Super 40 & TP52 Australia Classes unite for 2026
by Nic Douglass 29 Jan 19:14 PST
TP52s and Super 40s will race alongside once again during the Pallas Capital Gold Cup 2026 © Nic Douglass for @sailorgirlhq
Inspired by the Admiral's Cup format which combines teams within two rating bands, the TP52 Australia Class has invited the Super 40 Class to take part in the Pallas Capital Gold Cup 2026.
The Super 40 class, founded by Mitch White, is set to bring together a variety of yachts defined as 36 to 46 feet long, with asymmetrical spinnakers. While competition will be scored under ORC and IRC, the innovative and highly successful TP Rating (TPR) system is to be adapted to replace the Super 40 legacy PHRF handicap.
The new SuperFortyRule (SFR), developed by Terry Wetton, also the designer of TPR, is designed to be an advanced handicap equalisation system. While applying handicaps across a diverse range of yachts is inherently challenging, the objective is to measure performance more deeply, and to reward crews that include a higher proportion of amateur and youth sailors.
"The TPR rule has proved to be really successful, and we are aiming to adapt that so that we can continue to bring the two fleets together," said Wetton. "It's ultimately about performance sailing," he continued. "So if you aren't optimising your boat and training with your crew, you won't progress."
One of the main benefits of TPR, which will also be reflected in the SFR rule, is the built-in incentives to include professionals, alongside amateurs, youth and women.
"It is about creating performance while also capturing sailors coming through youth development and bringing them back into the sport. Rather than removing or banning professional sailors, the aim is to integrate their expertise with the youth through a different system," explained Wetton.
The goal is to accommodate yachts of all levels and make the SFR result a prestigious and aspirational goal for the entire fleet.
"If Australia is going to have an Admiral's Cup team for the next attempt, we would think it will come out of this fleet," he concluded.
Original Super 40 supporter and organising committee member Mike Ritchie, who campaigns an essentially amateur and youth team aboard "Revolver", is enthusiastic about the direction of the Class and eager to see how the SFR will shape the fleet.
"The goal is to accommodate the idiosyncratic nature of these remarkable boats while ensuring crews of all experience levels remain competitive," said Ritchie.
John Bacon, a long term Super 40 sailor in the MC38 class, is re-entering the local scene with the imminent arrival of his US-based Dunning44, "Edge". John has been helping Mitch and Mike in the background and is on a tight deadline to get to the start line for Act 1 of the Pallas Capital Gold Cup.
"The recent developments in the Class, and particularly the partnership with the TP52s, were the trigger in deciding to bring 'Edge', an Aus-McConnaghy-built yacht, back home," said John Bacon. "It's going to be an exciting year for these yachts and we are all prepped for the Gold Cup and likely heading to Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island Race Week later in the year."
The event is also attracting Admiral's Cup competitors from overseas.
"We will be racing Beau Ideal," said Beau Geste Project Manager Gavin Brady. "Sailing in multiple venues will be fun and will test the team and boat in a variety of conditions. We are really looking forward to joining the Pallas Capital Gold Cup to race the other 40s and continue learning the boat following last year's Admiral's Cup campaign with both Karl Kwok's Beau Ideal and the TP52 Beau Geste."
The continued combination of the Super 40 and TP52 Australia fleets reflects the successful Admiral's Cup model, bringing together two distinct performance bands within a single regatta framework. While each class will continue to race under its own rules and scoring, the shared race course, schedule, and dockside environment are designed to elevate competition, foster collaboration, and strengthen Grand Prix racing in Australia.
"Grand Prix racing in Australia is in a very strong place, and the revised scoring system for the Super 40s will only sharpen the competition," said TP52 Australia President Craig Neil. "We have proven that the combined format works and, importantly, that it supports a clear pathway towards future Admiral's Cup campaigns. The camaraderie across the fleets has been outstanding, and we are excited to build on that momentum, starting with the TP52 Australia Pallas Capital Gold Cup in March 2026. We are delighted to have Pallas Capital as our major sponsor again for 2026."
For more information on the Pallas Capital Gold Cup head to www.GoldCupRegatta.com.
Thanks to title sponsor Pallas Capital, and also Zhik for their support of the class.