A championship settled before the final races

KZ-5 has won the 2026 12 Metre World Championship Grand Prix division in Imperia, securing the title with two races to spare. Owner Andrea 'Andy' Bianchedi described the achievement as unexpected after a preparation programme that began several years before the Italian regatta.

The result is relevant to owners interested in classic and modern racing yachts within the broader mid-size category. A 12 Metre is not necessarily twelve metres long: the class name refers to a measurement rule, and yachts in this fleet are larger than the number might suggest.

The project began with a photograph

Bianchedi told PressMare that he first became interested in KZ-5 after seeing a photograph of the yacht in Newport, Rhode Island. Enquiries led him to a boat stored locally, and its lines persuaded him to pursue the acquisition.

The attraction was not only speed. A yacht's proportions, sailing history and the identity of its class can matter deeply to an owner choosing a boat for competition. That personal connection can sustain a project through the work required before the first race.

Preparation took place in Italy

After purchase, KZ-5 was brought to Italy for work at Sangiorgio Marine in Genoa. New sails were supplied, and the programme included sailing at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez to understand the boat's performance against experienced rivals.

Such a preparation sequence is familiar to serious racing owners. Hull condition, rig setup, sails and crew routines all require attention, and the most useful data often comes from time spent sailing rather than from estimated performance calculations alone.

A long-term crew made the difference

Bianchedi explained that many team members are friends who have sailed with him on other yachts, including ClubSwan and Swan racing programmes. Their established relationships contribute to communication aboard and allow the crew to prepare for racing without introducing unnecessary friction.

High-level competition still demands discipline, but a cohesive team can carry out manoeuvres more effectively when people understand one another's roles. Trust becomes particularly valuable when conditions change quickly or several boats converge at a mark.

The unusual history of KZ-5

KZ-5 was an important example of the transition between different construction approaches within the 12 Metre class. Bianchedi has spoken about being interested in its fibreglass construction and in the aesthetic qualities that made him want to own it.

For collectors of racing yachts, construction history is part of the vessel's provenance. However, a notable design does not remove the need for detailed technical inspection, maintenance and sound safety procedures, especially when an older hull is used for demanding competition.

A success grounded in participation

The owner has emphasised enjoyment and shared time with his crew rather than treating victory as the only measure of the project. That perspective is relevant beyond the professional racing scene because recreational yacht owners also invest in relationships and experiences built around a boat.

KZ-5's confirmed championship result stands on its own and does not require coverage of unrelated larger yachts. It shows how careful preparation, a suitable boat and a committed group can produce a substantial sporting achievement in a long-established class.