TP52s to race alone at Festival of Sails

The TP52s – single-masted yachts built to a box rule – will be scored under IRC and TPR handicap systems to cater for different generations of design.

Festival of Sails chair Stuart Dickson said the decision to put TP52s in their own division would prove beneficial to all competitors.

“TP52s are fast and sail to their handicap rating in both reaching/running conditions and windward/leeward flatwater races, which means they dominate the podium at major regattas such as the Festival of Sails, Sail Port Stephens and Hamilton Island Race Week.

“By separating them out we give them their own contest, and we encourage other Rating Series entrants to challenge for some silverware. The split works across the board.”

Despite their speed, TP52s are quite simple in design, with no moving parts under water.

The TP52 Class Association was started in 2001 and grown quickly since.

The Festival of Sails, which includes a keelboat race from Melbourne to Geelong, is now in its 177th year.

It will be held on the January 25-27 Australia Day long weekend.

For more information, head to festivalofsails.com.au.