The 52 SUPER SERIES will return to the USA in 2017 for the third time since 2013. The world’s leading grand prix monohull circuit restricted activity to Europe in 2015 and 2016 as the latest generation of new TP52s was launched in the Spring of 2015 and this season is one of consolidation.
The board of the 52 SUPER SERIES finalised plans last week and confirm that the two events, in Key West, January 15th to 21st, and Miami, March 6th to 11th, will be part of the 2017 52 SUPER SERIES overall trophy. The series, for the first time, will comprise six regattas. A major change from 2014, stepping up the importance of the two US events, when there was a split between the US 52 SUPER SERIES with its dedicated overall trophy and the series in the Med deciding the winner of the prestigious 52 SUPER SERIES Trophy.
Already there is strong commitment, enough to guarantee that the fleet for the two events in the US – Quantum Key West Race Week and the Miami Royal Cup – will be the biggest and most competitive ever seen competition for the TP52s in North America. Nine boats are preparing to race at the two regattas, including a new-build American boat (Interlodge), and we hope to see double digits.
The circuit has raced in Key West and Miami twice, in 2013 when Quantum Racing won at both sides of the Atlantic (winning the Atlantic Cup) and Rán Racing won the world championship in Miami. In 2014 Quantum Racing retained the US series title, winning in Key West and Miami.
Reflecting on the previous US events, Ed Baird, the Quantum Racing skipper recalls:
“Some of the racing in Miami was just awesome as I remember it, one day of 22-26kts stands out and it’s such a great place to go racing.”
Agustin Zulueta, the CEO of the 52 SUPER SERIES comments:
“We are delighted that the circuit is going back to the USA in 2017. It shows the commitment of our owners who want to return to the US and underlines the fact that we are an international class looking to offer a wide and varied programme in line with the ambitions of our owners and sponsors.”
Rob Weiland Class Manager for the TP52 Class said:
“Going back to the roots of our class and the place of our first world championship, in combination with the great conditions the Florida coast offers, and the unique setting of both Key West and Miami, can only be a good thing. We have many friends and supporters in the US and this way I hope we can underline the fact that we appreciate their company.”
