SailGP – Intense competition guaranteed

SailGP
Intense Competition GUARANTEED

SailGP combines technological innovation with supreme athleticism in the pursuit of excellence. Competing in this world-leading racing league requires precision, dedication and the highest level of performance from crews and their identical, lightning-fast F50 catamarans. Season 4 of the championship began in June 2023 with the Rolex United States Grand Prix – marking the first time the brand has been Title Sponsor of a SailGP event – and features a record 12 grand prix spread across North America, Europe, the Arabian Peninsula and Oceania. 

Each location is chosen for its international stature and ability to host competitive sailing close to shore for maximum spectator engagement. As well as transforming yacht racing, the series inspires positive change through its initiatives to encourage sustainability and develop career pathways for women and young sailors. Rolex has supported SailGP since its debut season in 2019 as part of its long-standing partnership with yachting dating back more than 60 years.

Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. The Swiss watchmaker naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and the brand’s enduring partnership now encompasses the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas, as well as towering figures in the sport, including ground-breaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester and the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie. Today, Rolex is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting SailGP global championship in which national teams race identical supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world’s most famous harbours. Rolex’s partnerships with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Yacht Club Italiano, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron, among others, are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.

SailGP: THE NEED FOR SPEED

SailGP

THE NEED FOR SPEED


SailGP sets the pace in the world of yachting. With a bigger fleet and the schedule extended to 11 rounds, Season 3 of the global championship has produced even more high-octane action. Teams representing Canada and Switzerland have joined two-time champions Australia, Denmark, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, Spain and the United States, competing on world-famous waterways. These crews, skippered by some of the sport’s most decorated competitors, represent the best of the best, skilled athletes whose physical and mental powers are constantly tested. Higher speeds, closer racing, greater risk – competition among these technologically advanced foiling catamarans has been intense; in Saint-Tropez, France set a new speed record of 99.94 km/h. And there is more to SailGP than the racing alone. The series, supported by Rolex since its inauguration in 2019 as part of its partnership with yachting dating back more than 60 years, aims to promote diversity, sustainability and inclusion while inspiring the next generation of sailors.

SailGP: Yachting's global racing championship continues to thrill

SailGP
Yachting's global racing championship continues to thrill

SailGP continues to redefine the sport of yachting. It blends cutting-edge technology with athletic sailing talent as national teams of men and women race identical F50 catamarans at speeds exceeding 50 knots in some of the world’s most famous waters. Season 2 of this global championship culminated in San Francisco Bay in March when, after 47 races spread over eight events, Team Australia triumphed in the Grand Final against the United States and Japan, securing the title for a second time. 

Rolex has been a partner of SailGP from the outset as part of its close association with yachting dating back more than 60 years. The synergy between the two organizations is based on a commitment to perform at the highest level in all their respective activities. The partnership encompasses the most prestigious yacht clubs, races and regattas, along with remarkable individuals.

SailGP: Making Major Advances at All Levels

SailGP

Making Major Advances at All Levels

In its second season, SailGP continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in yachting. This global championship, in which national teams race identical foiling catamarans at speeds exceeding 50 knots, is making further major advances in technology and innovation, sustainability and environmental awareness, as well as inclusivity. 

A 29-metre wing sail has been introduced to ensure intensive racing in even the lightest conditions, data analysts are playing a key role in improving boat speed, robotic buoys enable resource-efficient, environmentally friendly course settings, while influential female athletes are making their mark as valued team members. Above all, the season is showcasing human achievement as team leaders such as British sailing legend Sir Ben Ainslie and fellow luminaries share their skill and knowledge in the pursuit of perpetual excellence. 

Sir Ben Ainslie

 Rolex Prototype 

Hiding in Plain Sight

The fresh new Rolex SailGP video above features worlds best sailer Sir Ben Ainslie who our Captain Danny discovered wearing a Titanium Rolex Yacht-Master which is pictured below. This discovery caused a great deal of interest and speculation begging the question if Rolex will bring this really cool watch to life?

Yacht-Master 42 in Titanium

Rolex and SailGP

Rolex & SailGP 
Combining cutting-edge technology with extraordinary skill and athleticism

The world of Rolex and sailing is one I am completely fascinated with as it is so extraordinary—as you will see and learn for yourself in this incredible video:

Rolex goes into detail:

SailGP is a global series featuring bold, cutting-edge technology and extraordinary individual skill and athleticism. National teams compete in identical, supercharged F50 catamarans, engineered for intense racing at speeds exceeding 50 knots (nearly 60 mph/100 kmh) in some of the world’s most famous harbours. 

Australia claimed its first victory of Season 2 by beating France and the United States in the UK leg held on Plymouth Sound. Rolex has partnered this highly competitive championship since 2019 as part of an enduring relationship with yachting that dates back more than 60 years. 

Discover more https://on.rolex.com/2VZcSgy 

Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. The Swiss watchmaker naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and the brand’s enduring partnership now encompasses the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas, as well as towering figures in the sport, including ground-breaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester and the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie. 

Today, Rolex is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting SailGP global championship in which national teams race identical supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world’s most famous harbours. Rolex’s partnerships with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Yacht Club Italiano, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron, among others, are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.