Yachting Press Kit Rolex and Yachting 2 Interactive Document

ROLEX AND YACHTING THE CROWN IN SAILING ROLEX AND YACHTING

Over the past 60 years, Rolex has forged a privileged relationship with yachting out of a natural affinity with this dynamic nautical sport and its time-honoured values. Today Rolex is the committed partner of the most prestigious yacht clubs, institutions and regattas in the world, sharing the highest standards of excellence with the custodians of yachting’s finest spirit.

From the very beginning in 1905, Rolex founder Rolex naturally became associated with activities racers and elite skippers. A dozen clubs now Hans Wilsdorf set out to make wristwatches that shared its excellence, precision and team anchor a series of partnerships which give Rolex that would suit the increasingly active and sport- spirit. The brand gravitated toward the elite world title sponsorship of about 15 major races in the ing lifestyles of the modern world. Nine years of yachting, forming a first alliance in the late Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Pacific basin. later, in 1914, Rolex brought the then unrivalled 1950s with the New York Yacht Club, founder of This circuit ranges from leading offshore clas- and observatory-certified precision of the marine the America’s Cup and a creative influence on sics, including the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht chronometer clock, a vital navigational instru- the sport of yachting and its rules. These include Race and the Rolex Fastnet Race – which test ment, to the wristwatch for the first time. By “One-Design” racing for fleets of virtually identical Corinthian (non-professional) and professional 1926, Rolex had invented the world’s first water- boats, which allows the skill of the crew to make crews to their limits – through the powerful proof wristwatch, the Oyster, and, in 1931, the all the difference. This principle bred advanced action of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup on the latest first wristwatch self-winding system with a free regattas such as the highly competitive SailGP and majestic yachts, to the pageantry of the glamor- rotor, called the Perpetual. These patented innov Rolex TP52 World Championship. ous Rolex Giraglia. ations and landmarks in watchmaking formed the foundations for today’s Oyster Perpetual YACHT CLUB TIES The seminal partnership with Rolex’s dedicated yachting timepieces, the Yacht-Master and Yacht- Master II. Rolex used the NYYC shaped Rolex’s involvement in the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master and the the world as a real-life proving ground for the sport. Yachting is steeped in tradition, nurtures Yacht-Master II, a regatta chronograph with an Oyster, demonstrating time and again its reli a spirit of fair play and thrives on a congen- innovative mechanical countdown timer, are ability in the most extreme conditions, at sea, in ial atmosphere. Yet, racing is also fiercely imbued with the rich heritage and experience of the depths of the ocean, on land, in the air and competitive and technical, demanding mas- sailing’s elite, as well as the elegance, perform on the tallest peaks. By being associated with so tery, split-second precision, resilience and the ance and innovation of Rolex watchmaking. They many achievements, Rolex watches established finest teamwork. For six decades, Rolex has reward the very best in yachting competition and themselves as a trusted reference. Waterproof, harnessed the passion for yachting and its pop- symbolize the enduring bond between Rolex and robust and accurate, Rolex Oyster Perpetual ularity by establishing deep-rooted ties with the maritime world. chronometers are uniquely suited to life at the influential yacht clubs across the globe, where helm. sailing enthusiasts rub shoulders with hard-core

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT ROLEX AND YACHTING 2 INTERACTIVE DOCUMENT

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HERITAGE YACHT CLUBS AND ROLEX AND REGATTAS TESTIMONEES WATCHES GLOSSARY P04 P29 P38 P44 01

YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS

P05 INTRODUCTION

P06 WORLD MAP OF ROLEX PARTNERSHIPS

P07 CLUBS AND REGATTAS

4 YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS

Rolex’s involvement in yachting revolves around a privileged alliance with the very core of the sport: select yacht clubs that organize exceptional regattas and races, and its governing body.

Through its partnerships with the prime movers organize such events have been the torchbearers behind the sport, Rolex has helped develop and of the sport for over a century. Each club is promote some of the world’s leading yachting defined by its unique location and tradition, events; events where owners and sailors are while sharing common values of profession- assured of fair competitive racing as well as alism and fair play, and nurturing camaraderie convivial social occasions ashore. Rolex regattas and community. The keeping of time is a fun- form a natural calendar, allowing crews and damental element of yacht racing. Whether it is yachts to travel between them reassured that to determine the exact moment a race starts or the Rolex association is a seal of authenticity. the eventual winner under handicap or compen- It is a guarantee that both on and off the water sated time, the rotation of crew on a long race, the race or regatta will be organized with the the choreography of a particular manoeuvre, sail competitors’ best interests at heart. Whether choice or navigation, time runs through the sport. spanning 600 miles (about 1,000 kilometres) or The coveted prize at all Rolex yachting events is more offshore, or involving an intensely competi a specially engraved Rolex timepiece; a symbol tive inshore race series, yachting competitions of success that marks out the winners as hav- are complex and rely upon meticulous prepar ing accomplished something remarkable in their ation and attention to detail. The yacht clubs that chosen sport.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 5 YACHT CLUB ROYAL OCEAN YACHT ITALIANO RACING CLUB CLUB DE Genoa London MONACO Rolex Fastnet Race Monte Carlo Rolex Giraglia

