Grand prix racing
52 Super Series Valencia: Alkedo Wins, Platoon Takes the 2026 Title
Publié · Dernière vérification octobre 2026
Andrea Lacorte's Alkedo Cetilar from Italy won the 52 Super Series Valencia Sailing Week (5 to 10 October 2026), the fifth and final regatta of the season. Germany's Platoon Aviation, owned and helmed by Harm Müller-Spreer, finished third in Valencia and took the 2026 season title by 30 points.
Valencia results
| Place | Bateau | Owner or helm | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alkedo Cetilar (ITA) | Andrea Lacorte | 36 |
| 2 | No Way Back (NED) | Pieter Heerema | 43 |
| 3 | Platoon Aviation (GER) | Harm Müller-Spreer | 45 |
"I don't believe what has happened today!" said Lacorte after Alkedo's win on the America's Cup waters off Valencia.
Season championship
| Place | Bateau | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Platoon Aviation | 216 |
| 2 | Sled (Takashi Okura) | 246 |
| 3 | Alkedo Cetilar | 253 |
Müller-Spreer called the title "such a big honour" in a fleet this strong. Sled's Don Cowie said the team was disappointed with Valencia but happy with second overall.
What is a TP52?
The TP52 is a 52-foot (about 16 m) monohull built to a strict box rule, which keeps the fleet closely matched. That's why points gaps in the 52 Super Series are often tiny. See how handicap and rating systems differ from a box rule like this.
What is the 52 Super Series?
The 52 Super Series is a professional monohull racing circuit for TP52 yachts, often called the world's top grand prix monohull circuit. Owners usually helm their own boats, sailing with crews that include Olympic and America's Cup sailors. Racing is mostly short windward–leeward courses, plus some coastal races, sailed at a handful of Mediterranean venues each season.
Why Valencia?
Valencia hosted the America's Cup in 2007 and 2010, and its purpose-built port and steady afternoon sea breezes make it a natural venue for grand prix racing. The sea breeze typically fills in after midday on summer and early-autumn afternoons, giving reliable racing conditions.
How low-point scoring decides a title
The 52 Super Series uses low-point scoring: first place earns 1 point, second 2, and so on, with points from every race added together. Lowest total wins. That's why Platoon could finish only third in Valencia and still win the season by 30 points: consistency across five regattas beat a single regatta win. Our how sailing races work guide explains scoring in more detail.
Key facts
- Event: 52 Super Series Valencia Sailing Week, 5 to 10 October 2026
- Regatta winner: Alkedo Cetilar (ITA), Andrea Lacorte, 36 pts
- 2026 champion: Platoon Aviation (GER), Harm Müller-Spreer, 216 pts
- Runner-up: Sled, 246 pts
- Boats: TP52 grand prix monohulls