The Rolex SailGP Championship: racing for a better sport
by Rolex Media 28 Jan 11:03 GMT
The fleet led by ROCKWOOL Denmark SailGP Team ahead of BONDS Flying Roos SailGP Team and Red Bull Italy SailGP Team round the finish marker in front of the grandstand full of spectators at The Rolex SailGP Championship ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix © Bob Martin for SailGP
Rolex celebrates human achievement, recognizing the journey marked by milestones and emotions that culminates in defining moments - determined by a path followed, not just a trophy.
With a long-term vision at the heart of its activities, Rolex continues to champion the individuals whose dedication, resilience and perseverance redefine what is possible. This pioneering spirit is today embodied by the Rolex SailGP Championship, where the sport's top athletes compete on identical F50 foiling catamarans - pushing the boundaries of speed and performance.
From Sir Ben Ainslie to Hannah Mills, Tom Slingsby and Martine Grael, Rolex stands beside those who set the standard on and off the water, advocating for greater environmental and social change. Discussing Rolex's relationship with the sport, Rolex Testimonee and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Emirates GBR SailGP Team, Sir Ben says: "Rolex is an iconic brand with an extraordinary legacy in sport, partnering
with the highest level of athletes and events. Their commitment to celebrating every challenge, milestone and achievement makes this partnership with SailGP incredibly meaningful."
In an era where innovation, sustainability and equality are shaping tomorrow's world, Rolex recognizes those who go above and beyond to advance it. As Title Partner of the Rolex SailGP Championship the Swiss watchmaker plays a pivotal role in supporting the future of sailing by advocating for a better sport and a better planet.
Reflecting on the brand's involvement, Rolex Testimonee and strategist for Emirates GBR SailGP Team, Mills says: "The Rolex SailGP Championship has completely changed the narrative around the sport. I think this will only have a positive impact on its growth."
Innovation
Since the league's inception in 2019, innovation has been key to the Rolex SailGP Championship, with the introduction of T-shaped foils this year one such example. Beyond this commitment to improving performance, its most unique element remains open-data sharing. By allowing athletes to review and adapt their tactics based on their competitors' strategies, teams are continuously forced to rethink their tactics, creating an equal playing field.
Rolex Testimonee, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and driver for Australia SailGP Team, Slingsby says: "It's a double-edged sword because it pushes us to stay ahead but also means we can't hide our strategies. Everyone is starting from scratch, and we all see this as a chance to innovate and adapt faster than the competition. It's a challenge we're ready for, and we're determined to stay at the forefront, even in this open-data environment."
Rolex's dedication to supporting those who push the limits of human achievement has helped to create a championship that redefines the future of sailing - a future where cutting-edge technology and talent come together to drive the sport forward.
A better planet
A steadfast commitment to a better planet lies at the heart of the Rolex SailGP Championship, with the series' Impact League rewarding teams for taking action to protect the planet and make sailing more inclusive. The season-long competition awards points to teams who reduce their carbon footprint, use clean energy and promote diversity in sailing. At the end of the season, the team with the most points wins funding for their chosen sustainability project.
Determined to promote more sustainable practices in sport, Rolex Testimonee and the first female driver in the championship, Grael says: "I've been hugely impacted by how much nature has been affected by climate change, so it is important that I'm able to work towards reversing this damage. I'm really interested to see what Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team can do to counter the impact of climate change and improve the world around us. It's a big challenge but one the team is up for."
The two-time Olympic medallist and 2014 Rolex World Sailor of the Year is committed to making a lasting impact - one not measured by titles but by the legacy she leaves behind. Grael comments: "It's so important to inspire the next generation. I strongly believe that change happens when new voices step forward, and I want to set a good example - not just by succeeding but showing others that they can too."
A better sport
Alongside this commitment to protecting the planet, the Rolex SailGP Championship is shaping a more inclusive and progressive future, a vision which Rolex actively supports through the Athena Pathway. Co-founded by Mills and Sir Ben, the programme is dedicated to bringing diversity into the sport and the UK marine industry.
Commenting on her role, two-time Olympic champion Mills says: "I'm desperate to ensure that female and youth sailors have more opportunities to enter professional sport and to educate those interested in sailing about the options available to them. It's so important that athletes know what roles are out there, from engineering to boat builders and sail designers."
By championing programmes like this as well as other initiatives such as the SailGP Women's Pathway, the sport is making strides to ensure that all athletes are eligible to compete at the highest level in sailing. Mills adds: "My vision for the Rolex SailGP Championship has always been to ensure equality. I think there is nothing more powerful than seeing men and women compete on board the F50 foiling catamarans together. I am very proud to be part of this journey."
The next generation
The level of passion and skill embodied by the Rolex Testimonees has further helped to spearhead the evolution of sailing. With Sir Ben's groundbreaking achievements playing a fundamental role in inspiring future generations. In his role as CEO of Emirates GBR SailGP Team he is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring that the skills and mindset required for success are carried forward.
Sir Ben says: "I am best placed to support the team off the water by mentoring younger team members. The best teams foster a culture of continuous improvement, and my role is to do just that and ensure we maintain an environment where the team can perform at their best. I take great satisfaction in helping create an environment where this is possible."
The five-time Olympic medallist adds: "I feel a responsibility to uphold this level of performance and ensure the success of the next generation."
Enduring dedication
Rolex is committed to supporting those who push the limits of human achievement - through the challenges that shape them and the lasting legacies they build. As the leader of the Australia SailGP Team and three-time Rolex SailGP champion, Slingsby has played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of the sport. Despite his unparalleled success in the Rolex SailGP Championship, he has faced career-defining defeats that have forced him to rethink and rebuild.
Reflecting on his journey so far, the Olympic gold medallist and multiple world champion Slingsby says: "Failure is devastating, but it has taught me how to rebuild myself. Over the years, I have worked tirelessly, focusing not just on my physical skills but on my mental strength. Winning isn't just about standing on the podium, it is about the journey, the highs and lows, and proving to myself that I can overcome setbacks to achieve my dreams."
His approach exemplifies the notion that the journey to victory matters as much as the achievement itself, epitomizing the Rolex spirit to strive for excellence through enduring dedication. Rolex continues to shape the future of sailing, blending its commitment to the sport's growth with its support of those who reimagine what it possible. As the pinnacle of high-performance racing, the Rolex SailGP Championship embodies precision, resilience and innovation.
Slingsby comments: "Having Rolex as the Title Partner is an incredible endorsement of the Rolex SailGP Championship. To see a brand with its prestige recognize the potential in sailing and invest in it for the long term is monumental."