vitamina impressed. Though they started in tenth place, two race wins propelled them to a strong fifth overall. Just ahead of them, the South African team claimed a well-earned fourth place, with two wins of their own and just one point more than the Italians. They were without a doubt one of the revelations of the event.
Once again, Cascais proved itself as a world-class venue, delivering top conditions, smooth organisation and high-level competition. With American Magic now crowned champions, the circuit remains wide open as attention turns to the final two stages in Mallorca and Sardinia.
1. American Magic Quantum R. (USA)3+2+1+3+6+2+2+8+8+7 = 42
2. Paprec (FRA) 4+1+5+2+2+3+5+10+5+6 = 43
3. Sled (USA) 1+3+9+8+8+1+3+3+6+9 = 51
4. Phoenix (RSA) 8+10+2+11+1+9+6+7+1+5 = 60
5. Alkedo Vitamina (ITA) 10+6+8+1+3+6+9+1+7+10 = 61
6. Alegre (GBR) 2+5+11+5+10+5+8+4+4+8 =62
7. Platoon Aviation (GER)11+4+6+6+7+11+1+5+9+3 = 63
8. Gladiator (GBR) 5+11+4+9+4+4+10+2+3+11 = 63
9. Vayu (THA) 9+9+3+4+9+7+4+6+10+4 = 65
10. Alpha+ (HKG) 7+8+7+10+11+8+7+9+2+2 = 71
11. Provezza (TUR)6+7+10+7+5+10+11+11(+2)+11+1 = 81
1. American Magic Quantum R. (USA) 18+23+42 = 93
2. Sled (USA) 13+58+51 = 122
3. Paprec (FRA) 23.5+63+43 = 129.5
4. Alkedo Vitamina (ITA) 28+49+61 = 138
5. Platoon Aviation (GER) 36+44+63 = 143
6. Vayu (THA) 27+68+65 = 160
7. Alpha+ (HKG) 21.5+68+71 = 160.5
8. Alegre (GBR) 30+71+62 = 163
9. Provezza (TUR) 30+64+81 = 175
10. Phoenix (RSA) 48+69+60 = 177
11. Gladiator (GBR) 12+120+63 = 195
12. Teasing Machine (FRA) 48+73+120 = 241
13. Crioula (BRA) 28+120+120 = 268
