Rolex TP52 World Championship Returns to Sardinia 2026

2nd June 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Fine Margins — TP52 yachts converge at a crowded race mark during 52 SUPER SERIES action. A record fleet of 15 teams will compete for the Rolex TP52 World Championship title in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, this June Credit: Rolex

The world's leading grand prix sailing teams will converge on Sardinia this month for the 2026 Rolex TP52 World Championship. The prestigious regatta takes place from 15-20 June at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Porto Cervo and represents the pinnacle of the 52 SUPER SERIES circuit.

A record fleet of 15 teams is expected to compete, including new entries from France, Brazil, Sweden and the Netherlands.

The championship returns to the Costa Smeralda for the first time since 2014. The event brings together Rolex, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and the TP52 class, all organisations with long-standing ties to elite sailing.

A tightly packed TP52 fleet rounds a Rolex race mark during high-intensity competition, where seconds often separate victory from defeat in the world's premier grand prix monohull series. Photo: Rolex

The TP52 class is regarded as one of the sport's toughest arenas. Its high-performance yachts race in real time without handicaps, placing a premium on teamwork, preparation and precision.

Rolex Testimonee and five-time Olympic medallist Robert Scheidt said success in the class requires "considerable investment of energy, resources and time" and competing against crews with years of experience together.

The Rolex TP52 World Championship consists of up to 10 races. Margins are often measured in seconds, with even minor mistakes proving decisive. "The fleet is razor-sharp, and the margins between success and failure are tiny," said Rolex Testimonee and former TP52 tactician Tom Slingsby.

"You need to achieve a high level of consistency, which takes discipline and resilience. Every manoeuvre and every decision counts."

Agustín Zulueta, chief executive of the 52 SUPER SERIES, said the growing international fleet reflects the enduring appeal of grand prix monohull racing. "The continued draw of the TP52 class underlines its status as one of sailing's most exacting arenas," he said.

Gladiator, the 2024 Rolex TP52 World Champion, powers through the fleet during 52 SUPER SERIES racing as teams prepare for the Rolex TP52 World Championship in Porto Cervo, Sardinia. Photo: Rolex

The championship title remains one of the most coveted in professional sailing. The overall winner will receive a specially engraved Rolex timepiece in recognition of the achievement.

The racing will take place on the challenging waters off north-east Sardinia, where changing conditions are expected to test even the most experienced crews.

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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.