The docks in Saint-Tropez are starting to fill up and the gloves are about to come off. After a long winter of tweaks, upgrades, and some recent practice sessions in Valencia and Palma, some of the world’s best inshore racing teams are getting ready to throw down as the 2025 52 Super Series season kicks off next week on the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
Eleven boats. Nine nations. No clear favorite. If it feels a little like 2023 all over again — when Ergin Imre’s Provezza stunned the fleet and walked away with the season opener — it’s because it is. Nobody’s looking dominant coming into Saint-Tropez, and we have the makings of a fantastic season ahead.
In truth, all that early-season tuning has done is muddy the waters even more. Only when racing gets underway in St. Tropez will we finally see who’s fast out straight out of the blocks— and who’s scrambling.
Here’s a look across the fleet:
Alegre (GBR) – After a rough ending to 2024 and still reeling from the tragic loss of longtime bowman Matteo Auguadro in a skiing accident over the winter, Andy Soriano’s Alegre crew have refreshed the sail program, updated their appendages, and brought in Mariano Caputo on the bow. This is still a tight, fast team with Nic Asher and Will Ryan calling the shots. Watch for them to come out swinging.
Alkedo powered by Vitamina (ITA) – These are the new kids on the block but with with a proven boat. Andrea Lacorte steps up from the ClubSwan 50 ranks with the former Azzurra/Interlodge hull — a boat with serious pedigree. With Cameron Appleton on tactics and fresh foils under the hull, they could surprise some people right away.
Alpha+ (HKG) – Remember them? They debuted in St. Tropez in 2023 and by the end of 2024 were running near the top of the fleet, including a fourth at the Rolex TP52 Worlds. With Kiwi match racing ace Nick Egnot-Johnson now driving and Quantum sails in the inventory, they're a team on the rise.
American Magic Quantum Racing (USA) – They’re back. Doug DeVos and Terry Hutchinson reunite for another run after taking the 2024 title. Hutchinson’s intensity is legendary, and they’ve refreshed the crew lineup slightly with Sara Stone stepping into the nav role. They trained in isolation in Palma — can they come together quick enough to start strong?
Crioula Team (BRA) – The Brazilian brothers Eduardo and Renato Plass have brought South American grit to the series, and after joining mid-2024, they’re getting better every time they race. Their boat’s an ex-Provezza, and they’ve learned fast how to race it hard.
Gladiator (GBR) – Tony Langley’s Gladiator crew enters 2025 with serious momentum. They’re the reigning Rolex TP52 World Champs and winners of three events last season. Adding Emirates Team New Zealand’s Ray Davies to the brains trust alongside Guille Parada only makes them more dangerous.
Paprec (FRA) – Flying the French flag with Loïck Peyron as tactician, Paprec showed major gains last season, finishing strong in Valencia. With the same team intact, they’ll be aiming to keep that curve pointing upward.
Platoon Aviation (GER) – Slow out of the blocks last year with a brand-new boat, Harm Müller-Spreer’s Platoon has been steadily sharpening ever since. With Vasco Vascotto on tactics, Jordi Calafat handling strategy, and Jules Salter navigating, they're as stacked as anyone — and looking very ready.
Provezza (TUR) – Fast, sorted, and gunning for a three-peat of season-opening wins. With John Cutler steering, Hamish Pepper on tactics, and Nacho Postigo navigating, Provezza could easily steal the show in Saint-Tropez once again.
Sled (USA) – Takashi Okura’s crew didn’t rush into their season, preferring to get sorted in Saint-Tropez just before racing. But with Francesco Bruni back in the afterguard, alongside the winning team from 2021, they’ve got the chemistry to hit the ground running. Outsiders? Maybe. Dangerous? Definitely.
Team Vayu (THA) – The Whitcraft family team pulled off one of the biggest surprises last season with a regatta win in Newport. With Manu Weiler joining the afterguard more permanently, they're not just here to make up numbers — they’re here to disrupt the established order.
Teasing Machine (FRA) and Phoenix (RSA) are sitting this one out but will join in Spain at the 52 Super Series Baiona Royal Cup in early June.
Official practice racing in St Tropez is on Tuesday, April 29 with the points racing running from Wednesday, April 30 to Sunday, May 4.
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