Tony Langley’s Gladiator Sailing Team Takes Lead in 2025 52 SUPER SERIES at Saint-Tropez

(IN BRIEF) Tony Langley’s Gladiator Sailing Team made a strong start at the 2025 52 SUPER SERIES, winning the first race and finishing second in the second race at Saint-Tropez Sailing Week. Supported by a talented crew including Guille Parada and strategist Ray Davies, the team’s performance set the tone for the season, finishing at the top of the leaderboard after the first two races.

(PRESS RELEASE) NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, 2-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The Gladiator Sailing Team, led by Tony Langley, made an impressive start to the 2025 52 SUPER SERIES at Saint-Tropez Sailing Week, securing a first and second place finish in the opening races of the series. The team, which triumphed in the 2024 World Championship, drew first blood in the inaugural engagement of the season on the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, competing in perfect conditions of flat water and a 8-13 knot breeze.

With the beautiful spring weather compensating for the lack of wind on Wednesday, Gladiator demonstrated its strength in Race 1, leading from start to finish on a two-lap windward-leeward course. The team’s performance continued in Race 2, where they fought hard to challenge the Hong Kong team, Alpha +, ultimately finishing second, just behind the competition.

Langley, who returned to the helm after two years as tactician, was supported by a skilled crew that included Guille Parada, who called tactics, and Ray Davies, a multiple America’s Cup winner who joined as strategist for the 2025 season. Parada and Davies, alongside Langley’s leadership, worked cohesively to navigate the strong competition and secure consistent results.

“It’s great to be back at the helm after two years. The team sailed exceptionally well today, and Guille really showcased his talent as a tactician. We stuck to our process, and it paid off,” said Langley.

Race 2 saw a standout performance by Alpha +, helmed by New Zealand match racer Nick Egnot-Johnson with 2016 Laser gold medalist Tom Burton calling tactics. The team managed to fend off Gladiator’s challenge and clinch first place in the second race.

Ray Davies, reflecting on the day’s races, commented, “It was an amazing start to the series. Tony did a fantastic job steering, and Guille knows the boats incredibly well, keeping us ahead in the right conditions. We know the fleet is very strong, but this was a great way to kick things off with a 1-2 finish.”

The current standings after the first two races place Gladiator at the top with 3 points, followed by Alpha + with 6 points, and Sled in third with 7 points.

52 SUPER SERIES SAINT-TROPEZ SAILING WEEK LEADERBOARD AFTER TWO RACES:

1. GLADIATOR (GBR) – Tony Langley – 1+2 = 3
2. ALPHA+ (HKG) – Shawn & Tina Kang – 5+1 = 6
3. SLED (USA) – Takashi Okura – 4+3 = 7
4. PAPREC (FRA) – Jean-Luc Pethuguenin – 3+4 = 7
5. VAYU (THA) – Whitcraft Family – 6+5 = 11
6. AMERICAN MAGIC QUANTUM RACING (USA) – Doug DeVos – 2+10 = 12
7. PLATOON AVIATION (GER) – Harm Müller-Spreer – 7+8 = 15
8. ALEGRE (GBR) – Andy Soriano – 10+6 = 16
9. CRIOULA (BRA) – Eduardo & Renato Plass – 8+9 = 17
10. PROVEZZA (TUR) – Ergin Imre – UFD (12)+7 = 19
11. ALKEDO (ITA) – Andrea Lacorte – 9+11 = 20

About Gladiator Sailing Team:

The Gladiator Sailing Team, backed by Langley Holdings, is part of the 52 SUPER SERIES, the world’s premier monohull yacht racing circuit. The team, known for its commitment to excellence, also competes in races in the UK and the USA, fostering young talent alongside seasoned professionals. Similar to Langley businesses, the 52 SUPER SERIES stands for cutting-edge technology, a high standard of integrity, and a dedication to high performance.

About Gladiator Sailing Team

The Langley Holdings Gladiator Sailing Team is one of 13 teams from 8 different nations competing in the annual 52 Super Series, the  world’s premier mono hull yacht racing circuit.

The Gladiator team also competes in other yacht racing in the UK and the USA, bringing on aspiring young sailors in big boat racing alongside seasoned professionals.

In common with Langley businesses, the 52 SUPER SERIES represents the very best technology in its field, attracts talented, dedicated people and is conducted with the highest standards of integrity.

About Langley Holdings

Langley Holdings plc is a privately owned UK-based engineering and industrial manufacturing group, principally producing capital equipment for diverse markets worldwide. Langley businesses are either outright market leaders, or occupy strong niche positions in their respective fields, providing advanced technologies in a solutions-based approach. The group operates in three principal areas: Power Solutions, Print Technologies and Other Industrials. The group’s operations are based in Germany, Italy, France the UK and Norway, with 18 production facilities in Europe, the UK and the USA. The group has more than 90 sales and service subsidiaries worldwide and employs around 5,000 people. Langley Holdings was established in 1975 by the current Chairman & CEO, Anthony Langley and remains entirely in family ownership.

Media Contact:

Tel: +44 1777 700 039
info@langleyholdings.com

SOURCE: Langley Holdings