Rolex Redefining Sailing World with Revolutionary Approaches
Rolex, a renowned partner of sailing events, is set to bring the high-speed SailGP racing series closer to home as the next two events will take place in September. The first will be in Saint-Tropez, followed by Lake Geneva, marking the first time the racing series visits these locations.
The SailGP, a five-year-old racing circuit that spans twelve destinations worldwide, showcases twelve national teams competing on identical catamarans designed and built in the UK. Each event is a thrilling spectacle, with the catamarans equipped with unique foils that lift the boats out of the water at certain speeds, reducing water resistance and allowing speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour.
In the recent SailGP event in Sassnitz, Germany, the Danish team set a speed record of 103.93 kilometers per hour. However, the first day of racing was marred by a collision between the catamarans of the US and British teams, leaving the US boat unseaworthy. Despite this setback, the event saw a strong turnout, with approximately 13,000 spectators attending over two days.
France emerged victorious in the final race of the Sassnitz event, with Germany achieving their best result of the season by winning the first of eight races in front of a home crowd. This victory gave them a chance to qualify for the final. Unfortunately, the Brazilian team faced trouble during training, with their boat diving into the water at full speed and breaking in half.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Rolex SailGP races in Saint-Tropez and Lake Geneva will feature teams such as Australia, Great Britain, France, and Germany, with Germany's team partly owned by former F1 driver Sebastian Vettel. The exact team lineups for these races have not been detailed further in the results.
In addition to its involvement in the SailGP, Rolex is also known for its deep-sea diving watches, including the Sea-Dweller (1967), the Rolex Deepsea (2008), and the Deepsea Challenge (2022). The company introduced the Oyster Perpetual Submariner, the first watch water-resistant to 100 meters, in 1953. The water-resistance of the Oyster Perpetual Submariner was extended to 200 meters in 1954 and 300 meters in 1989.
Germany will host more Rolex SailGP races in 2026 and 2027, with the event returning to Sassnitz. The SailGP series also partners with various yacht clubs and major sailing events, further cementing Rolex's commitment to the world of sailing.
