Admiral's Cup programs add international edge to Pallas Capital Gold Cup
by Nic Douglass 4 Mar 06:56 UTC
AC1 start in light airs - Admiral's Cup 2025 © James Tomlinson / RORC
The Pallas Capital Gold Cup 2026 continues to grow in stature with several Admiral's Cup connected programs joining the fleet, bringing international experience and proven performance credentials.
Zen, the TP52 owned and skippered by Gordon Ketelby, returns to Australian waters after many expected the boat would remain in Europe following its recent international campaign.
"The whole attraction of bringing the boat back to Australia was the Pallas Capital Gold Cup," said Zen Campaign Manager Shane Guanaria.
"We had every intention of selling the boat in Europe, but the Gold Cup has some of the best racing in the world at the moment. The calendar worked, the locations worked, and Gordon decided it was worth sending the boat home."
Zen will arrive with significant international experience on board.
"We have more than half of the Admiral's Cup crew returning, with Mal Page stepping in as tactician for Act 1, on 21 & 22 March. Chris Nicholson will be back on board for the remainder of the series."
Guanaria believes the decision to bring Zen back to Australia is also an important signal for the local fleet.
"For me it's exciting to come back to Australia with Zen. It has been a tough few years for the industry, with more boats leaving than coming in. Gordon's commitment to bringing the boat back and supporting the level of racing here is really important."
He also welcomed the growing connection between the TP52 and Super 40 fleets.
"It's fantastic to have the Super 40s included. It's the basis of the Admiral's Cup format and we have a really competitive fleet here. I enjoy sailing the Super 40s myself, but the 52s are my focus for this event and we're really looking forward to what the future holds with the two classes working alongside each other."
Meanwhile Back 2 Black, the Super 40 led by Sean Langman, adds further Admiral's Cup pedigree to the fleet. Langman partnered with the Zen program during the recent international campaign and brings his trademark intensity and development focus to the division.
Langman says the appeal of the Super 40 fleet is simple.
"Fast, fun, simple logistics," he said.
For Langman, the attraction lies not just in performance but also in the accessibility of the platform and the competitive depth of the class.
"I'm looking forward to close racing and a new community."
With programs arriving directly from global campaigns, the Pallas Capital Gold Cup is increasingly becoming a meeting point between Australia's best and the international stage, while also providing a pathway for Australian youth and women to compete at the highest level.
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.