Hubbry Logo
TP 52TP 52Main
Open search
TP 52
Community hub
TP 52
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
TP 52
TP 52
TP 52
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

The Transpac 52 (TP52) is a class of yacht used for competitive 52 Super Series yacht racing, and the Audi MedCup previously, besides the world championship of the class. The class is recognised by the International Sailing Federation which entitles the class to hold an Official World Championships.

Key Information

History

[edit]

The TP52 Class has grown from a non-registered club of like-minded yachtsmen inspired by Tom Pollack[clarification needed] to a fully member controlled, registered and ISAF recognised Class with a proper set of bylaws, an annual meeting, an executive committee made up out of the members and a class president who also has to be a member.

The original intention was to provide a yacht capable for both inshore and offshore sailing specifically the Transpacific Yacht Race. However, with the decline in IMS racing, the class became popular in Europe. A professional inshore tour was established for Europe called the MedCup. Recent (2022-23) rule changes[1] help keep the class at the forefront of competitive racing.

The Box Rule

[edit]

TP52 boats are built and sailed to a set of rules which established the original design as a 'box' rule – where the boat must fit within a notional box of specified dimensions. The current rules[2] specify a single masted, fixed keel mono-hull with a bowsprit and a single rudder, with maximum hull length of 15.85 metres (52 ft), beam width of 4.3 metres (14 ft), keel draft of 3.5 metres (11 ft) and spinnaker hoist height of 22.4 metres (73 ft), along with a minimum total weight of 6,975 kilograms (15,377 lb) and maximum keel bulb weight of 3,800 kilograms (8,400 lb).

Events

[edit]

World Championship

[edit]
Main article: TP52 World Championship

Global Championship

[edit]

The unofficial World Championship was held before it got international status and were the keystone of the formation of the class.

Event Gold Silver Bronze
2006 Miami  Patches (IRL)
Eamon Conneely 		 Pegasus 52 (USA)
Philippe Kahn 		 Beau Geste (CHN)
Kark Kwok
2007 Porto Cervo  Artemis Racing (SWE)
Torbjorn Tornqvist 		 Patches (IRL)
Eamon Conneely 		 Mean Machine (MON)
Peter de Ridder

European Series

[edit]

The competition changed the nature of the class with it becoming a pinnacle inshore/coastal event for grand prix monohulled yacht racing. The series started off as the MedCup from 2005 to 2011 before evolving in the 52 Super Series.

Offshore Events

[edit]

TP 52s or optimized direct derivatives have won the overall trophy in most of the classic offshore events while racing under the major international handicap systems. Notable results include:

Race Distance Category Boat name Skipper Elapsed time Notes
2003 Transpac Race 2,225 nm 1st overall Alta Vita  Bill Turpin (USA) 7d 12h 20m 29s Another TP 52, Beau Geste, came 2nd overall.[3]
2004 Newport Bermuda Race 635 nm 1st overall Rosebud  Roger Sturgeon (USA) 2d 20h 24m 43s [4]
2004 Chicago to Mackinac 333 nm 1st overall Esmeralda Makoto Uematsu
 Ken Read (USA) 		1d 17h 5m [5]
2005 Transpac Race 2,225 nm 1st overall Rosebud  Roger Sturgeon (USA) 8d 16h 25m 4s TP 52s came 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall.[6]
2005 Fastnet Race 608 nm 2nd overall Patches  Ian Walker (GBR) 2d 2h 17m 48s [7][8]
2006 Hong Kong to Vietnam Race 673 nm 1st overall Island Fling  Paul Winkelmann (IRE) 2d 0h 16m 5s [9]
2009 Gotland Runt 352 nm 1st overall Rán  Niklas Zennström (SWE) [10]
2010 Cowes-Dinard-St Malo 151 nm 1st overall John Merricks II  Luke McCarthy (GBR) 21h 24m 03s Another TP 52, Paprec Recyclage, finished 39 seconds later.[11]
2010 Gotland Runt 352 nm 1st overall Fram XVI  King Harald V (NOR) 1d 23h 59m 39s [12][13]
2010 Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race 1,805 nm 4th overall /2nd in class John Merricks II  Luke McCarthy (GBR) 8d 11h 49m 23s British Keelboat Academy's youth team entry led overall in the opening stages of the race.[14][15]
2010 Middle Sea Race 606 nm 1st overall Lucky  Bryon Ehrhart (USA) 3d 3h 16m 25s [16]
2011 Gotland Runt 352 nm 1st overall Datacom-Lindahl  Ralf Aspholm (GER) [17]
2012 Hong Kong to Hainan Race 355 nm 1st overall Freefire  Sam Chan (HKG) 1d 4h 43m 54s [18]
2013 Hong Kong to Vietnam Race 673 nm 1st overall Lucky  Bryon Ehrhart (USA) 2d 2h 22m 44s [9]
2013 Fastnet Race 608 nm 1st in class Pace  Johnny Vincent (GBR) 2d 21h 15m 7s [19]
2014 China Sea Race 565 nm 2nd overall Lucky  Bryon Ehrhart (USA) 2d 21h 45m 22s [20]
2016 Victoria to Maui 2,308 nm 1st overall Kinetic V  David Sutcliffe (CAN) 8d 14h 16m 46s Another TP52, Valkyrie, took line honours and set a race record of 8d 9h 17m 50s.[21]
2017 Sydney to Hobart 628 nm 1st overall Ichi Ban  Matt Allen (AUS) 1d 19h 10m 20s [22]
2019 Hong Kong to Vietnam Race 673 nm 1st overall Freefire  Sam Chan (HKG) 2d 0h 27m 55s [9]
2019 Sydney to Hobart 628 nm 1st overall Ichi Ban  Matt Allen (AUS) 2d 6h 18m 5s [23]
2020 Caribbean 600 600 nm 1st overall Outsider  Bo Teichmann (GER) 2d 19h 41m 40s [24]
2021 Sydney to Hobart 628 nm 1st overall Ichi Ban  Matt Allen (AUS) 3d 3h 42m 29s Another TP 52, Celestial, came 2nd overall.[25]
2022 Sydney to Hobart 628 nm 1st overall Celestial  Sam Haynes (AUS) TP 52 also came 2,3,4,5! [26]

