Tuesday 14 May 2013

52 Super Series : Augustín Zulueta Calvo Confirmed as 52 Super Series CEO

Paprec Recyclage, the former 2007 MedCup-winning Artemis, will compete in the 52 Super Series this year. Image copyright Eric Rousseau/ArMen Race.

by 52 Super Series media

Owners of the 52 SUPER SERIES – Doug DeVos, Alberto Roemmers, and Niklas Zennström – are pleased to announce the appointment of Agustín Zulueta Calvo (ESP) as CEO of the 52 SUPER SERIES. Zulueta assumes the role immediately, and will be in Barcelona for the next TP52 event at the Trofeo Conde De Godo, May 23-26, 2013.

Zulueta joins the program with extensive sailing and management experience, directing multiple projects that have achieved notable results. Since 1990, he has been associated with all of the Spanish projects that have competed in the America’s Cup including Desafío Español, which reached the semifinals of the Louis Vuitton Cup in 2007. Zulueta is also well known within the TP52 circuit as team manager of the winning Soto 40 team Iberdrola, which competed during the 2011-12 seasons.

Niklas Zennström says Zulueta’s expertise and experience supports the growth that is taking place in the class and sets the stage for continued success. “When we decided to start the 52 SUPER SERIES in 2012, there were only a few boats committed to the season. In the Med this year, we’re expecting 10 to 11 boats. Zulueta’s skill set and reputation fits perfectly with our objective to attract more owners to join the racing while maintaining the highest level of monohull racing in the world.”

The TP52 has proven itself as a great platform, bringing together the world’s top sailors and providing incredible competition, notes owner Doug DeVos. “We set out to create a great experience for everyone involved and to grow the participation. Our business structure supports this and with Agustín at the helm, I feel confident in our ability to build on our momentum and realize our vision. It’s an exciting time to be racing the TP52s.”

The TP52 Circuit – first as the MedCup and now as the 52 SUPER SERIES – represents the most competitive monohull racing in the world, says Zulueta, and offers owner-drivers a unique opportunity for participation. “I was attracted not only by the class and caliber of competition, but also the business model and the commitment of the owners. Working with a dedicated group of people who are actively engaged in making this an all-around top tier program is very exciting. This is the right concept at the right time. I see great things for this class and I’m excited to be part of it.”

Following the Conde de Godo in Barcelona, the 52 SUPER SERIES will move to Ibiza with the Royal Cup, Palma de Mallorca with the Copa del Rey, and Porto Cervo, in mid-September with the Audi Week of the Straits.

52 Super Series