The F50 Catamaran Fleet Race against the backdrop of New York City during the Rolex SailGP Championship. © Rolex/Samo Vidic for SailGP.
Rolex has long been synonymous with precision, performance and the pursuit of excellence – values that are seamlessly aligned with the world of sailing. The Swiss watchmaker’s deep-rooted connection with yachting began in 1958 and continues to evolve, culminating in its recent appointment as Title Partner of the Rolex SailGP Championship, the sport’s most dynamic and forward-thinking racing series.
This milestone cements Rolex’s commitment to celebrating human achievement and supporting those who push boundaries both on and off the water. From gruelling offshore races to high-speed grand prix circuits, Rolex has shaped its maritime identity through long-standing partnerships with prestigious yacht clubs, world-class regattas and inspirational sailors.
Setting Sail
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch worn by Sir Francis Chichester during his historic round-the-world voyage in 1966-1967. © Rolex/Jean-Daniel Meyer.
The brand’s sailing story began with the New York Yacht Club – Rolex’s first major association in the sport. Over the decades, this led to a network of influential partnerships with clubs such as the Royal Yacht Squadron, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, and the Royal Malta Yacht Club. These relationships underscore a shared philosophy of tradition, performance and integrity.
Rolex’s founder, Hans Wilsdorf, envisioned timepieces built for adventure and accuracy – a vision embodied by the Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch. Worn by Mercedes Gleitze during her 1927 swim across the English Channel, the watch emerged in perfect condition, marking the start of Rolex’s journey in endurance sports.
Pinnacle Of Competition
Sunrise III, winner of the 49th Rolex Fastnet Race, reaches ‘The Rock’ in the 50th edition. © Rolex/Kurt Arrigo.
In the modern era, Rolex’s presence in sailing spans a wide variety of competitive formats. The brand is the long-time sponsor of three of the world’s most demanding offshore contests: the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, the Rolex Fastnet Race, and the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Each event tests the limits of seamanship, strategy and endurance – qualities that mirror the watchmaker’s own pursuit of perfection.
Inshore, Rolex supports elite regattas such as the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, the Rolex Swan Cup, and the Rolex TP52 World Championship. These events gather top-level crews and exceptional yachts, where skill and precision determine the outcome in tightly contested races.
Innovation Meets Tradition
New York Yacht Club, Newport (USA). © Rolex/Kurt Arrigo.
Since 2019, Rolex has been a founding partner of SailGP, a revolutionary championship featuring identical F50 foiling catamarans and the world’s best sailors. Now, as Title Partner of the Rolex SailGP Championship, Rolex reinforces its support for cutting-edge technology, sustainability and gender equality in sport.
The 2025 SailGP Season will be the most expansive yet, spanning 12 race weekends across iconic venues including Geneva, Abu Dhabi, and Cowes. A record 12 national teams – from Australia to Brazil, Germany to New Zealand – will compete in a high-stakes, winner-takes-all final.
Testimonees such as Tom Slingsby, Hannah Mills, and Martine Grael exemplify the championship’s ethos. Slingsby, a three-time SailGP titleholder, leads the Australian team. Mills, a dual Olympic gold medallist, is a strategist for Emirates GBR, while Grael – the series’ first female driver – captains the Brazil team.
A Lasting Commitment
Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team helmed by Martine Grael in action during a practice session ahead of the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas in Dubai, UAE. Friday 22 November 2024. Photo: Jon Buckle for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP.
Beyond competition, Rolex contributes to sailing’s future through partnerships with governing bodies such as World Sailing, and the annual Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards. These platforms honour outstanding achievement and encourage the sport’s development across generations.
Rolex’s role in yachting is not merely as a sponsor, but as a custodian of values. Whether commemorating the centenary of the Fastnet Race or enabling new milestones through SailGP, the brand’s presence is felt wherever sailing excellence is pursued.
In a sport where success is shaped by resilience, precision and harmony with nature, Rolex continues to celebrate not just victory – but the enduring journey to achieve it.
