Prepared for the 2024 Grand Finale of the 52 SUPER SERIES in Valencia
by 52 Super Series 23 Sep 11:26 PDT
23-28 September 2024
Valencia 52 SUPER SERIES Royal Cup Practice Races © Nico Martinez / 52 Super Series
Two official practice races held today showcased the tight competition expected at the ultimate regatta of the 2024 52 SUPER SERIES season, the Valencia 52 SUPER SERIES Royal Cup.
In favorable winds of up to 18 knots, no team stood out as dominant, leading to frequent position changes during both warm-up races. Hasso and Tina Plattner’s Phoenix, the champion of the last 2023 event, clinched victory in the first race, while Andy Soriano’s Alegre claimed first in the second practice race.
Multiple teams have made crew adjustments, some due to athletes’ commitments to the Youth America’s Cup currently taking place in Barcelona, while others are exploring new team dynamics in a push for a strong finish.
Alegre has recruited Elliot Willis, the winning crew of tactician Nic Asher’s 470 world championships, to join their racing team, while adding Pablo Ararte. Hong Kong’s Alpha Plus is without talented young Kiwi helmsman Leo Takahishi, busy with Emirates Team New Zealand, and Quantum Racing powered by American Magic sees Harry Melges IV steering their Youth AC40 in Barcelona. Morgan Larson steps in for reigning champions Doug DeVos.
Will the Morgan Magic make a decisive difference?
Cool-headed and relaxed, Larson brings years of TP52 experience and is currently racing on the US circuit with the boat that won the 2023 52 SUPER SERIES as Platoon.
Larson expressed excitement at Valencia’s King Marine, where the 13-boat fleet is docked: “It’s fantastic to be back with the 52 SUPER SERIES. I have a deep appreciation for Quantum Racing, Doug DeVos, and the entire crew. I’ve competed alongside them a lot in the past, including winning the worlds with Terry Hutchinson and the team. This is a genuinely nice team. It’s easy to jump back in with talents like Greg Gendel on the bow, Warwick Fleury, and James Dagg. I’ve been getting a feel for the dynamic with tactician Victor (Diaz de Leon), strategist Nevin Snow, and navigator Evelyn Hull, who is doing outstanding work. They are talented, and I’m confident it will go well. It is enjoyable. With this team’s level of performance, I believe we can challenge Gladiator. That’s our aim. I’ve been racing TP52s in the US, on the old Platoon and sailing the small Vesper in the ORC worlds, so I am well-prepared.”
Official Press Conference, Valencia commitment
Just before the practice racing began, the Salón de Cristal at Valencia City Hall hosted the official presentation of the Valencia 52 SUPER SERIES Royal Cup. The event featured Valencia City Council sports councillor Rocío Gil, who emphasized the significance of this event as part of the local government’s strategy to attract major international initiatives: ‘As the mayor has frequently stated, Valencia is a city connected to the sea, seizing every opportunity to attract major events. As a Valencian, I enjoy the sea and these types of competitions, and we aim to continue this path. We have ambitious future projects and we want more; Valencia will always welcome you back to enjoy its racing waters.”
Among those present on stage were Gladiator’s Tony Langley, Guille Parada from Quantum Racing powered by American Magic, Víctor Díaz de León, Harm Müller-Spreer representing Platoon Aviation, Agustin Zulueta from the 52 SUPER SERIES, and Principal Race Officer María Torrijo.
Forecast? Promising for Valencia…
Weather forecasts are optimistic for the week ahead, indicating westerly winds of 12-15 knots for the opening races on Tuesday. Racing is set to begin daily at 1300hrs local time and will be streamed live on the 52 SUPER SERIES channels.
