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The Rolex TP52 World Championship 2025 delivered a gripping demonstration of the purest monohull racing on the planet. Tested by powerful Atlantic swells and varied winds in Cascais off the Portuguese coast, the world’s finest sailors pushed their skills and resilience to the limit in a contest where precision, teamwork and innovation converge.

After five days of intense, high-stakes racing, Doug DeVos’ American Magic Quantum Racing from the US emerged victorious, claiming its eighth world championship title, on this occasion by a single point from the impressively combative French crew on Paprec who kept the result in doubt until the finish of the last race.

Rolex has been title sponsor of the Rolex TP52 World Championship since 2017 and is also official timepiece of the 52 Super Series, honouring those who pursue excellence on one of yachting’s most demanding stages. Winning the championship is one of the most coveted achievements in grand prix sailing – a true test of consistency and mastery within an exceptional fleet.

Every manoeuvre is executed under the highest pressure, where even the smallest error can decide the overall outcome. The 2025 edition showcased the exceptional depth of talent within the fleet. Seven races had a different winner, underscoring the competitiveness of the 10-race series.

American Magic is a worthy winner. Active in introducing young, and diverse talent to elite-level competition, the team has been a watchword for dependability over recent years. Tactician Terry Hutchinson praised his team’s focus and determination across a rigorous series.

“I could not be prouder of the entire group. We were challenged all the way through this year’s Rolex TP52 World Championship,” Hutchinson said. “Every time we did something right, something seemed to go against us. I cannot say enough about the mental strength the team showed. They just kept pushing, no matter what.”

Carrying a two-point margin into the final race, American Magic had to dig deep to hold off Jean-Luc Petithuguenin’s Paprec. In the end, despite finishing ahead, the French crew could not get the required number of boats between it and the Americans.

Hutchinson highlighted the contribution made by his younger crewmates including Harry Melges IV, the youngest helmsman to win the title, main trimmer Lucas Calabrese, and Sarah Stone, the first female navigator to win a Rolex TP52 World Championship.

“Winning is never easy,” he said. “We’re building something for the younger sailors onboard, and that makes today even more meaningful. Nothing replaces the feeling of success. It would have been so easy to lose focus on that final run, but we stayed committed. Harry did a great job, Lucas was outstanding, and Sarah made history.”

At the heart of the Rolex TP52 World Championship lies the unique blend of passionate Corinthian ownership and elite professional skill. The teams representing a true coming together of dedicated owners and world-class crew. This intense collaboration, underpinned by a relentless attention to detail and a shared commitment to perfection, defines the elite-level regatta’s enduring allure.

Tom Slingsby, a Rolex Testimonee and three-time Rolex World Sailor of the Year, has twice competed in the event, and highlights the reasons for its standing and appeal.

“I look at the Rolex TP52 World Championship as probably the best, purest monohull racing you can do,” Slingsby said. “The event really is competition at the highest level between the highly competitive owners, the best tacticians, the best strategists, the best trimmers, the best bowmen.”

Australian sailor Kyle Langford, who won three SailGP championships alongside Tom Slingsby, brought his high-speed foiling experience to the Rolex TP52 World Championship this year, racing aboard Phoenix. Reflecting on the contrast between the two highest-level circuits, he highlighted the authenticity and finesse required in this class.

“The Rolex TP52 World Championship is a pure sailor’s regatta. It is an authentic sailing experience. This is the highest level you can reach in monohull racing worldwide, and ranks among the top achievements in the sport,” Langford said.

“Racing at this level is all about finesse and small details. If you are a couple of metres faster, you are leading; if you are a couple of metres too slow, you are at the back. The margins are incredibly fine, and that’s what makes it so special.”

Agustín Zulueta, CEO of the 52 Super Series, enthusiastically reflected on the standards set by the fleet and the benefit of the enduring partnership with Rolex.

“That the Rolex TP52 World Championship is regarded the pinnacle of monohull grand prix racing is down to the common goal among all stakeholders to be the very best,” Zulueta said.

“The level of commitment from the teams this week has been extraordinary, and the race management has dealt brilliantly with a variety of conditions to deliver a complete series. Our continued collaboration with Rolex remains fundamental to elevating all involved to greater heights.”

The 2025 Rolex TP52 World Championship in Cascais will be remembered as a week defined by precision execution and unparalleled teamwork. American Magic’s historic victory stands as a testament to meticulous preparation, strategic brilliance and superb leadership.

With a new and valuable chapter added to the event’s rich legacy, the championship has confirmed its standing as one of the most demanding tests in sailing.

rolex.com

52superseries.com