Audi Medcup Circuit

The MedCup is new, glamorous, and fast – What more do you want?

Since its debut in 2005, the Audi MedCup has already established itself as a hot new event in yacht racing. The single design of entrants, the TP52 (originally known in the U.S. as the Transpac 52), ensures no need for handicapping. And it's an outstanding boat, fast on all points of sail. In 2009, a new class joined the TP52's, the TP42, and it's every bit as exciting as its sister.

The Audi MedCup has attracted the best sailors in the world, both professional and amateur. In fact, the 2006 and 2007 overall winners were both amateur owner-drivers, Peter de Ridder (NED) and Torbjorn Tornqvist (SWE), respectively.

The annual race is run in five legs, one per month from May through September, at specially-chosen venues in and near the Mediterranean. Gorgeous scenery, unique sailing conditions, and a fleet of fast boats. What could be better?

In 2009, the Audi MedCup delivered excitement in every leg, and the TP52 class showcased the emergence of a newly dominant N-Zed team, who competed in this event for the first time. The TP52 overall winner, Emirates Team New Zealand, skippered by Dean Barker, won every leg except the first. The defending 2008 champion, Quantum Racing, came in second overall. Third place was taken by Sweden's Artemis, who nudged out Argentina's Matador by just one point.

The 2009 TP42 series was won by Spain's Islas Canarias Punto Calero, which won every leg but the second. Spain dominated the entrants in this class, fielding four of the seven entrants.

For 2010, the Audi MedCup is promising to reduce costs for entrants, while at the same time raising the bar still higher on performance. The 2010 rules are expected to reduce the total number and weight for crew, and total number of sails as well. The event's sponsors hope this will help bring back participants for a repeat try, in addition to attracting new entrants.