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.”
Zen, RORC Admiral’s Cup 2025 Cowes – Photo: James Tomlinson
Zen at RORC Admiral’s Cup 22 July 2025 – Photo: James Tomlinson
Zen RORC Admiral’s Cup 2025 Cowes – Photo: James Tomlinson
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.
BACK 2 BLACK, RORC Admiral’s Cup 2025 Cowes – Photo: James Tomlinson
BACK 2 BLACK, RORC Admiral’s Cup 2025 Cowes – Photo: James Tomlinson
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.
Organisers thankeds title sponsor Pallas Capital, and also Zhik for their support of the class.
RORC Admiral’s Cup 2025 Cowes – Photo: James Tomlinson
About the Pallas Capital Gold Cup
The Pallas Capital Gold Cup is Australia’s premier Grand Prix yacht racing series for the TP52 Australia fleet, bringing together some of the country’s most competitive professional and Corinthian sailing programs.
The 2026 series is contested across four Acts along the New South Wales coast, beginning on Sydney Harbour and concluding on Pittwater. The championship opens with the Pallas Capital Corporate Day on 20 March at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, followed by Act 1 on 21 to 22 March. Act 2 returns to the CYCA on 11 to 12 April before the fleet joins the NSW IRC Championship during Sail Port Stephens from 24 to 26 April for Act 3. The series concludes with Act 4 at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club on 16 to 17 May, followed by the overall series presentation.
In 2026 the series also welcomes the addition of the Super 40 fleet at selected events, expanding the competition and strengthening the Grand Prix racing pathway in Australia. The format draws inspiration from international team competitions such as the Admiral’s Cup, bringing together high performance yachts, experienced professional sailors and emerging talent across a multi event championship.
With tight racing, some of the best sailors in the sport, and teams continually pushing their platforms to extract every gain, the Pallas Capital Gold Cup showcases the depth of Grand Prix keelboat racing in Australia.
