The Rolex TP52 World Championship, which is also the second leg of the 52 SUPER SERIES, got off to a flying start today on the waters of the La Maddalena Archipelago. The first start sounded right on schedule at midday CEST, in a 10-knot east-north-easterly breeze. The Race Committee laid the course in the Gulf of Arzachena, off the coast of Baja Sardinia, with the island of Caprera as a backdrop. Beyond the faultless technical decision, there could hardly have been a better stage to add to the spectacle of a record 15-strong TP52 fleet, all at the very top of their game.

After two races, American entry Sled, with Italy’s Francesco Bruni on tactics, and Vayu – owned by the Whitcraft family, flying the Thai flag and with Spain’s Manu Weiler calling tactics – sit tied at the top on 6 points each. No Way Back follows on 8 points, with Alkedo Vitamina and Platoon Aviation both on 10 points. Vayu performed consistently across both races, while Sled followed up a fifth-place finish in the first race with a commanding victory in the second.

Race one went to the Italian yacht Alkedo Vitamina, which overtook the French yacht Teasing Machine at the start of the final run after Teasing Machine had led for the first three legs. Race two was dominated by Sled, who nailed a port-tack start on the pin end, crossing to the right-hand side of the course ahead of the entire fleet before gradually extending their lead.

 An unusual call, explained by tactician Francesco Bruni: “It was a pleasant surprise to get this wind in both the first and second races. The conditions were very similar to recent days, with the right-hand side of the course offering a clear advantage, so everyone was naturally trying to get over there. The Race Committee had set a starting line that slightly favoured the pin end, to avoid overcrowding by the committee boat, and we were able to take advantage of that. It was an opportunity we’d studied over previous days and when we saw the chance today, we decided to take it. The topography of the area tends to favour the right-hand side of the course, making it almost obligatory. The difference lies in how you get there.”

The 2026 Rolex TP52 World Championship is organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in collaboration with the 52 SUPER SERIES and the TP52 Class. 

 Tomorrow’s first start is scheduled for 1 p.m. CEST. The forecast is for light breezes.