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Revamped Rolex Shakes Up the Sailing Spectacle

High-octane sailing redefines the seas: worldwide events of the Rolex SailGP bring circus-like racing excitement.

, and Administrator

2025 September 15 . 12:28 PM

2 min read

Rolex Shaking Up the Sailing World in a Dramatic Manner

Revamped Rolex Shakes Up the Sailing Spectacle

Rolex, the renowned watchmaker, has once again demonstrated its deep-rooted connection with the world of sailing. In September 2025, the Rolex SailGP made its debut in the heart of Rolex's home, with events taking place in Saint-Tropez and Lake Geneva.

The global circuit, introduced five years ago, saw twelve national teams compete in these races, including France, Germany, Australia, Great Britain, Brazil, the U.S., Denmark, and Switzerland, among others. The Saint-Tropez event marked the ninth stop of the 2025 season, while the Lake Geneva race was the first SailGP event ever held in Switzerland.

The high-speed F50 catamarans, a staple of the SailGP league, were the centre of attention. These unique vessels, designed and built in the UK, feature a distinctive feature called foils. These lift the boat out of the water at high speeds, reducing water resistance and allowing speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour.

The German team, participating in its second season in SailGP, made a strong start, winning the first of a total of eight races in front of a home crowd. The French team, however, emerged victorious in the final race of the two-day event, with a thrilling showdown between Australia, Great Britain, and France.

The Danish team set a new speed record at the first SailGP in Germany, reaching an impressive 103.93 kilometers per hour. Unfortunately, the Brazilian team faced difficulties during training due to strong waves, resulting in their boat diving into the water with its nose at full speed and breaking in half.

Rolex's involvement in sailing dates back to 1958, with partnerships with various classes over the years. One of its most iconic creations, the Oyster Perpetual Submariner, was introduced in 1953, initially water-resistant to 100 meters, extended to 200 meters in 1954, and 300 meters in 1989.

The SailGP league ensures fairness through the use of identical equipment for all teams. This was evident in the races in Saint-Tropez and Lake Geneva, where the focus was on skill, strategy, and teamwork rather than technological advantage.

The events in September also showcased sailing in a unique way, with tribunes directly at the race track and live broadcasts in the spectator areas. Approximately 13,000 spectators attended the German debut of the Rolex SailGP in Sassnitz, and the high-speed F50 catamarans are set to make a splash in the setting of Geneva in September.

The Rolex SailGP will return to Germany in 2026 and 2027, promising more thrilling races and record-breaking speeds. With Rolex's continued support, sailing continues to push the boundaries of what is possible on the water.