Alkedo

Background

Alkedo is a high-performance TP52 racing yacht, designed by Botin Partners and built by King Marine in Valencia, featuring a carbon fiber construction for superior lightness, strength, and speed in the competitive TP52 class. Owned and steered by Italian entrepreneur Andrea Lacorte as part of the Vitamina Sailing team, Alkedo represents the team’s debut in the 52 SUPER SERIES for the 2025 season, with a seasoned international crew aiming to challenge established frontrunners. As a 2018 Botin design, the yacht has been optimized for grand prix racing, emphasizing agility and tactical precision in fleet competitions. Ahead of the 2025 Galicia 52 SUPER SERIES Royal Cup in Baiona, Spain—hosted by the Monte Real Club de Yates—the team pinpointed a shortfall in the existing mastbase’s adjustability, necessitating an immediate upgrade to gain a competitive advantage in this pivotal early-season event. 

Scope of the RigPro Upgrade

• Mastbase Redesign:
  Creation of a new assembly offering fine-tuned adjustability for precise rig tensioning and sail shape optimization across wind conditions. 
•  Enhanced Ergonomics:
  Design elements focused on intuitive operation, allowing faster adjustments by the crew to maintain momentum during races.  
• OEM-Compliant Precision:
  Full adherence to original equipment manufacturer standards, ensuring compatibility with Alkedo’s existing carbon rig and class regulations.  
• Rapid Turnaround:
  Accelerated design and production process to meet the tight pre-event timeline, minimizing any disruption to training.  
• On-Site Support:
  Dispatch of a specialized technician from RigPro’s Palma de Mallorca base for expert installation and calibration.  
• Performance Testing:
  Immediate post-installation checks and adjustments to verify improvements in rig control and overall boat handling.  
• Outcome:
  Superior rig responsiveness that contributed to tactical gains, culminating in a stronger competitive performance and podium result. 

Technical Details & Process

1. Problem Identification
   Pre-event rig assessment revealed limitations in the mastbase’s adjustability, impacting fine-tuning against rivals in variable conditions. 
2. Redesign & Engineering
   Quick iteration on a state-of-the-art assembly using high-strength materials, incorporating ergonomic enhancements while ensuring OEM compliance and class legality. 
3. Production Acceleration
   Fast-tracked manufacturing at the Palma de Mallorca facility, prioritizing precision engineering for seamless integration.
4. Logistics & Delivery
   Expedited dispatch of the completed assembly to Baiona, aligned with the team’s preparation schedule. 
5. Installation & Integration
    Technician-guided on-site fitting, including secure attachment to the mast and recalibration of associated rigging components. 
6. Testing & Optimization
   Dockside and on-water trials to validate adjustability, load handling, and ergonomic benefits under simulated race scenarios. 
7. Handover & Briefing
   Comprehensive session with the crew on the upgrade’s features, operational advantages, and any maintenance considerations. 

Why This Upgrade Matters

In the cutthroat arena of the 52 SUPER SERIES, where split-second decisions and marginal gains define success, an upgraded mastbase delivers critical refinements for boats like Alkedo.

This modification enables more granular rig adjustments, enhancing sail efficiency and boat balance—essential for navigating tight fleets and wind shifts during events like the Galicia Royal Cup.

The ergonomic improvements reduce crew workload, fostering sustained focus in multi-day regattas, while the precision ensures reliability under high loads.

Ultimately, such targeted interventions extend a yacht’s edge in elite racing, as demonstrated by Alkedo’s climb to third overall in the event, marking their best result of the 2025 season and underscoring the value of agile engineering support. This approach not only boosts immediate performance but also aligns with the series’ emphasis on innovation and resilience. 

Summary

When the Galicia 52 Super Series Royal Cup was looming, TP52 Alkedo faced a make-or-break dilemma: their existing mastbase lacked the fine-tuned adjustability needed to sharpen their edge against top-tier rivals.

Our team recognised the urgency and orchestrated an ultra-swift turnaround, redesigning and producing a state-of-the-art assembly with enhanced ergonomics and OEM-compliant precision. From our hub in Palma de Mallorca, we dispatched the assembly with our on-site technician to ensure a flawless installation. This lightning-fast intervention propelled Alkedo to a hard-fought 3rd overall – their strongest showing of the season – proving once again that our rapid-response expertise can turn the tide in the heat of competition.

RigPro’s work on Alkedo showcases the transformative role of precision upgrades in professional sailing, elevating a debut team’s performance and highlighting our commitment to excellence in competitive yachting.