From July 1st to 6th, 2025, the scenic waters off Cascais, Portugal, hosted the world’s top monohull sailors for the Rolex TP52 World Championship, a centerpiece of the 52 SUPER SERIES. Eleven teams representing nine countries competed through intense Atlantic conditions—gusty winds, tricky currents, and tactical gambles that tested crews to the limit.
When the final race concluded on July 6th, it was American Magic Quantum Racing, led by Doug DeVos, who stood atop the leaderboard—clinching their eighth world title, just one point ahead of a resurgent Paprec from France.
Practice Day: A Brutal Prelude
The championship began on July 1st with Practice Day, where teams were greeted by winds gusting over 25 knots. Conditions were challenging enough to cause damage and force early sail changes—a clear signal that this would not be a forgiving week.
- Platoon Aviation showed early strength, winning the first practice race.
- Gladiator struggled initially with poor starts but recovered in the second test.
- Quantum Racing used the day to integrate their younger team members, especially 24-year-old Harry Melges IV and navigator Sara Stone, both of whom would go on to make history.
“This is Cascais at its wildest,” said Sled’s crew. “The breeze can shift 10–15 knots in less than a mile.”
Race Schedule and Format
Each race day ran from 14:00 to 17:00 CEST, featuring up to two races daily. The TP52 class allows for a maximum of 10 races in a world championship series, with no discards—every result counts.
Race Days:
- Day 1 (July 2): Races 1–2
- Day 2 (July 3): Races 3–4
- Day 3 (July 4): Race 5 (light winds limited the schedule)
- Day 4 (July 5): Races 6–8
- Day 5 (July 6): Races 9–10 (finale)
Mid-Regatta Drama: Paprec Takes the Lead
By the third day, Paprec, led by Jean-Luc Petithuguenin and ocean-racing legend Loïck Peyron, took a surprising lead. Their downwind speed in 18–24 knot conditions was unmatched.
| Day 3 Standings Snapshot |
|---|
| 1st – Paprec (13 pts) |
| 2nd – Quantum Racing (15 pts) |
| 3rd – Alkedo Vitamina (28 pts) |
| 4th – Sled (29 pts) |
Observers began to question whether Quantum Racing could hold on, or if the French were about to capture their first TP52 world title.
Peyron remarked: “We never think about second. We just keep racing. But yes, this was the moment it felt real.”
Final Results: Rolex TP52 World Championship Cascais 2025
| Rank | Team | Total Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Quantum Racing (USA) | 42 |
| 2nd | Paprec (FRA) | 43 |
| 3rd | Sled (USA) | 51 |
| 4th | Phoenix (RSA) | 60 |
| 5th | Alkedo Vitamina (ITA) | 61 |
| 6th | Alegre (GBR) | 62 |
| 7th | Platoon Aviation (GER) | 63 |
| 8th | Gladiator (GBR) | 63 |
| 9th | Vayu (THA) | 65 |
| 10th | Alpha+ (HKG) | 71 |
| 11th | Provezza (TUR) | 81 |
The Final Race: Pressure at Its Peak
Going into Race 10, the point gap between Quantum and Paprec was razor-thin. Conditions near the river mouth added layers of chaos: 8 to 27 knots of breeze in the same leg. Quantum broke a spinnaker. Paprec took risks. The spectators watched breathless.
Ultimately, Quantum’s Terry Hutchinson and his team played it safe down the middle, scoring just enough to retain their lead.
“This was the hardest one,” said Hutchinson. “We weren’t dominant—Paprec made us sweat until the last gybe.”
Quantum’s Historic Win
What made this title special wasn’t just the victory margin. It was the people:
- Harry Melges IV became the youngest helmsman in TP52 history to win a world championship.
- Sara Stone became the first female navigator to win the Rolex TP52 Worlds.
- This marked the third Cascais title for Quantum Racing, reinforcing the venue as a spiritual home for the team.
Updated 52 SUPER SERIES Standings After Cascais
| Rank | Team | Points After 3 Events |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quantum Racing (USA) | 93 |
| 2 | Sled (USA) | 122 |
| 3 | Paprec (FRA) | 129.5 |
| 4 | Alkedo Vitamina (ITA) | 138 |
| 5 | Platoon Aviation (GER) | 143 |
The news 52 feed now tracks whether Sled or Paprec can catch Quantum in the final events at Puerto Portals and Barcelona.
Cascais: Still the Supreme Test
This regatta reminded the world why Cascais is legendary. The combination of:
- Big wave Atlantic chop
- Gusty sea breezes
- Currents and wind shadows near the river mouth
…means even seasoned teams falter here. For younger crews, it’s a school of hard knocks. For veterans, it’s the ultimate mental test.
“You don’t win in Cascais unless you suffer,” said a crew member from Sled. “It punishes indecision.”
Looking Ahead
While the Rolex TP52 World Championship concludes, the 52 SUPER SERIES rolls on. All teams now look to the Mediterranean swing, where flat water and heat replace Cascais’ raw energy.
But one thing is clear: this 2025 season has a different flavor. The presence of emerging stars, historic firsts, and heart-stopping finishes signal a new era for the class.
And at its heart stands Quantum Racing—veteran excellence, still undefeated when it matters most.
