2025 GL52 Southern Series - Preview

City of Pensacola prepares to host the GL52 fleet © GL52 Events

Earlier this month City of Pensacola representatives, community organizations and a plethora of local journalists were invited to visit with the GL52 fleet at Palafax Marina.

They met with team members on the docks and watched practice racing on the water. The access and experience provided insight into how the GL52s coming to town for the first time will help to establish Pensacola as a destination for both world-class and aspiring sailors alike.

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The 2025 GL52 Southern Series consists of two regattas—the Pensacola Cup (March 20-23) and the Southern Showdown (April 10-13). GL52 Fleet Manager Linda Lindquist said, "The American Magic team identified Pensacola as an outstanding venue for high-performance sailing and has played a key role in bringing more top-tier racing to the area."American Magic has established a long-term presence in Pensacola through a lease agreement with the City to develop a high-performance sailing center and boat-building facility at the Port of Pensacola. While the facility serves as the team's headquarters for design, training, and innovation, it also strengthens Pensacola's position as a premier destination for competitive sailing. The GL52 Southern Series will be among the first world-class racing events staged in the city since American Magic announced its expanded presence.

Local excitement and support

Local interest and support are building as the City of Pensacola prepares to host the GL52 fleet in both 2025 and 2026. Jason Wheeler, Pensacola City Public Information Officer said: "It is a win-win situation, viewing the racing will be free to the public and it offers Pensacola a chance to shine and maximize our assets near downtown."

There is also cause for excitement among the six registered competitors of the 14 boat GL52 fleet. In addition to top-notch onshore facilities and easily accessible amenities, the sailing area itself promises to be an excellent setting for the Series.

Blue carpet race course

Pensacola Bay rolls out beyond the breakwater like a smooth blue carpet 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. Such an ideal race course will tighten the racing in the already highly-competitive fleet. Easily viewed from ashore, the sailing area is also spectator friendly, increasing accessibility to a broader audience.

GL52 teams FOX, KATANA, SUMMER STORM, VESPER, WINDQUEST and WIZARD will be on the starting line for both of the Southern Series events. These 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.

Community partners / Extending access

The GL52 fleet recently partnered with the Satori Foundation in Pensacola to promote initiatives geared toward 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 sailboat racing."

Based on the local enthusiasm and effort already shown, Pensacola is poised to earn its reputation as a world-class performance sailing venue as they welcome the GL52 Fleet with open arms. GL52 Fleet Manager and America's Cup sailor, Linda Lindquist added: "This is a field of dreams out here."