The Puerto Portals 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week opened with drama, strategy, and the kind of unpredictable weather that often reshapes a regatta. On the Bay of Palma, Takashi Okura’s Sled claimed a decisive win in Race 2, a result that propelled them into second place overall, just five points behind Andy Soriano’s Alegre, the current leader of this tp52 super series contest.
Alegre, sailing with new tactician Paul Goodison, had already shown impressive consistency with results of 10th, 10th, and 6th in previous events this season. But in Palma, their refined teamwork brought a strong second-place finish. The contrast between Alegre’s reliable rhythm and Sled’s resurgence underlines the high stakes of this 52 super series regatta, where every point matters.
Weather Shakes the Bay of Palma
Unpredictability is part of every sailing series, but Palma added a layer of intensity. The race management team made the call to start early, seizing a brief window when the sea breeze strengthened to six or eight knots. That decision created conditions that demanded precision.
Sled capitalized, leading from the top mark of the first circuit and staying comfortably ahead to the finish. Behind them, Soriano’s Alegre found extra speed on the final run, overtaking American Magic Quantum Racing with a sharp outgybing move. The duel highlighted how small tactical decisions separate podium finishes from middle-fleet results.
Race 3 began but was quickly abandoned as thunder cells advanced from the west. Safety brought the fleet ashore, reminding everyone that in this superseries, nature always has the final word.
Alegre’s Family-Focused Momentum
Alegre’s position at the top of the leaderboard reflects more than raw performance. Owner Andy Soriano and project manager Sebastian Tenghage emphasize an environment where family participation is encouraged. This culture has transformed the tp 52 sailboat campaign into a community effort.
“We were very happy with the result again today,” Tenghage explained. “Good communication all around, and Paul (Goodison) is fitting in really well. Over the past years we’ve invited every sailor’s family to join. That creates a great atmosphere, and when results like this come, it makes the effort even more rewarding.”
In a sailing series where technical precision is everything, Alegre demonstrates that emotional balance and camaraderie can also power results. Their steady 1,2 scoreline from the first two races is proof that a strong team spirit translates into speed on the water.
Sled Breaks Through with Okura at the Helm
Sled’s return to winning form is a story of resilience. Their campaign across the tp52 circuit has been solid but not spectacular, making this Palma victory all the more meaningful. For Takashi Okura, steering to the front of the pack was a personal triumph.
“Our boatspeed was strong upwind,” strategist Murray Jones reported. “We managed to tack in a clean lane, and from there, everything clicked. In this fleet, the line between a good race and a bad race is razor-thin. To secure a win with Mr. Okura on the helm—it’s special, and he truly enjoyed it.”
Jones, a six-time America’s Cup winner, knows how to measure victories. For Sled, this wasn’t just another result—it was a reset button. Now tied with American Magic on eight points, Sled has momentum that could carry through the rest of the regatta.
American Magic Quantum Racing: Close but Frustrated
Lying in third, American Magic Quantum Racing is hardly out of contention. With Harry Melges IV steering, they showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t resist Alegre’s late surge. Their total, identical to Sled’s, reflects the closeness of this tp52 sailboat fleet.
Owner Doug DeVos has invested heavily in this campaign, combining America’s Cup experience with the raw competitiveness of the tp 52 class. Yet Palma reminded them that even world champions can be rolled if their speed drops at the wrong moment.
Three races are scheduled for Thursday, giving them room to recover. But in this super series, recovery must be immediate—opportunities vanish fast when twelve boats fight for the same wind lanes.
