on 16 Feb 2023
Rolex dramatically extends its support for SailGP, which has been trying to increase its profile in Asia Pacific.
Luxury watch brand Rolex and SailGP have announced a ten-season partnership, extending Rolex’s role as the global presenting partner and as the exclusive official timepiece of the championship through to the end of Season 13.
Rolex joined as a presenting partner from the launch of SailGP in 2018, which this May will reach the conclusion of a record-breaking third season before beginning an expanded fourth season in June.
Rolex will be the title partner for the opening event of Season Four, the Rolex United States Sail Grand Prix – Chicago, at the Navy Pier on June 16, 2023.
Rolex will also continue as presenting partner of SailGP’s docuseries Racing on the Edge, which offers a behind the scenes look at the spectacular event.
SailGP’s first event in Singapore ran in January 2023
“SailGP is only in our third season and this long-term partnership shows the value we are continuing to create for our partners. Rolex has been an integral part of the success of our championship from the outset and we are honored to continue this exciting journey together,” said SailGP CEO Russell Coutts.
Read: Sir Russell Coutts on SailGP expansion
Rolex Director of Communication & Image Arnaud Boetsch said that the Swiss brand has supported competitive sailing for 65 years and that it has “forged deep-rooted connections with elite organizations and individuals at the forefront of the sport”.
SailGP’s third season continues on February 18 at the Sydney event before going to New Zealand. The season concludes in San Francisco on May 6-7. In January 2023, SailGP conducted its first-ever race in Singapore, which was won by the New Zealand Team.
SailGP has been working to create more audience and events out of Asia. A Japan team was forced to leave the event in 2022, after “taking into account logistical and commercial considerations.”
SailGP is a global championship featuring national teams racing in short courses in stadium-style venues. The racing is done in hydrofoiling F50 catamarans that can reach speeds of over 50 knots.