Vintage Rolex Ad: Summer of Love Olympics

Summer Of Love Submariner

1968 Acapulco Summer Olympic Games

Stainless Steel Reference 5513

The Rolex add below is from the 1968 Summer Olympic Games which were held in Mexico City, Mexico. The boating events of the XIX Olympiad were held in Acapulco, Mexico, which is featured in the Rolex ad below.

The Rolex China Sea Rac—Double delight for Happy Go in 2024

The Rolex China Sea Race
Double delight for Happy Go in 2024

The Rolex China Sea Race is Asia’s oldest, most prestigious blue water race. Inaugurated in 1962, the biannual event is organized by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and charts a 565-nautical mile (1,046 km) course from Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong to Subic Bay in the Philippines. In 2024, Happy Go became the first yacht in 14 years to take both line and overall honours, Nie Hua and his crew crossing the finish line in just over three days and 20 hours on corrected time. As part of its extensive support for yachting dating back almost 70 years, Rolex has partnered the race since 2008.

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.

Rolex Middle Sea Race...

Rolex Middle Sea Race
Relentless determination of crews produces thrilling finish

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is one of the world’s premier classic yacht races. First held in 1968, it is renowned for the camaraderie among its entrants, with both professional and amateur crews sharing a start line set against the historic backdrop of Malta’s capital Valetta, one of the most spectacular points of embarkation in offshore sailing. 

This year’s race will be remembered for the spirit of the competitors, who maximized every opportunity, overcame the complexity and unpredictability of the weather, and sailed with great determination right to the finish line. The seconds separating the leading boats reflected this ceaseless endeavour. 

Emerging victorious as overall race winner was Andrea Recordati’s Italian yacht Wally 93 Bullitt, with Leopard 3 sealing back-to-back monohull line honours. United States yacht Red Ruby, sailed by owners Christina and Justin Wolf, came close to making race history as the first double-handed winner. 

Supported by Rolex since 2002 as part of the brand’s long-standing relationship with yachting dating back to the late 1950s, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is organized by the Royal Malta Yacht Club and ranks as the Mediterranean’s most renowned offshore race.

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.

The Rolex China Sea Race: The Jewel of Blue Water Racing in Asia

The Rolex China Sea Race 
The Jewel of Blue Water Racing in Asia

First held in 1962 and organized by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, the Rolex China Sea Race is Asia’s principal blue water event. The biannual offshore race held its 30th edition in 2023, with Nick Southward’s Whiskey Jack lifting the Rolex China Sea Race Trophy for corrected time on International Rating Certificate (IRC) handicap by completing the 565-nautical mile course in just over four days. History was made as Standard Insurance Centennial 5 became the first Philippines yacht to claim line honours. Rolex has partnered the race since 2008 as part of the brand’s wide-ranging support for yachting dating back almost 70 years.

ROLEX Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

The Pinnacle of Classic Offshore Racing

ROLEX 
Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is renowned for being one of the toughest tests of sailing ability and an icon of the sport since its inauguration in 1945. The 2022 edition of the so-called Great Race South featured a fleet of 109 yachts, comprising professionals and Corinthians, and some 20 double-handed (two-person) crews that set off under blue skies and bright sunshine from Sydney Harbour on 26 December. Sam Haynes, owner of the 52-foot (15.85 metre) Celestial, received the Tattersall Cup, the most coveted prize awarded for overall victory on corrected time, while John Winning Jr’s Andoo Comanche took line honours, completing the 628-nautical mile course in one day, 11 hours, 56 minutes and 48 seconds – two hours outside the race record established in 2017. Rolex has supported this offshore classic, organized by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) with its partner the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, for 20 years as part of the brand’s wide-ranging support for yachting dating back almost 70 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.

Below is a map that shows the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race route.

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2022 – Preview

ROLEX 
Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2022 Preview

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is an icon of its sport. First held in 1945 and partnered by Rolex since 2002, the 628-nautical mile (1,163 kilometre) offshore race is revered as one of sailing’s most gruelling challenges. This year marks the 77th edition of the event organized by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia with the support of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania. An impressive international fleet has registered for the race which commences, as is tradition, on 26 December from Sydney Harbour. Their ultimate destination is Hobart, the state capital of Tasmania. The journey south takes competitors on a compelling racecourse, comprising a long passage down the New South Wales coast and then across the easternmost edge of the exposed and infamous Bass Strait. While some of the world’s fastest and most powerful yachts will contest line honours the most treasured prize is the Tattersall Cup awarded to the overall race winner.

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and Rolex Swan Cup...

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and Rolex Swan Cup 
Elite monohull events on the beautiful Costa Smeralda

The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, hosts two celebrated regattas renowned for their sailing excellence and camaraderie. The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is the flagship annual competition for Maxi monohulls. These powerful yachts are crewed by the world’s best skippers and highly skilled athletes in a week-long series of races. 