Provisional Leaderboard: Puerto Portals 52 SUPER SERIES
Results after two completed races show just how tight the margins are. Alegre leads, but the chasers are in striking distance.
| Position | Team | Country | Owner / Helm | Scores | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alegre | GBR | Andy Soriano | 1+2 | 3 |
| 2 | Sled | USA | Takashi Okura | 7+1 | 8 |
| 3 | American Magic Quantum Racing | USA | Doug DeVos | 5+3 | 8 |
| 4 | Alpha+ | HKG | Shawn & Tina Kang | 3+8 | 11 |
| 5 | Provezza | TUR | Ergin Imre | 4+7 | 11 |
| 6 | Crioula | BRA | Eduardo & Renato Plass | 8+4 | 12 |
| 7 | Vayu | THA | Whitcraft Family | 2+11 | 13 |
| 8 | Platoon Aviation | GER | Harm Müller-Spreer | 10+6 | 16 |
| 9 | Alkedo | ITA | Andrea Lacorte | 6+10 | 16 |
| 10 | Paprec | FRA | Jean-Luc Petithuguenin | 12+5 | 17 |
| 11 | Gladiator | GBR | Tony Langley | 9+9 | 18 |
| 12 | Teasing Machine | FRA | Eric de Turckheim | 11+13 | 24 |
The table makes clear how a single strong race can vault a team upward, while one poor decision can push them down the order.
Puerto Portals: More Than Just a Regatta Stop
Puerto Portals, located on Mallorca’s sun-soaked coast, is more than a venue—it’s a lifestyle hub. The marina blends high-level racing with luxury, family-friendly amenities, and international prestige. For teams like Alegre, whose ethos thrives on family involvement, Puerto Portals is the perfect stage.
Spectators are treated not only to the fleet dueling across the Bay of Palma but also to a vibrant shoreside experience. Cafés, clubs, and a cosmopolitan crowd turn this super séries event into a festival of sailing culture. For sailors, competing here means more than chasing trophies; it means performing in one of the most iconic tp52 super series theaters in Europe.
Inside the Tactics of a tp52 Sailboat Race
Winning in the tp52 super series is rarely about brute speed alone. Every race is a balance of tactics, timing, and intuition. A tp 52 sailboat is built to respond instantly to crew decisions, so even a single misplaced tack can cost multiple places.
At Puerto Portals, Sled’s strategist Murray Jones described the race as hinging on one key move: securing a clean lane upwind. In a fleet of twelve boats, lanes are precious. Choosing when to tack and how to defend a position are micro-decisions that cascade into overall results.
This is why the super series remains one of the hardest battlegrounds in modern yacht racing. The difference between a winning gybe and a losing one is measured in seconds, yet those seconds determine who tops the leaderboard.
The Unique DNA of the tp52 Class
The tp52 sailboat was originally designed for the Transpac52 rule, a development box rule aimed at offshore speed. Over time, the class evolved into an inshore racing powerhouse, refined by engineers and sailors alike. Today, a modern tp52 represents the peak of monohull design under strict one-design controls, ensuring performance differences come from crew skill rather than engineering loopholes.
With carbon-fiber hulls, advanced sail plans, and strict weight controls, a tp 52 combines brute power with surgical precision. Crews of up to 13 sailors push these boats to the limit. The interiors are stripped for weight savings—there’s no luxury here, just pure racing DNA. For enthusiasts curious about the tp52 interior, it’s as spartan as possible: carbon bulkheads, bare floors, and structural bracing designed for stiffness and nothing else.
This makes the tp52 super series the ultimate test of sailing ability rather than financial muscle. Owners may invest heavily in talent, but when the start gun fires, it’s all about execution.
Alegre: Redefining Consistency
Alegre’s rise this season is a reminder that consistency outpaces flash. After finishing 10th in two earlier regattas, Soriano’s crew shifted gears in Palma. The addition of Paul Goodison—Olympic gold medalist and America’s Cup tactician—has been decisive. His calm presence in the afterguard has reshaped how the team reads the course.
Unlike teams that gamble on high-risk maneuvers, Alegre thrives on minimizing mistakes. Their boat handling is fluid, their starts calculated, and their communication sharp. In a sailing series where the line between first and sixth can vanish in a single shift, Alegre’s approach has kept them in the medal zone.
