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The French Paprec team has reached a milestone in the 52 Super Series. In Lanzarote, the TP52 skippered by Jean Luc Petithuguenin claimed its first victory on the premier circuit for Grand Prix monohulls, following seven races contested in challenging conditions.
A final decided by penalty kicks
Going into the final race, three teams were still in contention for the victory. The Italian team Alkedo Vitamina and the world champions Sled held the top two spots, just one point ahead of Paprec.
The decisive race shook things up. Alkedo Vitamina was recalled for a false start, while Sled received a penalty during the race. Avoiding any mistakes, the French team sailed a consistent race to finish second in the final race and win the event with 24 points, ahead of Alkedo Vitamina (26 points) and Sled (31 points).
The hard work over the past two seasons has paid off
Competing in the 52 Super Series since 2012, the Paprec project was still waiting for its first victory on the circuit. Loïck Peyron?s arrival as tactician in 2024 marked a new milestone in the team?s progress. In Lanzarote, the skipper was supported for the first time by Yoann Richomme as navigator, just a few months after Richomme?s second-place finish in the Vendée Globe.
Jean Luc Petithuguenin praised the teamwork that has been carried out over many years with a largely consistent crew, singling out Stéphane Névé, who has been by his side since his first regattas some thirty years ago.
Sled continues to dominate the championship
Despite this French victory, the provisional overall standings still favor the Japanese TP52 Sled. After three of the five races in the 2026 season, Takashi Okura?s crew remains in the lead with 120 points, ahead of Platoon Aviation (137 points) and Alkedo Vitamina (140 points). Thanks to its success in Lanzarote, Paprec has moved up to fourth place with 157 points.
The next leg of the 52 Super Series will take place in August 2026 at Marina Puerto Calero, also on the island of Lanzarote.
