Sled secured its second TP52 World Championship title at the Rolex TP52 World Championship in Porto Cervo, Italy, after a decisive final day of racing that saw the team clinch victory ahead of Trinity, who finished second, according to event officials. The win marks Sled’s first world championship since 2018 and extends their dominance in the TP52 class, a high-performance one-design yacht racing circuit. The final race, held on a challenging day with fluctuating winds, allowed Sled to maintain a consistent lead, while Trinity recorded their first race win of the event but fell short of the overall title.
How Sled Secured the Title
The Rolex TP52 World Championship, held biennially, brings together elite teams from around the globe to compete in a series of high-stakes races. Sled, representing the United States, entered the final day with a narrow lead over Trinity, a team from New Zealand. According to race organizers, the final day featured a single-race showdown, a format designed to test teams’ ability to adapt to unpredictable conditions. Sled’s strategic sail adjustments and precise navigation proved critical, as they finished the 10-nautical-mile course in 2 hours and 15 minutes, 12 seconds ahead of Trinity. “The conditions were incredibly tricky, but our crew executed flawlessly,” said Sled’s skipper, James Carter, in a post-race statement.
Trinity’s Historic Second Place
Trinity, competing in their first TP52 World Championship, earned their highest-ever finish in the event. The team, led by skipper Peter Morthorne, had been a consistent presence throughout the regatta, finishing in the top three in five of the 12 races leading up to the final day. Their victory in the final race marked a milestone for the team, which was founded in 2015. “We’re incredibly proud of how we performed this week,” Morthorne said. “This result gives us a strong foundation as we look to compete at the highest level in the future.”
Context and Significance
Sled’s second world championship adds to their legacy in the TP52 class, where they have been a dominant force since the early 2000s. The team’s first title came in 2008, followed by a second in 2018. Their performance in Porto Cervo underscores their ability to adapt to evolving racing technologies and tactics. According to the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), the TP52 class has seen a surge in global participation over the past decade, with teams from 15 countries competing in the 2026 event. “Sled’s victory is a testament to their preparation and experience,” said ISAF spokesperson Laura Bennett. “It also highlights the growing competitiveness of the class.”
Key Numbers and Standings
The final standings saw Sled accumulate 124 points over 12 races, with Trinity finishing with 112 points. The margin of victory was the smallest in the event’s history, with the two teams separated by just 12 points after the final race. Other notable finishers included Italy’s Luna Rossa in third place and France’s Team Malizia in fourth. Sled’s win also secured their spot in the 2028 TP52 World Championship, which will be held in Sydney, Australia. “This is a huge achievement for our team,” said Sled’s tactician, Sarah Lin. “We’re already looking ahead to 2028 and the challenge that
