Setting Sail

Written by Megan Liggett

Written by Megan Liggett

Peters & May are a key partner behind the TP52 Super Series, providing yacht racing logistics to this grand prix racing circuit.

The Balearic Islands, a captivating archipelago situated off the eastern coast of Spain, are renowned for their idyllic climate, breathtaking coastlines, and charming towns. Drawing sailing enthusiasts of all skill levels, these islands, adorned with secluded coves and uninhabited isles, offer perfect anchorage for exploration and enjoyment. The region is also a magnet for yacht racers, hosting a multitude of prestigious regattas annually. These events have solidified the Islands’ significance in the racing community.

Among the notable regattas is the Illes Balears Classics, renowned for being the first carbon-neutral regatta, which offsets greenhouse gas emissions. The Oyster Palma Regatta celebrated its 50th anniversary, boasting a fleet of luxury cruising yachts ranging from 50ft to 90ft. Additionally, the TP52 Super Series Sailing week, considered the world’s premier grand prix monohull yacht racing circuit, further highlights the islands’ appeal.

Approximately 10 kilometres from the Balearics’ capital, Mallorca, lies Puerto Portals, a prestigious nautical and leisure complex on the stunning Bay of Palma. This location has quickly gained favour in the racing industry, especially among the TP52 fleet, for its accessibility to race areas and exclusive, close-to-shore docking.

The TP52 Super Series was established in 2012 in Barcelona by a group of passionate TP52 owners. Their vision was to maintain a top-level arena for fast, lightweight pure performance boats. This initiative grew from the ashes of the TP52 MedCup, which concluded in 2011. The TP52 Super Series, over the years, has expanded from the Mediterranean to a global stage, with regattas in various locations, including Key West, FL. This renowned series hosts five regattas annually, with Puerto Portals as a frequent host.

Peters & May, a key partner since the series’ inception, plays a vital role in shipping the TP52 fleet to each regatta location. The global yacht shipping company takes charge of transporting the high-performance monohulls, equipment containers, chase RIBs, kit, and spares. It also handles all customs requirements for the crew. With a strong presence in yacht racing logistics dating back to the 1980s, Peters & May’s commitment to delivering valuable yachts within strict deadlines has solidified its trustworthy reputation.

The motivation behind yacht racers choosing to ship their vessels rather than sailing them lies in the value of time. Racing schedules are often time-sensitive, and sailing long distances can be a time-consuming endeavour. Entrusting experts like Peters & May ensures that both sailing, and client schedules align seamlessly. It also eliminates the risks associated with long ocean voyages, such as safety concerns, wear and tear, and fouling, which can affect a yacht’s performance.

Peters & May’s dedicated teams create custom lifting and cradling plans, while their in-house customs experts offer valuable guidance on boat customs and VAT. Yacht owners can rely on Peters & May to handle every aspect of yacht transportation, ensuring peace of mind and optimal performance.

The partnership between Peters & May and the TP52 Super Series remains strong, with a firm commitment extending through 2025. As two regattas next year will take place in Newport, RI, Peters & May is gearing up to ship the TP52 fleet transatlantically. This reflects the trust earned within the TP52 fleet and underscores its growth in the racing community.

 

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