In brisk Mistral conditions, Takashi Okura’s Sled secured a race win, solidifying their lead at the 52 SUPER SERIES Porto Cervo Range Rover regatta on Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda. The US-flagged team, representing the New York Yacht Club, made a strategic start at the pin end of the line, rounding the top mark in second place behind Andy Soriano’s Alegre. They took the lead during the second upwind leg and maintained a comfortable gap during the final run, despite fierce competition from Alegre, American Magic Quantum Racing, and Paprec.
Sled’s victory helps strengthen their position in the overall standings for 2025. Doug DeVos and the American Magic Quantum Racing team returned to form, finishing second, which is crucial after a challenging start to the regatta. The day saw wind speeds exceeding 28 knots, testing the teams’ boat and sail handling skills. Sled’s performance showcased their capability, reminiscent of their success during the last 52 SUPER SERIES event held in Costa Smeralda in 2019.
Meanwhile, Platoon Aviation faced difficulties after losing control of their spinnaker at a critical moment, resulting in a drop in their standing. Despite this setback, Sled’s consistent performance over the regatta, including a fourth and a second place finish on previous days, places them five points ahead of Alegre, which is also performing well with new strategist Pietro Sibello.
Don Cowie, mainsheet trimmer for Sled, expressed satisfaction with the day’s outcome, noting the excitement of racing in Porto Cervo and the team’s commitment to cautious racing amidst challenging conditions. American Magic Quantum Racing showed resilience, recovering quickly from a minor broach to secure their second-place finish.
The 52 SUPER SERIES Porto Cervo Range Rover continues tomorrow, with up to three races scheduled, commencing with a warning signal at 1200 hours local time. Live broadcasts of the regatta can be accessed through the official 52 SUPER SERIES website and on YouTube.
Standings after three races:
1. Sled, USA, Takashi Okura, 4+2+1= 7
2. Alegre, GBR, Andy Soriano, 6+3+3= 12
3. Paprec, FRA, Jean-Luc Petithuguenin, 2+9+4 = 15
4. Phoenix, RSA, Tina and Hasso Plattner, 3+4+8= 15
5. Platoon Aviation, GER, Harm Müller-Spreer, 1+6.5(RDG)+11= 18.5
6. American Magic Quantum Racing, USA, Doug DeVos, 10+8+2 = 20
7. Gladiator, GBR, Tony Langley, 7+6(+3)+5 = 21
8. Provezza, TUR, Ergin Imre, 11+5+6= 22
9. Alpha+, HKG, Shawn and Tina Kang, 13+1+9= 23
10. Alkedo, ITA, Andrea Lacorte, 9+7+7 = 23
11. Vayu, THA, Whitcraft family, 8+10+10= 28
12. Crioula, BRA, Eduardo and Renato Plass, 5+11+13= 29
13. Teasing Machine, FRA, Eric de Turckheim, 12+12+12= 36
52 SUPER SERIES – Pure Performance
www.52superseries.com
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