Today in Cascais, at the Clube Naval, the most exciting phase of the Rolex TP52 World Championship got underway with the traditional practice day. Excellent sailing conditions set the tone, and all eleven teams began fine-tuning their setups ahead of what is considered the most technical stage of the season.
‍

From tomorrow through July 6, eleven boats representing nine nationalities will compete daily between 14:00 and 17:00 CEST. In the demanding Portuguese waters renowned for strong winds and Atlantic swell the world title will be decided.
‍

After two previous events, the British team Gladiator, current TP52 world champions, arrive with momentum. Led tactically by Argentine Guillermo Parada and with owner Tony Langley at the helm, they claimed victory in the opening regatta in Saint-Tropez. With experience sailing the challenging waters of Cowes, the crew feels more than ready for what lies ahead in Cascais, where conditions are expected to be similar.
‍

In Galicia, it was American Magic Quantum Racing, skippered by Doug DeVos, that came out on top, securing victory in the Royal Cup and extending their lead in the overall standings. Despite having a young and relatively untested crew, the seven-time world champions are serious contenders. They’ve already won two world titles in Portuguese waters, but this time they face the challenge of racing together for the first time in potentially extreme conditions, with winds possibly exceeding 30 knots.

‍

The breakout story of the season has been Alkedo, skippered and owned by Andrea Lacorte. This marks Italy’s return to the 52 SUPER SERIES, and the team has impressed thanks to its experienced lineup and the key addition of four-time Olympian Álvaro Marinho, who knows the winds and currents of his hometown better than anyone. After a strong showing in Galicia, Alkedo currently sits third in the overall standings and could be this week’s big surprise.
‍

One of the most seasoned teams in the fleet is Sled, led by owner-helmsman Takashi Okura and representing the historic New York Yacht Club. Their lineup includes six-time America’s Cup winner Murray Jones, and this season marks the return of Francesco Bruni, who missed last year due to his commitment with Luna Rossa. After inconsistent results in recent seasons, the team has made key updates to their foils in hopes of repeating their success from 2021, when they claimed both the world championship and the overall circuit title.
‍

Also in the mix is Germany’s Platoon Aviation, owned by veteran Harm Müller-Spreer. After a disappointing last-place finish in Saint-Tropez, they bounced back with a second-place result in Galicia and now sit fourth in the standings. World champions in 2021 and runners-up three years in a row between 2017 and 2019, Platoon relies on the seasoned trimming duo of Ross Halcrow and Dirk De Ridder, both America’s Cup winners.
‍

These are, in my opinion, the key teams to watch in a fleet so competitive that it’s nearly impossible to name a clear favorite. The title will be decided by fine margins by the crew that applies the best tactics and makes the fewest mistakes.

The event, sponsored by Swiss watchmaker Rolex, kicks off tomorrow with the first race at 14:00 CEST. Fans can follow the action live on the official 52 SUPER SERIES website or on its YouTube channel. We'll have to wait until July 6 to find out who will achieve sailing’s ultimate prize in what promises to be a thrilling, high-level championship decided at the edge of perfection.