Soriano’s philosophy of blending family with competition adds another dimension. While some campaigns emphasize relentless professionalism, Alegre demonstrates that performance and camaraderie can co-exist. That balance has made them not only a contender but also one of the most admired teams in the super série community.
Sled: Okura’s Vision and Persistence
Takashi Okura’s commitment to Sled spans years of steady involvement. His victory in Palma wasn’t just another result—it was a culmination of patience. In a fleet where American and European giants often dominate headlines, Okura’s understated leadership stands out.
For Okura, success is measured not only in podiums but also in the process of competing. His decision to helm personally underscores his hands-on approach. Supported by Murray Jones and an elite crew, Sled’s campaign reflects the classic transpac52 spirit: combining owner-driven passion with world-class expertise.
With this win, Sled reasserts itself as a serious challenger for the overall season standings. For the tp52 fleet, that injects new intrigue into the championship chase.
American Magic: Cup Pedigree Meets tp52 Pressure
American Magic Quantum Racing entered this regatta with expectations. With Harry Melges IV at the wheel and Doug DeVos steering the program from behind the scenes, the team carries America’s Cup pedigree into the 52 super series. Yet, Palma highlighted a familiar truth: Cup experience doesn’t guarantee domination.
The tp52 class has no foils, no towering budgets, and no room for error. For American Magic, their third-place tie is both encouraging and frustrating. They have the tools, but in this superseries, results hinge on execution. Thursday’s triple-race schedule could define their trajectory for the season.
Why the 52 SUPER SERIES Stands Apart
The 52 SUPER SERIES is not just another regatta circuit. It’s widely considered the “Formula 1 of sailing.” Here’s why it holds that reputation:
- Elite Competition: Only the best crews in the world compete, many drawn from America’s Cup and Olympic backgrounds.
- Strict One-Design Philosophy: Boats conform closely to class rules, leaving no room for runaway advantages.
- Global Venues: From the Balearic Islands to Cape Town, the circuit touches iconic sailing waters.
- Fan Engagement: Through super series tv, global audiences can watch races streamed live with professional commentary.
For sailors, winning in the tp52 super series is as prestigious as lifting the Auld Mug. It’s the pinnacle of inshore monohull racing.
The Broader Fleet: Dark Horses and Rising Teams
Beyond the headline names, the Puerto Portals leaderboard shows depth. Teams like Alpha+ from Hong Kong and Provezza from Turkey hold steady in the top five. Crioula of Brazil, though less familiar on the European circuit, proved capable of mixing it with veterans.
Meanwhile, Vayu from Thailand showcases the global reach of this sailing series, bringing Southeast Asian representation into the heart of European racing. Platoon Aviation and Alkedo, though mid-fleet here, have the experience to upset favorites when conditions align.
Each campaign adds flavor to the super séries, creating a multicultural rivalry unmatched in competitive sailing.
Technology, Training, and the Future of the Class
The evolution of the tp52 sailboat isn’t slowing. Even within strict rules, incremental gains are constant. Sail fabrics, mast tuning, and hydrodynamic refinements push boats closer to theoretical limits. Teams invest countless hours in simulator training, sail testing, and analytics.
The tp 52 class also functions as a proving ground for emerging talent. Many sailors cut their teeth here before stepping into America’s Cup cockpits. The rhythm of a superseries campaign—intense, relentless, and precise—produces athletes ready for any arena.
Looking ahead, sustainability initiatives are shaping the class too. Regattas emphasize clean harbors, low-impact logistics, and carbon reduction, aligning with global trends. For a sport so dependent on wind and water, this cultural shift strengthens its future.
The Road Ahead
Three races scheduled for Thursday promise to reshape the standings once again. Alegre must defend its slim lead, Sled will aim to convert momentum into consistency, and American Magic needs to break the tie in its favor.
But beyond the leaderboard, the tp52 super series continues to inspire. It blends technology, tradition, and teamwork in a way few sports can match. From Puerto Portals to future venues, the battle of the world’s best monohulls remains as unpredictable as the wind itself.
