A Grand Finale to Remember

SailGP, the pinnacle of yachting, concluded its thrilling Season 4 in San Francisco, leaving fans in awe. This global championship, backed by Rolex as the Official Timepiece and Presenting Partner since 2019, redefines excellence and innovation in yachting. Over the weekend of 13-14 July, Team Spain delivered a masterclass performance, clinching the Season 4 Championship title and ending the reign of three-time champions Australia.

 

Team Spain’s Unwavering Determination

Passion and dedication are essential ingredients for success in any sport, and Team Spain exemplified these qualities throughout the competition. The young crew demonstrated exceptional skill, control, and belief, overcoming the formidable teams of Australia and New Zealand in a dramatic last-race showdown.

Reflecting the courage and dominance of Rolex Testimonee Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon earlier the same day, Team Spain took charge from the start. They won the race’s first mark and maintained their lead despite a late-race rudder issue. Their precise sailing and deft handling of the high-speed foiling catamaran secured a well-deserved victory.

Australian team leader Tom Slingsby, a Rolex Testimonee and seasoned champion, acknowledged the challenge, saying, “You have to sail the perfect race to win the Grand Final.”

SailGP and Rolex – A Partnership of Excellence

SailGP’s commitment to perpetual excellence mirrors Rolex’s pursuit of perfection. This unique series showcases the finest sailing talent on matched state-of-the-art boats, where only the crew’s skill and athleticism make the difference. Slingsby notes, “The reason SailGP has been so successful is because it attracts the very best and offers the opportunity to go up against the very best.”

Despite the disappointing second-place finish, Slingsby remains resilient and motivated. “We will learn from this tough loss, but I believe in the team, and we will come back stronger in Season 5.”

Beyond Racing – A Commitment to Sustainability and Inclusivity

Rolex’s partnership with SailGP extends beyond the racecourse. Both organizations are dedicated to promoting sustainability and positive change. The Impact League, running alongside the sporting championship, tracks teams’ efforts to reduce their environmental footprint and promote inclusivity.

The Emirates Great Britain SailGP team, led by Sir Ben Ainslie and Hannah Mills, was crowned the Impact League champion. The team worked tirelessly with purpose partners Protect Our Future and Low Carbon, educating children on climate action and implementing renewable energy solutions.

Hannah Mills expressed pride in their achievement, saying, “We are so proud to be crowned winners of the Impact League. The whole team has worked extremely hard to not only make positive changes ourselves but also to inspire others to take climate action too.”

Sir Ben Ainslie added, “Winning the Impact League is testament to the team’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and using the power of sport to inspire and educate the next generation.”

Looking Ahead to Season 5

SailGP’s fusion of human achievement, technical innovation, and dedication to sustainability makes Rolex a natural partner in this relentless pursuit of excellence. Season 5 begins with the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, presented by P&O Marinas, on 23-24 November 2024. This season promises more thrilling races and inspiring initiatives, reinforcing the core values of excellence, precision, and passion shared by Rolex and SailGP.

 

Rolex and Yachting – A Legacy of Passion and Excellence

Rolex’s association with yachting, rooted in passion and excellence, spans six decades. The brand partners with prestigious clubs, races, and regattas worldwide, including the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.

Supporting elite sailors like Sir Francis Chichester and Sir Ben Ainslie, Rolex embodies the spirit of yachting. The Swiss watchmaker is the Title Sponsor of 15 major international events, celebrating the sport’s dynamic nature and fostering a legacy of innovation and achievement.