The largest fleet in the history of the Rolex TP52 World Championship is set to compete off Porto Cervo as racing gets underway on Tuesday. A total of 15 TP52 yachts representing 11 nations will contest the 2026 world title in waters off the Costa Smeralda from 16 to 20 June. The championship, organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) in partnership with the 52 SUPER SERIES and the TP52 Class, officially opened on Monday with a practice race, skippers’ briefing and welcome reception.
The event marks the fourth time the YCCS has hosted the championship, having previously staged editions in 2007, 2011 and 2014.
The TP52 is regarded as one of the most demanding classes in professional sailing. Measuring 15.85 metres, the yachts are developed within strict design parameters that encourage technical innovation while maintaining close competition on the racecourse.
The Porto Cervo regatta also serves as the second event of the 2026 52 SUPER SERIES season. Among the leading contenders are Takashi Okura’s Sledge, winner of the season's opening regatta and the 2021 world champion; Harm Müller-Spreer's three-time world champion Platoon Aviation; and Tony Langley's British-flagged Gladiator, winner of the 2024 world title.
Mark My Words — TP52 crews round a Rolex mark in Porto Cervo during practice for the 2026 Rolex TP52 World Championship. Photo: Nico Martinez
Strong interest also surrounds No Way Back, helmed by Pieter Heerema, following its podium finish at the season opener in Puerto Portals. Olympic bronze medallist Lucas Calabrese returns to the team as strategist for the championship.
Italian hopes include Alkedo Vitamina, owned by Andrea Lacorte, which claimed two race wins at the season's opening event. Provezza and Alegre are also expected to feature prominently in the battle for honours.
Another storyline is the 52 SUPER SERIES debut of Italian entry Vudu, owned by Mauro Gestri. The yacht, originally launched as Azzurra in 2015, arrives in Porto Cervo after recently finishing second at the ORC World Championship. The championship fleet features some of sailing's most recognised names, including Francesco Bruni, Vasco Vascotto, Guillermo Parada, Cameron Appleton, Alberto Bolzan, Santi Lange, Ed Baird and Loïck Peyron.
The last TP52 World Championship in Porto Cervo was held in 2014, when Quantum Racing secured the title by two points from home team Azzurra.
Andrea Recordati, Commodore of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, said: "Hosting the Rolex TP52 World Championship for the fourth time is a great honour for our Club. "It will be a championship of the very highest level, as is fitting for the most competitive keelboat class. Fair winds to all."
The first race is scheduled to start at 1200 CEST on 16 June. Forecasts suggest light winds for the opening days of competition. Racing will be streamed live via the official 52 SUPER SERIES platform.
