The Transpac 52 (TP52) is a class of

yacht A yacht is a sailing or power vessel used for pleasure, cruising, or racing. There is no standard definition, though the term generally applies to vessels with a cabin intended for overnight use. To be termed a , as opposed to a , such a pleasu ...

used for competitive

52 Super Series The 52 Super Series is a high-performance, monohull yacht racing circuit. The "Box Rule" associated to the TP 52 Class, means that boats must, literally, be able to fit within a box of certain dimensions. This means that there are no time allow ...

yacht racing, and the Audi MedCup previously, besides the world championship of the class. The class is recognised by the International Sailing Federation which entitles the class to hold an Official World Championships.

History

The TP52 Class has grown from a non registered club of like minded yachtsmen inspired by Tom Pollack to a fully member controlled, registered and ISAF recognised Class with a proper set of Bylaws, an Annual Meeting, an Executive Committee made up out of the Members and a Class President who also has to be a Member. The original intention was to provide a yacht capable for both inshore and offshore sailing specifically the

Transpacific Yacht Race The Transpacific Yacht Race (Transpac) is a biennial offshore yacht race held in odd-numbered years starting off the Pt. Fermin buoy in San Pedro, California and ending off Diamond Head in Hawaii, a distance of around . In even-numbered years the P ...

however with the decline in IMS racing, the class became popular in Europe. A professional inshore tour was established for Europe called the MedCup. Recent (2022-23) rule changes help keep the class at the forefront of competitive racing.

The Box Rule

TP52 boats are built and sailed to a set of rules which established the original design as a 'box' rule - where the boat must fit within a notional box of specified dimensions. The current rules2023 TP52 Rule
/ref> specify a single masted, fixed keel mono-hull with a bowsprit and a single rudder, with maximum hull length of , beam width of , keel draft of and spinnaker hoist height of , along with a minimum total weight of and maximum keel bulb weight of .

Events

World Championship

Global Championship

The unofficial World Championship was held before it got international status and were the keystone of the formation of the class.

European Series

The competition changed the nature of the class with it becoming a pinnacle inshore/coastal event for grand prix monohulled yacht racing. The series started off as the MedCup from 2005 to 2011 before evolving in the

Offshore Events

TP 52s or optimized direct derivatives have won the overall trophy in most of the classic offshore events while racing under the major international handicap systems. Notable results include:

Coastal Races

References

External links

Official TP52 Class Association Website

World Sailing TP52 Microsite Website
{{Classes of World Sailing Classes of World Sailing World championships in sailing Sailing yachts Box rule sailing classes