Coastal Races

[edit]
Race Category Boat name Skipper Notes
2016 Round the Island Race 1st Overall GBR 11152 - Gladiator Bernard Langley [27]

Pinnacle Inshore Events

[edit]
Race Category Boat name Skipper Notes
2013 ORCi World Championships - Class A 1st Hurakan Marco Serafini
2014 ORCi World Championships - Class A 1st Enfant Terrible Alberto Rossi
2015 ORCi World Championships - Class A 1st Enfant Terrible Alberto Rossi
2016 ORCi World Championships - Class A 1st Freccia Rossa Vadim Yakimenko
2018 ORCi World Championships - Class A 1st Beau Geste  Karl Kwok (HKG)
2019 ORCi World Championships - Class A 1st Xio  Marco Serafini (ITA)
2022 ORCi World Championships - Class A 1st Beau Geste  Karl Kwok (HKG)
2023 ORCi World Championships - Class A 1st Beau Geste  Karl Kwok (HKG) [28]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

TP 52

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Transpac 52 (TP52) is a class of high-performance keelboats designed for elite-level inshore , governed by a box rule that permits controlled development in hull shape, appendages, rig, and sails to produce fast, competitive vessels while maintaining fairness and . These yachts, typically crewed by 12 to 13 sailors, feature a of approximately 16 meters, a displacement reduced to 6,975 kg in recent iterations, and a draft of 3.50 meters with a weighted for enhanced righting moment. Originating in 2001 as an informal association of yacht owners seeking a fun, safe, and reliable Grand Prix racing platform, the TP52 class evolved into a fully member-controlled with a , elected executive committee, and class president by the mid-2000s. Recognized by since its formal registration, the class emphasizes high-quality construction using materials like carbon fiber rigs and fittings to withstand intense racing demands without excess weight. Key evolutions in the TP52 Rule—updated in cycles such as 2011, 2015, and 2022–2025—have included reductions in displacement for better speed, the introduction of square-head mainsails in 2010, and increased area limits to push performance boundaries. The TP52 class has become synonymous with premier events like the 52 SUPER SERIES, a leading circuit of fleet races in Mediterranean and global venues using a first-past-the-post format, as well as world championships and regattas such as the . More than 60 yachts have been built as of 2025, with ongoing new constructions supporting races across , the , , and , underscoring its role as the pinnacle of modern inshore monohull competition. This evolution reflects a commitment to innovation within strict parameters, ensuring the class remains at the forefront of professional .

