Rolex Reinforces Their Role as SailGP Title Partner

Late last year, Rolex announced that for 2025, it will expand its commitment to SailGP, becoming its first Title Partner for this elite sail  racing competition – now known as the Rolex SailGP Championship. The yachting world has long been associated with the luxury watch industry, but unlike what most people imagine of yachting – which might include quiet,  relaxing trips as a wind-propelled sailboat slices across the ocean’s vast  surface – the SailGP competitions are anything but.

The SailGP competition  sees 12 national teams in identical high-tech, high-speed 50-foot foiling  catamarans, battling for supremacy on some of the most beautiful coasts around the world. A journey that starts and ends in the United Arab Emirates. The Rolex SailGP Championship was founded by Sir Russell Coutts and  

Larry Ellison in 2019 (then called SailGP), and Rolex has been a partner since  its inception. The idea was to turn yachting, a usually calm and tranquil activity, into a trailblazer, representing precision, teamwork, and innovative technology  that rivals the most thrilling motor sports races.

To achieve this, SailGP envisioned a format where competitors would battle it out in 12 scheduled races  throughout the calendar year. Each of these races would be held in waters close  to shore, benefiting spectators, and would consist of 6 to 7 short 14-minute  rounds over two days. Adding to the excitement, these rounds will culminate  in a grand final at the end of the season, where the top three teams in terms of  points will battle it out in a winner-takes-all style race. 

What makes this yachting competition unique is that every team will race in identical supercharged F50 foiling catamarans. This yacht is a technological marvel, combining engineering innovation and advanced materials like carbon fibre to allow the 15-metre F50 catamaran to sail over three times the speed of the wind, capable of reaching over 100 km/h in optimal conditions.

With all teams using the same equipment, this sailing competition  basically removes the ‘equipment’ element from the competition and instead tests the skills, perseverance and teamwork of the six people – a strategist, driver, wing trimmer, flight controller and two grinders – aboard the catamaran. With this in mind, it is easy to draw parallels between the world of SailGP and Rolex. SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts said: “The dawn of the Rolex  SailGP Championship marks a new era in our sport – a testament to a shared  pursuit of excellence, both on and off the water.

Rolex’s heritage of performance  and precision perfectly complements SailGP’s mission to redefine the sport  of sailing – an annual championship, providing thrilling racing in iconic global  destinations. SailGP and Rolex are now one and the same, and we’re incredibly  proud to share this journey with them.”

For some, the partnership with a brand like Rolex is the  catalyst to spur their team to greater heights. Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team strategist and Rolex Testimonee Hannah Mills says: “For me, having the Rolex crown present on the sails of the British  F50 symbolises reaching the pinnacle of sailing. Rolex is an iconic  brand, and whenever I see the crown, it ignites something in me that  pushes me to perform at my best.” 

Since the late 1950s, the Swiss watchmaker has championed the perseverance and resilience in sailing across all its forms – from pioneering feats of exploration to legendary offshore races, prestigious yacht clubs and its most successful sailors. They celebrate human achievement, recognising the journey marked by milestones and emotions that culminate in defining moments – determined by a path followed, not just a trophy.

To that end, in addition to its partnership with SailGP, Rolex is also the Title Sponsor of 15 major international events, from 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. The Rolex Testimonee family includes legends Paul  Cayard and Robert Scheidt; the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie; and heroes at the heart of the Rolex SailGP Championship, Hannah Mills, Tom Slingsby and Martine Grael. 

Speaking of Martine Grael, she is the first-ever female driver for the championship, proving that on the water, gender plays no role in the pursuit of success. Her innovative approach to open data sharing has allowed her team to analyse and refine their strategies in real-time throughout the race weekend and season. As Grael adds: “To make sure we operate as efficiently as possible, we spend a lot of time analysing data and video footage between race weekends. By taking the time to do this, we can continue to improve our strategy and address any weaknesses. Prioritising this as a team is extremely important, especially as we are new to the Rolex SailGP Championship.”  

This story was first seen as part of the WOW #81 Autumn 2025 Issue

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