Platoon is TP52 World Championship Winner

28th August 2023

Harm Muller Spreer's German-flagged Platoon are the new TP52 World Champions Credit: TP52 Class

Harm Muller Spreer's German-flagged Platoon team clinched the 2023 Rolex TP52 World Championship title with a thrilling comeback in the final minutes of the final race off Barcelona. From fourth at the last windward mark of the championship, they passed two boats in the closing moments of the downwind, one of them being outgoing 2022 champions Quantum Racing powered by American Magic, to finish second behind Provezza the team which had led the regatta, since the end of the first day of competition.

While there was a measure of heartbreak for Ergin Imré's Turkish flagged team, which was on the verge of their first world championship title and their third regatta title of the season, there was a huge outburst of emotions for the hugely experienced Platoon team as they won the world title for the third time after triumphing in 2017 in Scarlino and 2019 in Puerto Portals.

The last pair of races today, contested for the first time in an E'ly breeze of 7-10kts and nasty Barcelona choppy sea - proved to be a fitting, high-octane climax to what has proven an especially high pressure, intense championship compacted to only three days of racing because of insufficient wind at the start of the event.

Rolex TP52 World Championship Final Standings

1. Platoon (GER), Harm Muller-Spreer, 1+5+9+2+2+3+1+2= 25
2. Provezza (TUR), Ergin Imre, 5+3+1+1+5 +4+6+1= 26
3. Gladiator (GBR), Tony Langley, 2+7+2+10+4+1+1+2+6=34
4. Phoenix (RSA) Hasso Plattner 7+2+6+5+1+8+5+=39
5. Quantum Racing Powered By American Magic (USA), Doug DeVos, 8+4+7+6+10+2+3+3=43
6. Alegre (GBR), Andy Soriano, 3+6+3+7+3+5+10+7 =44
7. Sled (USA), Takashi Okura, 6+1+8+3+6+10+8+9+= 51
8. Vayu (THA), Whitcraft Family, 4+9+4+9+9+7+4+8+=54
9. Interlodge (USA) Augustin - Gwen Fragomen - 9+8+10+4+7+9+7+4+=58
10. Alpha+ (HKG), Shawn and Tina Kang, 10+10+5+8+8+6+9+10=66

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About the TP52 Racing Yacht

The TP52 racing yacht is a remarkable example of cutting-edge technology in the world of competitive yachting. Measuring 52 feet (15.85 metres) in length, this vessel is constructed entirely from carbon fibre, making it an incredibly light and agile craft.

The TP52 features a 6.25-metre high rig, complete with a fractional asymmetrical spinnaker and a self-tacking jib. This design reduces the workload of the crew, allowing for more efficient manoeuvres and freeing up the crew to focus on the mainsheet upwind and on two-sail reaches.

The spinnaker rigging set-up, measuring 15.00 m2, presents a challenge to even the most experienced crews, requiring them to be fit and perfectly coordinated. Maneuvering the boat requires athleticism due to the vessel's lack of inherent stability and the high speed generated by the fully battened mainsail and jib.

The TP52's hull is constructed of fibreglass-reinforced polyester in a foam sandwich layout, resulting in a weight of just 74kg. The fully battened mainsail and jib are made from a transparent Mylar laminate with orange or red Dacron trimming, while the spinnaker is manufactured from ripstop Nylon.

The mast is made up of three parts, featuring an aluminium bottom and middle section, with a polyester-fibreglass composite tip to increase mast bend and decrease overall weight. The capsizing moment, which can be generated by a heavy mast tip, is also reduced through this design. The TP52's foils are constructed from either aluminium or fibreglass, depending on the specific requirements of the vessel.

Overall, the TP52 racing yacht is an exceptional example of the latest advancements in yacht design and technology. Its lightweight construction, advanced rigging, and high-speed capabilities make it a top contender in the world of competitive yachting, challenging even the most skilled and experienced crews.