History

Origins

The Transpacific Yacht Race (Transpac), a biennial offshore event from to , played a pivotal role in inspiring the TP 52 class during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Around 2000, the dominance of larger 70-foot "sled" yachts in the race highlighted the need for a smaller, more accessible alternative that could still deliver high performance on the downwind course, appealing to a broader group of West Coast sailors who sought excitement without the complexity and cost of bigger boats. In 2000, a group of Californian sailors and owners, including key figures like Don Clothier—who had raced a Lidgard 45 to a strong finish in the 1999 Transpac and donated a trophy for the first 50-footer to complete the course—began advocating for a new grand prix class. Motivated by the desire for a "fast, fun, simple" suitable for both buoy racing and offshore passages, they formed an initial committee under the Transpac , led by Commodore Sandy Martin and designer Bill Lee, a longtime Transpac director. Other influential members included naval architects Alan Andrews, Jerry Montgomery, Dan Nowlan, Jim Pugh, and Greg Stewart, who drew inspiration from existing designs like the Laurie Davidson-built Pendragon IV (launched 1999) and the Andrews 45 to conceptualize a planing around 50 feet that emphasized safety, reliability, and crew accessibility for about 14 sailors. The TP 52 Class Association was formally established in 2001 by this core group of owners, with Tom Pollack serving as the founding Executive Director to guide its development. The class's foundational box rule was introduced as a design constraint to promote innovation while ensuring uniformity, focusing on real-time racing and compatibility with handicap systems like ORC for broader appeal. Early prototypes, such as the Alan Andrews-designed J-Bird III owned by David and Donna Janes, were launched that year specifically for the 2001 Transpac, marking the class's debut and demonstrating its potential as a high-speed, straightforward alternative to more radical offshore designs.

Class Development

The TP52 Class Association was established in by a group of yacht owners seeking to create a Grand Prix class that emphasized fun, safety, and reliability through standardized rules. This organization played a pivotal role in developing a box rule framework that ensured level racing without handicaps, promoting fair competition for both amateur and professional sailors while prioritizing structural integrity and performance consistency. The association's guidelines facilitated the production of one-off by leading builders and designers, such as Reichel/Pugh and Farr , fostering within controlled parameters to enhance speed and handling. Initially focused on transpacific racing inspired by the Transpac event, the class rapidly expanded to global adoption, with boats competing across 13 countries on by 2005. Growth was significantly boosted in 2004 when King Juan Carlos of joined as an owner, encouraging European participation. A key milestone in this growth occurred in when the first TP52, Ffreefire 52 (formerly J-Bird III), entered the Sydney Hobart Race, marking the class's integration into major international offshore events beyond its Pacific origins. By 2008, the fleet had surpassed 50 boats built worldwide, reflecting sustained demand and the class's appeal for high-level competition. The TP52's evolution included a shift toward professional crews, particularly in Mediterranean circuits starting in 2004, which elevated the class's competitiveness while maintaining accessibility for owner-drivers. Its dual-purpose design, optimized for both inshore racing and offshore passages, further supported this maturation, allowing versatile participation in diverse conditions without compromising or reliability. In 2007, the International Sailing Federation (now ) recognized the class, solidifying its status and encouraging further organizational development for sustained growth. Rule updates continued, with a new iteration in 2025 supporting ongoing innovations and new boat constructions for the season.

Class Rules

The Box Rule

The TP52 class operates under a rule, which establishes a strict dimensional to ensure all boats conform to specified limits on key parameters such as overall (maximum 15.850 meters), beam, displacement (minimum 6,975 kilograms), draft (maximum 3.500 meters), and sail area, thereby promoting close and fair racing without identical one-design mandates. This framework literally requires boats to "fit within a " of predefined dimensions, controlling core speed factors while allowing controlled development in areas like hull shape, appendages, construction materials, and configurations. Introduced in 2001 by a group of owners seeking a high-performance alternative to handicap-based systems like IRC and , the TP52 box rule emphasizes pure first-past-the-post scoring, eschewing complex rating formulas in favor of level-start that rewards and boat handling over theoretical adjustments. Its core philosophy centers on "fast, fun, simple" competition, fostering innovation within bounded constraints to keep the class dynamic and accessible, while prioritizing reliability and self-sufficiency for crews in demanding offshore and inshore conditions. The rule balances speed and safety through targeted limitations, such as prohibiting water ballast or canting keels to maintain stability without excessive complexity, and capping the keel bulb weight at 3,800 kilograms to optimize righting moment while preventing overly aggressive designs that could compromise structural integrity. Similarly, engine specifications mandate a reliable Yanmar diesel unit capable of at least 7 knots under power, ensuring dependable auxiliary propulsion for safety in varied weather without allowing performance advantages from oversized machinery. These measures have sustained the class's competitiveness, with periodic updates—like those in 2007, 2011, and 2015—refining boundaries to incorporate technological advances while upholding the original intent of equitable, high-stakes racing.