In 2022, the 32nd edition attracted a fleet of 50, competing in six categories. The winners were: Highland Fling XI in Maxi, Vesper in Mini Maxi 1, Svea in J Class, Shamanna in Supermaxi, Capricorno in Mini Maxi 2 and H20 in Mini Maxi 3/4. This beautiful Mediterranean setting is also home to the biennial Rolex Swan Cup, featuring monohulls from the Finnish boatyard Nautor’s Swan that are cherished for their elegant design, technical innovation and speed. At this year’s 21st edition, the eight class winners were: Freya in Maxi, Flow in Mini Maxi, Crilia in Grand Prix, Mascalzone Latino in Sparkman & Stephens, G-Spot in ClubSwan 36, Nadir in ClubSwan 42, Blue Sky in Swan 45, and Balthasar in ClubSwan 50. Rolex has been a long-time partner of the YCCS and these two premier regattas as part of its wide-ranging support for 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.

Rolex Giraglia

 

ROLEX GIRAGLIA

Founded in 1953, the Rolex Giraglia is one of the Mediterranean’s most adored regattas, renowned for the camaraderie among its competitors. Following the disruptions of recent years, the 2022 edition returned to its traditional format: an arrival race from Sanremo, three days of inshore races off Saint-Tropez, followed by the headline offshore race to Genoa via the fabled Giraglia Rock. Light winds prompted the 241-nautical mile (446km) course to be reduced by some 35nm to help the majority of the 141-strong international fleet finish before the cut-off time. 

Ker 46 boat Lisa R was overall winner on handicap while Magic Carpet Cubed took line honours for a third time in the race after a fascinating duel with fellow 100-ft (30.48m) maxi ARCA SGR. Rolex has partnered this event – organized by the Yacht Club Italiano in collaboration with the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez – since 1998 as part of its decades-long support for yachting.

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.

Rolex Middle Sea Race

Rolex Middle Sea Race An epic Mediterranean adventure

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is unique in offshore yacht racing in that it starts and finishes in the same place, the Grand Harbour in Malta’s capital Valletta. Its spectacular course, an anticlockwise circumnavigation of Sicily, takes in the active volcanoes of Etna and Stromboli and a myriad of islands. In 2021, the 114-strong international fleet enjoyed exceptional weather that offered fast downwind sailing virtually the entire way. 

The maxi Comanche was overall winner, completing the 606-nautical mile (975 km) racecourse in 40 hours, 17 minutes and 50 seconds – a monohull record, seven and a half hours inside the previous best. It became only the third yacht in race history to claim the triple crown of line honours, monohull record and overall victory. Organized by the Royal Malta Yacht Club since 1968, this epic Mediterranean adventure has been partnered by Rolex since 2002 as part of its wide-ranging support for yachting dating back more than 60 years.

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.

Fastnet RADical Rolex Race Preview 2021

Rolex Fastnet Race 2021

The world of Rolex sailboat racing is not only international, but always an amazing spectacle to behold! The videos below showcase some of the exiting action at the 2021 Fastnet race as it nears completion—which is AMAZING!!! Watching these world-class racers compete is not only mind-boggling but majestic...

Rolex Fastnet Race 2021

 

Rolex Fastnet Race 2021

The world of Rolex sailboat racing is not only international, but always an amazing spectacle to behold! This August 8, 2022 video update showcases just some of the exiting action as the 2021 Fastnet race gets underway which is AMAZING!!! Watching these world-class racers compete is not only mind-boggling but majestic...

Rolex Giraglia – Preview 2021

A historic and revered event in the Mediterranean yachting calendar, the Rolex Giraglia celebrates its 68th edition this year. Rolex has partnered the race and its organizers Yacht Club Italiano since 1998. In a break from tradition, and to ensure the race can be held safely during the current pandemic, the 241-nautical mile offshore race will run from locations in Italy, Sanremo to Genoa. The race’s emblematic symbol will remain the course highlight. Located one nautical mile off the northern tip of Corsica, the Giraglia rock and its lighthouse has attained mythic proportions and sits alongside the Fastnet rock (Rolex Fastnet Race), the Organ Pipes (Rolex Sydney Hobart) and Stromboli (Rolex Middle Sea Race) as a famous yachting landmark. Throughout its history the event has been defined by its camaraderie and team spirit and increasingly for the diversity and quality of the competing yachts. The 2021 offshore race commences on Wednesday 16 June. Discover more https://on.rolex.org/3v0wBYQ 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.

The Spirit of Yachting: Rolex Middle Sea Race 2020

The Spirit of Yachting
Rolex Middle Sea Race 2020

2020 Rolex Middle SEA Race Preview

2020 Rolex Middle SEA Race Preview

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2020 Preview

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2020 Preview