52 SUPER SERIES cancels more regattas

(March 27, 2020) After the second event of the 2020 52 SUPER SERIES season had been cancelled, circuit organizers have now decided the next two events that were to be held in Italy also must be scratched due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The return to the popular, showcase Marina di Scarlino on Italy’s beautiful Tuscan coast, was due to take place between May 12-16. The racing arena has proven challenging, but with reliable breezes, not least in 2017 when the class’s Rolex TP52 World Championship was hosted by the Marina di Scarlino.

Equally, there had been anticipation surrounding what promised to be a memorable 20th Anniversary Invitational regatta at the popular Yacht Club Costa Smeralda on June 17-21. The biggest fleet of TP52s of recent years was due to assemble in Sardinia, around 20 boats, to compete at the fourth regatta of the 2020 season.

UPDATE ON MAY 20: Time and circumstances have conspired against July’s Valencia regatta, which also had to be cancelled.

Agustín Zulueta, 52 SUPER SERIES CEO commented:
“While we are disappointed about having to cancel our upcoming visits to these Italian venues we love, we are in no doubt that we will be back as soon as possible. We love theses distinctive areas for the passion and enthusiasm shown by our hosts. We have worked very closely with them in coming to these decisions and we will do all we can to be there later on this year.

“As we all know, Italy has been hit hard by this global pandemic and our thoughts are with everyone affected there. On our part we are determined to shoulder our wider responsibilities to do what is best for the wider world. Right now as a 52 SUPER SERIES family we are concerned that everyone stays safe and minimizes the risk of infection.

“Looking to the longer term, right now we are developing a series of flexible action plans designed to ensure that as soon as we are told it is safe to gather again, and go racing, we will be able to roll out a suitable program of regattas. We are in constant dialogue with our owners, teams and venues to offer each other support and keep everyone informed.”

Rob Weiland, TP52 Class Manager added:
“I share the disappointment everyone feels worldwide that major sporting events are having to be shelved, but health and well being come first. The prospect of a celebration regatta to mark the 20th anniversary of the TP52 class remains one of our priorities and with the June event cancelled we will start communicating with the owners about the best time and venue for another attempt at the TP52 20th Anniversary Invitational as soon as we realistically can.”

Series information – Facebook – YouTube

The 2020 season marks the ninth edition of the 52 SUPER SERIES which is established as the world’s leading grand prix monohull yacht racing circuit.

2020 Calendar:
March 2-6 – Cape Town 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week; Cape Town, South Africa
March 31-April 4 – Rolex TP52 World Championship; Cape Town, South Africa (CANCELLED)
May 12-16 – Royal Cup 52 SUPER SERIES Scarlino; Scarlino, Italy (CANCELLED)
June 17-21 – Audi 52 SUPER SERIES, TP52 20th Anniversary Invitational; Porto Cervo, Italy (CANCELLED)
July 18-22 – 52 SUPER SERIES Valencia Sailing Week; Valencia, Spain (CANCELLED)
September 15-19 – Puerto Portals 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week; Puerto Portals, Spain

2020 Entries:
Alegre – Andy Soriano (USA/GBR), 2018 Botin
Azzurra – Roemmers Family (ARG/ITA), 2018 Botin
Bronenosec – Vladimir Liubomirov (RUS), 2019 Botin
Gladiator – Tony Langley (GBR), 2017 Botin
Paprec Recyclage – Jean-Luc Petithuguenin (FRA), 2015 Judel/Vrolijk
Phoenix 11 – Hasso/Tina Plattner (RSA), 2018 Botin
Phoenix 12 – Hasso/Tina Plattner (RSA), 2014 Botin
Platoon – Harm Müller-Spreer (GER), 2018 Judel/Vrolijk
Provezza – Ergin Imre (TUR), 2018 Judel/Vrolijk
Quantum Racing – Doug DeVos (USA), 2018 Botin
Sled – Takashi Okura (USA), 2018 Botin
Team Vision Future – Jean Jacques Chaubard (FRA), 2015 Botin

Source: 52 Super Series