Langley Holdings
Class Zero Overall and Britannia Cup Victory
The Gladiator Sailing Team emerged victorious at Cowes Week 2024 last week (27th July-2nd August) in a spectacular exhibition of yacht racing of the highest level. The Gladiators clinched the Class Zero overall title for the week and the coveted Britannia Cup on Wednesday.
Throughout the regatta, competition amongst the big boats in IRC Class Zero was fierce. Day one saw a spectacular 4 hour 42 minutes duel between Gladiator and Peter Moreton’s TP52 Notorious. 96 tacks were recorded by Notorious’s navigator, Jules Salter, as the two boats locked in battle in the Western Solent to cross the Royal Yacht Squadron line in a spectacular down-wind finish, just seconds apart.
Gladiator and Notorious, were formidable contenders throughout the week. Notorious took the day one win but from there on the Gladiators dominated, showcasing the kind of world class performance that earned them the ROLEX TP52 World Championship in Newport RI in July.
On Wednesday, the top four IRC Classes started together on the Royal Yacht Squadron line to compete for Cowes Week’s premier trophy, the Britannia Cup.
Yachting World’s Rupert Holmes, reporting on Cowes Week ‘s official news page wrote :
“in a stunning performance, Tony Langley’s TP 52 Gladiator beat 34 of the highest rated IRC yachts competing at Cowes Week to lift the prestigious Britannia Cup after a long postponement while competitors waited for a stable wind to materialise“
But the Gladiators didn’t have it all their own way. The New York Yacht Club Challenge Cup on Thursday went to James Murray’s Botin 42 Callisto, who claimed victory on corrected time, finishing in building breeze. Similarly, Callisto took Friday’s race with Gladiator in second place, although in the end the Gladiators had already done enough to win the week by the penultimate day.
Notorious finished the week 2nd overall in Class Zero and Callisto 3rd.
Team boss Tony Langley expressed his delight over the Gladiator’s achievements:
“Winning Class Zero and the Britannia Cup at Cowes Week is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and skill of the entire Gladiator team. This victory, following our recent World Championship win, reinforces our commitment.”
The Britannia Cup, one of the most prestigious trophies in yacht racing, has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1950, when the solid silver trophy, made by Garrard of London, was presented to the Royal Yacht Squadron by HM King George VI. Receiving the trophy from Commodore Sir James Holman and Rear Commodore Yachting B B Huber, Langley commented “It was no pushover“
The Gladiators now join the illustrious list of past winners for the second time since 2017, when the yacht was helmed by son Bernard Langley with father Tony calling tactics.
This year, Tony Langley, who has been calling tactics in the TP52 Super Series this season, with legendary Argentinian helmsman Guille Parada driving, switched roles to drive at Cowes Week, Parada calling tactics. with Italian TP52 Super Series navigator Bruno Zilli, navigating.
Cowes Week, renowned for its challenging conditions and competitive fleet, continues to be a highlight of the international sailing calendar. This year’s regatta has once again delivered thrilling races and showcased the talents of the world’s top sailors.
As the sun sets on a memorable Cowes Week, Gladiator sails into the annals of yachting with an outstanding performance and well-deserved victories.
Images ©Paul Wyeth
About Cowes Week
Cowes Week is one of the oldest and most prestigious sailing regattas in the world, held annually on the Solent waters off the Isle of Wight. With a history dating back to 1826, the event attracts thousands of competitors and spectators from around the globe.
About Gladiator
Gladiator Sailing Team is one of 10 teams from 7 different nations competing in the 2024 TP 52 Super Series, the world’s premier mono hull yacht racing circuit, The 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 TP52 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 plc
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.
