Late final 12 months, Rolex introduced that for 2025, it would develop its dedication to SailGP, turning into its first Title Accomplice for this elite sail racing competitors – now generally known as the Rolex SailGP Championship. The yachting world has lengthy been related to the luxurious watch trade, however in contrast to what most individuals think about of yachting – which could embody quiet, stress-free journeys as a wind-propelled sailboat slices throughout the ocean’s huge floor – the SailGP competitions are something however.
The SailGP competitors sees 12 nationwide groups in equivalent high-tech, high-speed 50-foot foiling catamarans, battling for supremacy on a number of the most stunning coasts around the globe. A journey that begins and ends within the United Arab Emirates. The Rolex SailGP Championship was based by Sir Russell Coutts and
Larry Ellison in 2019 (then referred to as SailGP), and Rolex has been a companion since its inception. The concept was to show yachting, a normally calm and tranquil exercise, right into a trailblazer, representing precision, teamwork, and progressive know-how that rivals essentially the most thrilling motor sports activities races.
To attain this, SailGP envisioned a format the place rivals would battle it out in 12 scheduled races all through the calendar 12 months. Every of those races can be held in waters shut to shore, benefiting spectators, and would encompass 6 to 7 quick 14-minute rounds over two days. Including to the joy, these rounds will culminate in a grand last on the finish of the season, the place the highest three groups when it comes to factors will battle it out in a winner-takes-all type race.
What makes this yachting competitors distinctive is that each workforce will race in equivalent supercharged F50 foiling catamarans. This yacht is a technological marvel, combining engineering innovation and superior supplies like carbon fibre to permit the 15-metre F50 catamaran to sail over 3 times the velocity of the wind, able to reaching over 100 km/h in optimum circumstances.
With all groups utilizing the identical tools, this crusing competitors mainly removes the ‘tools’ factor from the competitors and as an alternative assessments the abilities, perseverance and teamwork of the six individuals – a strategist, driver, wing trimmer, flight controller and two grinders – aboard the catamaran. With this in thoughts, it’s straightforward to attract parallels between the world of SailGP and Rolex. SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts stated: “The daybreak of the Rolex SailGP Championship marks a brand new period in our sport – a testomony to a shared pursuit of excellence, each on and off the water.
Rolex’s heritage of efficiency and precision completely enhances SailGP’s mission to redefine the game of crusing – an annual championship, offering thrilling racing in iconic international locations. SailGP and Rolex are actually one and the identical, and we’re extremely proud to share this journey with them.”
For some, the partnership with a model like Rolex is the catalyst to spur their workforce to larger heights. Emirates Nice Britain SailGP Staff strategist and Rolex Testimonee Hannah Mills says: “For me, having the Rolex crown current on the sails of the British F50 symbolises reaching the top of crusing. Rolex is an iconic model, and every time I see the crown, it ignites one thing in me that pushes me to carry out at my finest.”
Because the late Fifties, the Swiss watchmaker has championed the perseverance and resilience in crusing throughout all its types – from pioneering feats of exploration to legendary offshore races, prestigious yacht golf equipment and its most profitable sailors. They rejoice human achievement, recognising the journey marked by milestones and feelings that culminate in defining moments – decided by a path adopted, not only a trophy.
To that finish, along with its partnership with SailGP, Rolex can also be the Title Sponsor of 15 main worldwide occasions, from the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race to grand prix competitors on the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings on the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. The Rolex Testimonee household consists of legends Paul Cayard and Robert Scheidt; essentially the most profitable Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie; and heroes on the coronary heart of the Rolex SailGP Championship, Hannah Mills, Tom Slingsby and Martine Grael.
Talking of Martine Grael, she is the first-ever feminine driver for the championship, proving that on the water, gender performs no function within the pursuit of success. Her progressive method to open information sharing has allowed her workforce to analyse and refine their methods in real-time all through the race weekend and season. As Grael provides: “To verify we function as effectively as potential, we spend lots of time analysing information and video footage between race weekends. By taking the time to do that, we will proceed to enhance our technique and handle any weaknesses. Prioritising this as a workforce is extraordinarily necessary, particularly as we’re new to the Rolex SailGP Championship.”
This story was first seen as a part of the WOW #81 Autumn 2025 Concern
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