Measurement and Certification

The TP52 Class Association, in collaboration with World Sailing (formerly ISAF), oversees the certification of yachts through a network of appointed official measurers to ensure adherence to the class's box rule parameters. The TP52 Chief Measurer, appointed by the Class Association, supervises this process, including the appointment of regional measurers who must maintain detailed records of all measurements and report any anomalies directly to the Chief Measurer. World Sailing recognizes the TP52 rules as an international class, providing oversight for compliance with broader offshore safety regulations, such as Category 1 under the World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations. The measurement process begins with the owner submitting the for , typically requiring a full remeasurement upon initial build, major modifications, or annually before the racing season. Ashore measurements are conducted first, with the leveled and the raised 0.15 meters off the ground while is slack; this includes precise hydrostatic assessments of the hull using metric units to three places, verification of appendage dimensions (such as and profiles), and a weigh-in using calibrated load cells accurate to within 5.0 kg increments to confirm the minimum displacement limit. Afloat checks follow, measuring freeboards, trim points, and stability in a simulated condition without crew or hoisted, ensuring the fits within the rule's spatial constraints for , beam, and draft. Sail measurements, handled separately by approved sailmakers or official measurers, involve recording key dimensions like luff, , and foot lengths at specific points (e.g., head point for spinnakers), with each sail certified via a including the measurer's and date before issuance of the official TP52 Certificate. All data is documented on standardized input forms and forwarded to the TP52 Chief Measurer for final approval, with hull plans requiring prior validation by classification societies like DNV GL to confirm structural integrity. The TP52 rules have undergone periodic revisions to incorporate technological advances while maintaining competitive balance, such as the 2015 updates that reduced minimum displacement by 200 kg to 7,000 kg, increased maximum draft by 150 mm to 3.5 m for greater righting moment, and expanded sail areas for mainsails, jibs, and gennakers to enhance without altering core box parameters. These changes, announced in 2013 and effective from 2015, encouraged a wave of new builds by allowing transitional designs in 2014. More recent amendments, including those in 2022, addressed evolving rig and material standards, such as refined limits on carbon fiber usage and appendage configurations, while grandfathering provisions were extended for pre-2012 yachts to facilitate ongoing participation. Rule interpretations and updates are managed by the TP52 Executive Committee, requiring a two-thirds majority vote from class members for approval, ensuring stability and fairness. Non-compliance with measurement rules can result in severe penalties, including withholding or withdrawal of the TP52 Certificate, which invalidates the yacht's eligibility for class events until rectified. For instance, exceeding crew weight limits—such as over 1,130 kg but ≤1,135 kg—incurs a three-place penalty per race, while weights above 1,140 kg lead to a "Did Not Start" (DNS) scoring; major structural violations, like unauthorized appendage modifications, may trigger disqualification from the entire regatta. In disputes, such as measurement protests over righting moment or freeboard discrepancies raised during events, the TP52 Chief Measurer conducts investigations, potentially imposing a 50% place penalty for significant non-conformance or full disqualification if unresolved, as outlined in event notices like the 2024 GL52 Invitational. Owners must declare any changes affecting s, and failure to cooperate can escalate to class membership suspension.

Design Characteristics

Hull and Rigging

The TP52 class yachts feature a maximum (LOA) of 15.850 meters, designed to optimize for enhanced speed while adhering to the box rule's dimensional constraints. The beam is limited to a maximum of 4.420 meters with a minimum of 4.300 meters at the widest point, providing a balance between planing capability in light winds and stability in heavier conditions. Displacement is regulated with a minimum of 6,975 kilograms, typically ranging from 7,000 to 7,300 kilograms in practice, allowing for lightweight construction that supports high performance without compromising structural integrity. Appendages on TP52 yachts include a fixed , as mechanisms are prohibited by class rules to maintain simplicity and fairness. The and are designed for maximum righting moment, with a draft limited to 3.500 meters at specific 1.026, a weight not exceeding 3,800 kilograms, and a minimum volume of 345 liters; the total keel weight is capped at 4,600 kilograms. Rudders are also fixed, with one per , contributing to straightforward handling and reliable stability parameters within the box rule's limits. Rigging emphasizes lightweight efficiency, predominantly using carbon fiber for masts and booms to minimize weight aloft while meeting minimum requirements. Mast height above the design typically reaches around 23.80 meters, with foretriangle height limited to a maximum of 19.720 meters from the rigging point to the mast datum. Boom length and overall are constrained to support non-overlapping jibs and asymmetric spinnakers, facilitating crew efficiency in changes and maneuvers. Hull construction relies on carbon fiber composites for their high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the yachts to achieve the class's displacement targets while withstanding racing stresses. Notable builders include Cookson Boats in , which has produced multiple TP52 hulls using epoxy pre-preg carbon fiber with core sandwich lamination for durability and lightness. Other yards, such as Composites, employ similar advanced carbon techniques to ensure compliance with ISO or ABS standards.

