The 2025 season of the 52 SUPER SERIES reaches its conclusion in Porto Cervo, where thirteen teams from ten nations gather to contest the final event of the year between 22 and 27 September. The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda once again hosts the fleet in a regatta that will not only crown the overall champion but will also determine the final places on the podium.
The competition begins today, with American Magic Quantum Racing, led by Doug DeVos, arriving as firm favourites after a year defined by consistency and results. With a considerable lead in the standings, the American crew aim to secure their second consecutive title and are also pursuing a fourth straight event victory. In Porto Cervo, DeVos will once again take the helm, joined by Harry Melges and Victor Díaz de León in strategy, Sara in navigation and Terry Hutchinson coordinating communication on board. For coach James Lyne, the owner’s return means regaining focus and clarity in processes, with the expectation that the team will continue to improve day by day.
Takashi Okura’s Sled looks set for the runners-up position, although it still has a mathematical chance of surpassing the leader. The last time the circuit visited the Costa Smeralda, in 2019, the yacht flying the New York Yacht Club burgee recorded five consecutive victories to claim the event win. Mainsail trimmer Don Cowie is confident in the competitiveness of his boat and hopes that Porto Cervo will deliver conditions that allow them to put pressure on their direct rival.
The closest battle in this final event is for third place in the overall standings. The Italian Alkedo Vitamina, owned by Andrea Lacorte and a newcomer to the competition, arrive with a two-and-a-half-point advantage over the French Paprec of Jean Luc Petithuguenin. Alkedo have surprised in their debut season with performances that have delighted the local crowd, while Paprec, runners-up at the World Championship in Cascais in July, are determined to reclaim a place on the podium. For Stéphane Névé, mainsail trimmer for the French team, strong winds would favour their approach, while in the Italian camp Matteo De Luca highlights the enthusiasm of supporters and the motivation to close the year with a result that consolidates their place among the elite.
Beyond the podium, teams such as Platoon Aviation of Harm Müller-Spreer, Alpha+ of Shawn and Tina Kang and Gladiator of Tony Langley arrive with the intention of finishing the season at their best. Platoon, after a strong performance in Puerto Portals, are confident of maintaining momentum, while Alpha+ recently celebrated their first podium in the competition. Gladiator, winners of the opening regatta in Saint Tropez, are looking to rediscover their form after an eleventh place in Mallorca.
The Porto Cervo event brings an important addition to the starting line with the return of the South African Phoenix, owned by Hasso and Tina Plattner. The crew will be reinforced by a world-class Australian trio of Tom Slingsby, Kyle Langford and Will Ryan, adding further interest to the fleet.
In total, ten scoring races are scheduled across five days, preceded by the official training session held yesterday. The September climate in Sardinia introduces an additional element of uncertainty, with the possibility of both strong mistral days and light wind conditions. What remains constant is the setting: the waters of the Costa Smeralda, framed by rocky mountains and islets, provide one of the most spectacular backdrops for sailing.
The competition can be followed live through the official 52 SUPER SERIES website and its YouTube channel. In Porto Cervo the final chapter of the season begins today, with the champion yet to be confirmed and the podium still open to dispute.
