The 52 Super Series is a high-performance, monohull yacht racing circuit.
The "Box Rule" associated to the TP 52 Class, means that boats must, literally, be able to fit within a box of certain dimensions. This means that there are no time allowances or handicaps and the boats race in real-time – first past the post wins. The Box Rule is strict enough to eliminate the need to set handicaps, yet flexible enough to encourage small, yearly innovations. The 52 Super Series is won by teams of skilful sailors, and the setup of the class means that the ages of the boat is of less importance.
The circuit grew from the ashes of the Audi MedCup which finished in 2011 when the principal sponsor withdrew.
The 52 Super Series was developed as an initiative by three key stakeholders, respectively the owners of Quantum Racing, Azzurra and Rán Racing who enjoyed their racing in the TP 52 so much and could see a future in which the owners dictated the direction of the 52 Super Series, embracing all that they had enjoyed about the class and making racing for like minded individuals and crews available in locations and venues enjoyed by all. Overall there is a mix of stand alone TP 52 regattas but mainly the circuit aims to visit existing, popular well run renowned regattas.
History
2012
The 52 Super Series is set up thanks to the initiative of the Argentinian Alberto Roemmers (ARG, Azzurra/Matador), Doug DeVos (USA, Quantum Racing) and Niklas Zennström (SWE, Rán Racing) in collaboration with the TP 52 Class Manager Rob Weiland (NED) and Lars Böcking (GER) of Jacaranda Marketing (SPA-GER) who put the concept together. The ideal is to deliver a mix of venues, owners, and crews enjoy sailing at, embrace even, close, friendly grand prix racing. Four owners initially commit to the full season of five regattas in Spain and Sardinia: Azzurra, Quantum Racing, Rán, and Tony Langley (GBR) of Gladiator The first event in this inaugural year is Barcelona's Conde de Godó Trophy where the 'core four' are joined by ALL4ONE sponsored by Audi. Quantum Racing win the top trophy. Quantum Racing win also in June at the Audi Sardinia Cup 2012, defeating the hosts' Azzurra by three points after seven races. Six boats compete, the 'core four' have added competition from Paprec Recyclage (FRA, Jean Luc Petithuguenin) and Powerplay (BVI/GBR, Tony Cunningham). The circuit travels to Palma for July's Royal Cup back to back with the Copa del Rey. Eight boats race at the Royal Cup which is won by Rán Racing, newcomers are Aquila (AUT) and Ergin Imre's Turkish team on Provezza. Finally at the Audi Valencia Cup in September Audi Azzurra Sailing team win the regatta with Quantum Racing fourth to clinch the first 52 Super Series overall title.
2013
In a bid to encourage the TP 52 owners to travel, for Europeans to race early season in the USA and the American owners and crews to come race in Europe, the US 52 Super Series is set up. This spans two regattas – Key West Race Week and a 52 World Championships – in America in January and March. Azzurra win the US 52 Super Series and are pipped in Miami on the last race by Rán Racing who become 2013 World Champions.
The core of the European circuit is formed by the popular events at known venues. Barcelona is followed by the Royal Cup in Ibiza, Copa del Rey culminating in the Audi Week of the Straits in September at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. Quantum Racing win in Barcelona ahead of Gladiator with seven boats racing, including Interlodge and Rio from the USA. Ibiza is a new venue for the 52 Super Series and Quantum Racing make it back to back wins in the eight boat fleet. Gladiator are second again. At the Copa del Rey Quantum Racing extend their unbeaten record to three regattas with Rán Racing second and Azzurra third. Rio take fourth from a spirited battle with Provezza. And at the Week of the Straits a win by Azzurra on their home waters was not enough to stop Quantum Racing from being crowned 2013 52 Super Series champions after winning three from four events. The bubbling interest in the class is reflected in a nine boat entry. Rán Racing are third overall and Gladiator fourth.
2014
Barclays and Zenith join the 52 Super Series as partners. The successful formula for the US 52 Super Series remains and seven boats race at Quantum Key West and at the 52 US Championship. Quantum Racing win both American regattas and the mini-series.