Gladiator Crew Heads into Final Event with Eight Point Lead, Eyeing 2024 52 SUPER SERIES Title

24th September 2024

The final TP52 event sees 13 boats competing representing nine nations, the biggest and most international end of season fleet in the history of the circuit Credit: Nico Martinez

After winning the last two regattas, including the Rolex TP52 World Championship title in Newport in July, Tony Langley's Gladiator crew head into the final event of the season carrying an eight point lead as they bid to secure the 2024 52 SUPER SERIES title at the Valencia 52 SUPER SERIES Royal Cup on the famous 32nd America's Cup waters off Valencia.

So far this season, sailing smart, fast, clean and very much doing their own thing have been Gladiator's winning watchwords. And with that they carry a certain momentum into this big decider. If Gladiator were to secure this year's title, they would be the first British flagged team to do so and would join Quantum Racing (USA), Azzurra (ITA/ARG), Sled (USA) and last year's champions Platoon (GER), as the only teams to hold the circuit championship title.

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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.