Sails and Performance Aids

The TP52 class employs a controlled designed to balance power and handling within the box rule framework, emphasizing reliability and crew skill over excessive complexity. Upwind sails include a with a maximum area of 98 m² and a limited to 66 m², calculated via specific girth and luff formulas to ensure consistent measurement. These dimensions prevent overpowered configurations while allowing for efficient pointing angles, typically around 40-42 degrees true wind angle in moderate conditions. Downwind, the class permits asymmetric spinnakers up to 270 m² in area, promoting planing speeds without the need for symmetric kites or complex pole systems. Sail inventory is strictly limited to foster strategic sail changes: four s, four spinnakers (with only one permitted to be furling), one , and additional heavy-weather options like a and , all constructed from soft laminates without prohibited high-modulus fibers in sails. Performance aids in the TP52 prioritize manual operation and , aligning with the class's of accessible, high-level . Hydraulic systems power winches and tensioners for rapid adjustments, such as trimming the or during tacks, but are restricted to manual crew activation without automated or powered enhancements during races. Stack packs integrated with lazy jacks facilitate quick mainsail dousing and repacking, enabling efficient maneuvers in short-course without relying on in-mast furling. are limited to navigational tools like GPS, compasses, and instrument displays for data and boat speed, supporting tactical decisions such as layline calculations, while prohibiting range finders or ballast-shifting devices to maintain fair competition. Current rules explicitly ban active foils or , ensuring a fixed configuration that rewards precise sail trim over mechanical aids. Optimized for crews of 10 to 12 members, with a maximum all-up weight of 1130 kg in minimal clothing, the TP52 design emphasizes physical handling and teamwork, reflecting its "simple" racing philosophy that avoids overly automated systems. This crew size allows division of roles for sail changes and weight distribution, with the rule's weight cap ensuring parity across teams of varying body types. Innovations within these limits have focused on sail materials, such as North Sails' 3Di RAW molded laminates and Quantum Sails' Fusion M technology, which reduce weight and improve shape retention for better upwind efficiency. These advancements have enabled typical upwind boat speeds of 8-9 knots in 10 knots of true wind, approaching wind speed and enhancing VMG in fleet racing.

Events

World Championship

The TP52 World Championship is the premier annual regatta for the TP52 class, serving as the pinnacle event within the 52 SUPER SERIES circuit and attracting the world's top professional and Corinthian teams. Established in , it crowns the class's highest honor through intense fleet racing that tests boat handling, strategy, and crew execution in diverse conditions. The event underscores the TP52's role in high-performance sailing, drawing global attention and fostering innovation in . The championship follows a standardized format of up to 10 fleet races over five to seven days, conducted under World rules with windward-leeward courses and occasional coastal elements, depending on venue conditions. Races are typically 60-90 minutes long, scored on a low-point system where the lowest total points determine the winner, emphasizing consistency amid variable winds and tides. Held in rotating international venues to promote accessibility and challenge adaptability, notable locations include European hotspots like , , and , , as well as U.S. sites such as and . Entry is open to all certified TP52 yachts, with invitations prioritized for teams achieving strong results in the preceding 52 season, blending professional crews with Corinthian (amateur-led) divisions to honor both elite performance and owner-driven passion. This selection process ensures a competitive field of 8-11 boats, promoting fair play and class growth. The event's prestige elevates the TP52's status, often featuring dramatic narratives like the 2025 Cascais edition's narrow one-point margin between Quantum Racing and Paprec amid 25-knot breezes and big waves, or the 2024 Newport regatta's testing light-air finale that rewarded tactical precision. Quantum Racing holds the record for most titles with eight wins, highlighting the class's evolution from its 2007 origins toward sustained excellence in grand prix racing. Below is a summary of historical winners:
YearVenueWinner
2008Puerto Calero, Quantum Racing
2009Palma, Matador
2010Valencia, Quantum Racing
2011, Quantum Racing
2013Miami, Rán Racing
2014, Quantum Racing
2015Puerto Portals, Azzurra
2016Mahon, Quantum Racing
2017Scarlino,
2018, Quantum Racing
2019Puerto Portals,
2021Palma,
2022, Quantum Racing
2023,
2024Newport, Gladiator
2025, Quantum Racing
These championships not only define seasonal champions but also drive TP52 development, with records like Platoon's bid in 2017-2019 and Quantum Racing's 2025 victory marking the class's resilience in .

