2026 GL52 Southern Series Preview: Release the Kraken
by WindlassCreative 12 Mar 10:15 PDT
19-22 March 2026
2025 GL52 Pensacola Cup © Anna Suslova / 2025 GL52 Pensacola Cup
The GL52 Pensacola Cup, the first of two regattas that comprise the GL52 Southern Series 2026 is on the horizon. From March 19-22, three top GL52 teams will elevate this competition to mythic proportion as they vie to capture the Kraken - a bespoke trophy created by Pensacola glass artist Joe Hobbs.
The GL52 fleet is thrilled to return to their newly-adopted US winter home in Pensacola based at Palafox Marina adjacent to Jaco's Restaurant and the American Magic High Performance Training facility. With their enthusiastic support, the City of Pensacola has been invaluable in aiding in the development of the GL52 Southern Series program.
"Pensacola is truly becoming a destination in world-class sailing and marine innovation," Mayor D.C. Reeves said. "To have the GL52 Southern Series, the ClubSwan 28 Fleet and American Magic all collaborating right here in our city, showcasing cutting-edge engineering, manufacturing, world-class boatbuilding and design, is tremendous for Pensacola's growth and innovation."
In partnership with the Satori Foundation, the GL52 fleet will continue to promote initiatives focused on youth sailing in underserved communities. Foundation representative, Sandy Dimick wrote: "The PYC Satori Foundation looks forward to experiencing GL52 events where we will have a front-row view of top-level sail boat racing."
GL52 Fleet Manager, Linda Lindquist said: "Based on our experience in 2025, Pensacola is already establishing itself as a world-class performance sailing venue. In addition to top-notch onshore facilities and easily accessible amenities, Pensacola Bay has proven to be an excellent setting for GL52 racing. Our fleet aspires to bring value to the City through community outreach and in support of American Magic's initiative to establish Pensacola as a destination for world-class and aspiring sailors alike. We look forward to continuing our constructive collaboration with the City of Pensacola for years to come."
Beyond the breakwater, Pensacola Bay is more than 13 miles long and 2.5 miles wide. At 20'+ deep throughout, with few obstacles and a reliable afternoon breeze that ranges between 12-20 knots, it offers superb racing conditions for the high-performance GL52s. These ideal conditions tighten the racing further in this highly-competitive fleet. Easily viewed from ashore, the sailing area is also spectator friendly, increasing accessibility to a broader audience.
The ClubSwan 28 Fleet, an American Magic and Nautor Swan collaboration, will also join the GL52 fleet for the Pensacola Cup. The ClubSwan 28, designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian, combines conceptual simplicity with technical precision: carbon mast, no backstay, a powerful yet manageable sail plan, and a lifting keel. Equalized equipment and strict class rules ensure racing is decided by skill. This fleet is making its formal United States debut in Pensacola Bay during the regatta. Together, the GL52 and ClubSwan 28 teams bring a mix of amateur and professional talent that is unmatched and helps drive the mission of the GL52 fleet: to promote and develop American Sailing talent.
Quest for the Kraken
John Huhn's KATANA team was by far the most improved over the past year. They faced a steep learning curve at the 2025 Southern Series (SS) but by the end of the season they had won 3 of 7 events in the Great Lakes Series (GLS) to claim the 2025 Championship. KATANA's after-guard is comprised of owner John Huhn on the helm with tactician, Morgan Larson and navigator, Nicoló Sanfelici.
Doug DeVos's WINDQUEST team placed third overall in the 2025 Southern Series and claimed the coveted Queens Cup in the GL52 Great Lakes Series 2025. Owners Doug and Dalton DeVos will be on the helm with Nicolai Sehested as tactician and Sara Stone as navigator.
Peter Askew's WIZARD team placed second at the 2025 Southern Series and ascended to podium positions at numerous Great Lakes Series events last summer. This team's afterguard includes tactician, Andy Horton; strategist, Kyle Navin; navigator, Nacho Postigo; and owner Peter Askew on the helm.
The second event in the two-regatta GL52 Southern Series 2026 will be the Southern Showdown from April 9-12, when those who have survived the KRAKEN will reconvene on the waters of Pensacola Bay.