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The partnership between Rolex and SailGP epitomizes the convergence of nautical excellence and timeless luxury. As global leaders in their respective fields, they share a common ethos of pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and achieving extraordinary feats. Rolex's renowned craftsmanship and iconic timepieces harmonize seamlessly with SailGP's cutting-edge sailing technology and thrilling racing events. Just as a Rolex watch signifies impeccable accuracy, the partnership with SailGP signifies a seamless alignment where every wave, every maneuver, and every second on the water symbolize an unparalleled journey towards greatness, resonating deeply with enthusiasts who seek the pinnacle of both horology and maritime mastery.

The Rolex SailGP Championship

Rolex is Title Partner and Official Timepiece of the Rolex SailGP Championship, a regatta circuit contested by some of the fastest sailing craft in the world. It is raced on seas worldwide, on F50 foiling catamarans that seem to take flight across the water.

Published on February 15, 2023
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Innovation at the service of performance

Crews comprising some of the best sailors. Identical catamarans, with foils and a rigid wingsail, capable of reaching 50 knots, or nearly 100 km/h. Spectacular races that last 15 minutes at most. A season organized on the seas of five continents. Launched in 2019, the SailGP circuit has redefined the world of competitive sailing, utilizing innovative, continuously optimized catamarans. These flying yachts bear the colors of the countries they represent and embody the present and future of the sport.

The SailGP Championship has also generated the Impact League, the Women’s Pathway program and SailGP Inspire, initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and diversity in the yachting world.

Sail GP event
Sail GP event

Tom Slingsby – Rolex Testimonee

A master of many classes

Tom Slingsby is arguably Australia’s most successful and sought-after sailor. A 2012 Olympic Games gold medalist, he is a three-time Rolex World Sailor of the Year and three-time winner of SailGP as chief executive officer and helm of Team Australia.

His talents extend to being at the helm of line-honors winning crews in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Tom Slingsby wears a Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium.

Tom Slingsby – Rolex Testimonee
Tom Slingsby – Rolex Testimonee

Sir Ben Ainslie – Rolex Testimonee

The gold standard in regatta racing

With four gold medals and one silver, Sir Ben Ainslie achieved the outstanding feat of claiming a medal in the five consecutive Olympic Games in which he competed.

The British sailor races for the Royal Yacht Squadron, with which Rolex has partnered since the 1980s, and is chief executive officer of the Great Britain team competing in the SailGP Championship.

Ainslie is an America’s Cup winner, having served as tactician for Oracle Team USA in its 2013 defeat of Emirates Team New Zealand.

Sir Ben Ainslie wears a Yacht-Master 42.

Hannah Mills and Sir Ben Ainslie
Hannah Mills and Sir Ben Ainslie

Hannah Mills – Rolex Testimonee

Committed to inclusion

With two gold medals and one silver, Hannah Mills is among the most successful women sailors in Olympic Games history. Winner of the Rolex World Sailor of the Year award in 2016 and 2021, she holds the position of tactician in the Great Britain SailGP crew.

Off the water, Mills is a committed campaigner for her sport. A SailGP ambassador for sustainable development and an International Olympic Committee (IOC) sustainability ambassador, she is also a co-founder of Athletes of the World, campaigning for positive impact around climate change.

Mills is highly committed to the inclusion of women in sailing. In 2022, with fellow Rolex Testimonee Sir Ben Ainslie, she launched Athena Pathway to fast-track the development of youth and female sailors in high-performance competition and bring diversity to the sport.

Hannah Mills wears a Yacht-Master 37.

Sail GP event
Sail GP event

Martine Grael – Rolex Testimonee

Making history

Brazilian sailor Martine Grael is making history as the first female helm in SailGP with the newly established Brazil team in 2025 Season.

Born into a family of sailors and inspired by her father – renowned yachtsman Torben Grael – she began sailing as a youngster on Guanabara Bay where diverse wind patterns honed her adaptability, skill and competitive spirit. Aged just 22, she was named the 2014 Rolex World Sailor of the Year. Two years later in Rio, she won the first of two Olympic gold medals in the 49er FX class, repeating the feat in Tokyo in 2021.

Grael also showed her versatility and endurance when competing offshore in the grueling 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race, further cementing her reputation as one of the world’s most complete sailors.

Martine Grael
Martine Grael

Rolex and Yachting

A partnership going the distance

Yacht clubs, renowned sailors, iconic offshore races and some of the most celebrated regattas. For almost 70 years, Rolex has forged strong relationships with the world of yachting. A prominent yacht racing partner, the brand shares the common pursuit of excellence and a passion for premium performance with custodians of the sport’s enduring spirit.

An Official Rolex Jeweler for over 35 years, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry features Rolex Showrooms in seven locations: Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Lafayette, Louisiana, Jackson, Mississippi, San Antonio, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico. At Lee Michaels, we invite you to explore the Rolex collection to find the perfect combination of style and functionality for you.

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Rolex Yacht-Master

Marine Character

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