52 Super Series

The 52 Super Series, established in 2012 by owners of Quantum Racing, Azzurra, and Rán Racing, evolved from the TP52 MedCup Circuit and serves as the premier seasonal grand prix for the TP52 class, professionalizing the fleet through a structured, owner-driven competition. The circuit typically features five to seven events from late spring through early autumn, culminating in an overall championship determined by cumulative points across the regattas, emphasizing consistency and tactical skill in handicap-free racing under the class's box rule. American Magic Quantum Racing won the 2025 overall championship. Venues rotate among prominent European and Mediterranean locations to showcase diverse conditions, including stops such as Puerto Portals in , Scarlino in , Saint-Tropez in , Baiona in , Cascais in , and Porto Cervo in , with occasional expansions to U.S. sites like in prior seasons. Each event combines inshore windward-leeward courses—typically around 10 races per regatta—with select coastal courses to test boat handling and crew strategy in varied winds and currents. The 2025 schedule, for instance, includes five events from April 29 to September 27, blending Western Mediterranean and Iberian Atlantic venues for balanced progression. Participation is capped at 10 to 13 TP52s, selected via invitation to ensure top-level competition, with eligibility requiring a valid 2025 TP52 certificate or IRC52 wild card approval. The owner-driver rule mandates that the boat owner or designated representative helm for at least 60% of races, blending amateur passion with professional crews to foster accessibility while maintaining high standards; scoring follows the low-point system (RRS Appendix A4) without discards, where first place earns one point and ties are resolved by the final event's results. Teams like Azzurra, with multiple circuit victories including strong performances in and beyond, and , securing four podium finishes from to 2021, have dominated recent seasons through refined tactics and boat preparation. The 2024-2025 campaigns highlight growing international appeal, with 13 from 10 nations competing in 2025—marking elevated participation—and innovations in sail materials and data analytics enhancing fleet-wide performance. The series concludes with the TP52 World Championship as its seasonal pinnacle.

European Series

The European regional racing for TP52 yachts originated from circuits like the MedCup in the early 2000s, with the Breitling MedCup debuting in 2005 with seven boats in Punta Ala, , and continuing under the MedCup banner from 2008 to 2011. This series featured key events in European venues such as , —hosting regattas in 2007 and 2009—and , , where TP52s competed in broader offshore championships like the events. The MedCup emphasized high-performance one-design racing across Mediterranean and Atlantic ports. Contemporary TP52 participation in occurs through frameworks such as the , with events typically featuring 3-4 regattas in European waters. Participation is open to certified TP52 boats, blending crews with Corinthian (amateur) fleets, as seen in mixed-class events where pros and amateurs share the line. Races feature shorter coastal courses tailored to venues like or , with handicap adjustments under systems like to accommodate diverse fleet compositions and ensure fair competition. The historical circuits hold significant value in talent development, providing emerging teams a platform to hone skills before progressing to elite circuits like the 52 Super Series—for instance, the Italian squad Azzurra transitioned from Audi MedCup successes to multiple 52 Super Series titles starting in 2012. Recent ORC and regional events from 2023 to 2025 have incorporated trends, such as those seen in the 52 Super Series with water filtration stations eliminating single-use plastic bottles.

Offshore Events

The TP 52 class has demonstrated its capability in long-distance offshore racing, participating in iconic events such as the , the Rolex Middle Sea Race, and the Transpacific Yacht Race, with distances ranging from approximately 600 to 2,700 nautical miles. These races highlight the yachts' transition from inshore circuits to extended ocean passages, where they compete under IRC handicaps in mixed fleets against larger vessels. The first TP 52 entry in the , a 628-nautical-mile course from to , was Ffreefire 52 in 2011, marking the class's debut in this classic Australian offshore event. Notable successes include overall IRC victories in the Sydney Hobart by TP 52s such as Quest in 2008, Balance in 2015, and Celestial in 2022, underscoring the class's competitive edge in handicap scoring despite facing supermaxis and other designs. In the Rolex Middle Sea Race, a 606-nautical-mile circumnavigation of , TP 52 Lucky claimed overall honors in 2010, followed by Red Bandit securing the win in 2024 after a tactical battle in variable Mediterranean conditions. The Transpacific Yacht Race, spanning 2,225 nautical miles from to , originated the TP 52 concept in the early 2000s, with early entries like Rosebud achieving first overall in 2003 and setting speed records, including sustained runs exceeding 25 knots and a peak of 32 knots down the California coast. Up to 2025, multiple TP 52s have entered these events annually, with three finishing the 2023 Sydney Hobart and entries like J-Bird in 2024 and several confirmed for 2025 in a fleet of over 100 yachts. The TP 52 rule incorporates adaptations for offshore demands, mandating compliance with Offshore Special Regulations Category 3, which includes self-righting capability from up to 125 degrees of as calculated by IMS standards, ensuring recovery from knockdowns in heavy . use is permitted for scenarios, such as maneuvering in emergencies or charging batteries, while standard like EPIRBs enables rapid distress signaling via satellite. The box rule's stability parameters further support offshore performance by limiting beam and freeboard to promote righting moments without compromising speed. In mixed-fleet IRC , TP 52s often rate favorably against larger yachts, allowing them to challenge for podiums through superior upwind pointing and downwind planing. These events test crew endurance over multi-day passages, with challenges including extreme weather—such as gales in the or currents in the Middle Sea—and the need for 24-hour watch systems on minimal sleep. Successes stem from the yachts' lightweight carbon construction and efficient systems, enabling fast passages like the under-two-day elapsed times achieved by TP 52s in favorable conditions, while safety features mitigate risks in unpredictable offshore environments. TP 52s have thus proven versatile, competing effectively against diverse fleets and contributing to race in speed and handicap categories.

Coastal Races

Coastal races for TP52 yachts typically encompass shorter passage events spanning 200-600 nautical miles, often completed in 1-2 days, such as the RORC -Dieppe Race (approximately 140 nm) or the Myth of Malham Race (180 nm), where dedicated TP52 divisions compete alongside mixed fleets. These events, organized by bodies like the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), feature courses that hug coastlines from ports like , , navigating through the or , with the Rolex Fastnet Race (695 nm) serving as a prominent example bridging coastal and offshore demands. The format emphasizes tactical navigation amid variable winds, strong , and currents, requiring precise routing around coastal marks, headlands, and traffic separation schemes, while scoring under IRC or handicaps to integrate TP52s into larger, diverse fleets. Crews must execute frequent maneuvers, such as tacks and gybes, to optimize VMG in shifting conditions, contrasting with pure inshore buoy racing by incorporating strategic weather decisions and near shorelines. TP52 participation in coastal races has grown since the , driven by the class's versatility in European circuits, with notable results including Niklas Zennström's RAN securing line honors in the 2010 RORC Cowes-Dieppe Race by a margin of nearly five hours. In the 2019 Rolex , David Collins' TP52 Tala finished third overall on corrected time, highlighting competitive prowess in mixed IRC fleets. By 2023, integration deepened with events like the SPI Ouest-, where Stéphane Nevé's TP52 Paprec claimed victory in its IRC category during the regatta in La Trinité-sur-Mer, . Through 2025, TP52s continued strong showings, such as Karl Kwok's rounding the Fastnet Rock competitively in the centenary edition. The TP52's design excels in these races through superior speed on reaches and beam angles, where narrow beams and lightweight canting keels enable planing in 15-25 winds, while robust crew systems support rapid sail changes and for the 10-12 person teams handling intensive maneuvers. This distinguishes the class from inshore-oriented boats by balancing raw velocity with offshore durability, though longer counterparts like full races demand extended .

References

  1. https://www.sailing.org/document/2022-22-02-class-rules-tp52/
  2. https://www.transpac52.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2025-TP52-Rule.pdf
  3. https://www.transpac52.org/about/
  4. https://www.transpac52.org/about/boat/
  5. https://www.52superseries.com/the-52-super-series/
  6. https://www.transpac52.org/
  7. https://www.yachtingworld.com/extraordinary-boats/invisible-hand-pac-52-racer-tp52-class-offshore-124923
  8. https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/newsletter-archive/news/08/tp52/index.html
  9. https://www.transpac52.org/about/history/
  10. https://www.transpac52.org/about/archive/
  11. https://www.sail-world.com/news/228218/J-Bird-III-Restoration-Series-Part-1
  12. https://andrewsyacht.com/deshom52.htm
  13. https://www.sail-world.com/-92171/
  14. https://www.transpac52.org/about/rule/
  15. https://thedailysail.com/inshore/13/64982/0/new-tp52-rule
  16. https://www.sailing.org/document/2022-22-02-class-rule-changes-tp52/
  17. https://www.transpac52.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-GL52-Invitational-NoR-Jan-5.pdf
  18. https://www.yachtingworld.com/yachts-and-gear/quantum-racing-tp52-66793
  19. https://www.denisonyachtsales.com/yacht-listings/52-Cookson-Tp52-2005-San-Pedro-California/7259217
  20. https://www.berthoninternational.com/yacht-sales-brokerage/yachts-for-sale/tp-52-summer-storm-52/
  21. http://www.farrdesign.com/533.html
  22. https://www.quantumsails.com/en/resources-and-expertise/videos/inside-look-tp-52-systems
  23. https://www.northsails.com/en-us/blogs/north-sails-blog/3di-raw-powers-tp52-super-series-success
  24. https://www.quantumsails.com/en/quantum-race-team/stats-results
  25. https://forums.sailinganarchy.com/threads/in-twa-how-close-to-the-wind-can-a-tp-52-sail-effectively.216755/
  26. https://newsroom.rolex.com/world-of-rolex/rolex-and-sports/rolex-and-yachting/rolex-tp52-world-championship/rolex-tp52-world-championship-2025/rolex-tp52-world-championship-2025-preview/tp52_2025_preview
  27. https://www.52superseries.com/2025/07/american-magic-quantum-racing-win-2025-rolex-tp52-world-championshipafter-breezy-week-in-cascais/
  28. https://www.livesaildie.com/eleven-rolex-tp52-world-championship-teams-hoping-cascais-portugal-lives-up-to-its-reputation/
  29. https://yachtstyle.co/rolex-tp52-world-championship-2025-review/
  30. https://portimaochampionships.com/rolex-tp52-world-championship-2025-quantum-racings-narrow-victory-in-cascais/
  31. https://www.sail-world.com/news/277323/Rolex-TP52-Worlds-in-Newport-RI-overall
  32. https://www.sail-world.com/news/287612/Rolex-TP52-Worlds-in-Cascais-Practice-Day
  33. https://www.52superseries.com/app/about-the-series/
  34. https://www.52superseries.com/leaderboard/2025/
  35. https://www.transpac52.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/52-Super-Series-NoR_SI-2025-23-11-24.pdf
  36. https://www.52superseries.com/2024/07/a-perfect-mix-for-2025-52-super-series-date-and-venues-published/
  37. https://www.52superseries.com/teams/platoon-aviation/
  38. https://www.sail-world.com/-155766/
  39. https://www.52superseries.com/teams/
  40. https://www.52superseries.com/2025/02/the-countdown-to-the-2025-52-super-series-season-is-running/
  41. https://www.blur.se/2008/05/08/audi-medcup-alla-fakta/
  42. https://www.sail-world.com/-69481/
  43. https://orc.org/europeans2025
  44. https://www.sailingworld.com/racing/david-teams-vesper-crew-wins-orc-european-title/
  45. https://www.52superseries.com/2012/05/52-super-series-launches-in-barcelona/
  46. https://www.livesaildie.com/sustainability-remains-fundamental-to-the-52-super-series/
  47. https://www.52superseries.com/2025/10/52-super-series-2025s-sustainability-initiatives-remained-on-course-on-target/
  48. https://www.yachtingworld.com/news/rolex-sydney-hobart-tp52s-rule-10330
  49. https://www.transpac52.org/tp52-balance-wins-sydney-hobart/
  50. https://www.northsails.com/en-us/blogs/north-sails-blog/north-powered-celestial-wins-2022-rolex-sydney-hobart-yacht-race
  51. https://www.sail-world.com/-76258/
  52. https://www.rolexmiddlesearace.com/press/red-bandit-steals-home-to-win-2024-rolex-middle-sea-race/
  53. https://cyca.com.au/emotions-run-high-and-low-amidst-tp52-finishers/
  54. https://www.rolexsydneyhobart.com/news/2024/day-4/ocean-crusaders-j-bird-s-annika-thomson-makes-history/
  55. https://www.rolexsydneyhobart.com/the-yachts/
  56. https://www.sail-world.com/-48197/
  57. https://www.rorc.org/rorc-myth-of-malham-diverse-armada
  58. https://www.rolexfastnetrace.com/en/competitors/race-documents/distances-and-course
  59. https://www.rolexfastnetrace.com/en/follow/history-spectators/rolex-fastnet-race-2019
  60. https://www.yachtingworld.com/fastnet-race/fastnet-race-winners-wizard-claims-overall-prize-french-crews-dominate-122814
  61. https://www.rolexfastnetrace.com/en/wizard-spells-end-of-french-rolex-fastnet-race-winning-streak
  62. https://www.paprec.com/app/uploads/2023/04/communique_le-tp52-paprec-vainqueur-au-spi-ouest-france.pdf
  63. https://cyca.com.au/rolex-fastnet-race-black-pearl-leads-the-charge-around-the-rock/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.