NEW YORK ROYAL YACHT SOCIÉTÉ ST. FRANCIS YACHT CLUB SQUADRON NAUTIQUE DE New York / Newport YACHT CLUB Cowes SAINT-TROPEZ ROYAL MALTA San Francisco Rolex New York Saint-Tropez YACHT CLUB Rolex Big Boat Yacht Club Les Voiles Ta’ Xbiex Invitational Cup Series de Saint-Tropez Rolex Middle Sea Race ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB YACHT CLUB Hong Kong YACHT CLUB COSTA SMERALDA COSTA SMERALDA Porto Cervo Rolex China Sea Race Virgin Gorda Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean Rolex Swan Cup

CRUISING YACHT CLUB YACHT CLUB ARGENTINO OF AUSTRALIA Buenos Aires Sydney Rolex Circuito Rolex Sydney Hobart Atlántico Sur Yacht Race THE ROLEX MAP OF CLUBS AND REGATTAS

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 6 CRUISING YACHT CLUB ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE OF AUSTRALIA DISTANCE The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is one of the 628 nm (1,163 km) toughest tests of seamanship in the sport of sail- Sydney – Hobart, Tasmania ing. Run every year since 1945, its popularity is (Australia) immense: the challenging seas off southeastern Australia, the diverse fleet and the distinctive slot FOUNDED 1945 in the international sporting calendar between Christmas and New Year have fuelled the legend ROLEX of one of the world’s top offshore races. The PARTNERSHIP since 2002 race start on 26 December brings Australia to a standstill as hundreds of thousands of people DATE line the shores of Sydney harbour, or watch Annual, 26 December (Boxing from the water as well as live on television and Day) – 31 December over the internet. The Rolex Sydney Hobart

FOUNDED 1944 LOCATED Rushcutters Bay, Sydney (Australia) MEMBERSHIP 2,945

Established in 1944, the CYCA was originally founded by a handful of adventurous cruising enthusiasts whose sailing ambitions lay beyond the confines of Sydney Harbour. The club’s des- tiny changed in 1945 when it asked British Navy Captain John Illingworth to speak to the members. During the evening Illingworth was invited to take part in a Christmas cruise to Hobart, more than 600 miles away on the island of Tasmania. “I will, if you make a race of it,” he replied. The eagerness of the response was typical of the bold spirit of the CYCA’s founding fathers. In this defining moment the legendary Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race was born. During the subsequent 70 years, the club used the platform formed by the race’s growing international recognition to build a global reputation for excellence in race management and safety at sea.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 7 6,103 transcends sailing’s perceived boundaries. It “It’s not just a race. Sydney YACHTS attracts politicians, business leaders, sporting have started heroes and the cream of professional sailing tal- the race It’s really a human endeavour.” ent. And yet, true to its origins, the core of the fleet is still composed of Corinthian competitors SEAN LANGMAN, emblematic Rolex 1,033 YACHTS who value the challenge and endeavour above all Sydney Hobart participant have either retired or been else. Rolex has partnered this race since 2002. disqualified THE COURSE The 628-nautical mile Rolex Sydney RECORD BREAKING Hobart course takes the fleet down the THROUGH THE AGES New South Wales coast of the Tasman Sea and AUSTRALIA LDV COMANCHE AUS across the Bass Strait, down the east coast of 1 day 9hrs 15'24" 2017 Tasmania turning into Storm Bay for the final leg up the Derwent River to Hobart, Tasmania. For PERPETUAL LOYAL AUS Green Cape 1 day 13hrs 31'20" 2016 the fastest boats, the race typically takes two days, whereas most of the fleet can expect four WILD OATS XI AUS to five days at sea. Weather and sea conditions 1 day 18hrs 23'12" 2012 can vary dramatically and are often punishing. In WILD OATS XI AUS 1998, severe storms caused the sinking of five 1 day 18hrs 40'10" 2005 yachts and the loss of six lives in Bass Strait.

NOKIA DEN The organizers’ response was proactive: new Bass Strait 628 nautical miles 1 day 19hrs 48'02" 1999 safety measures and regulations were introduced immediately after the disaster, which had MORNING GLORY GER a global resonance. A CAREFULLY TIMED RACE Each crew approaches the 2 days 14hrs 07'10" 1996 preparations for an offshore race with several maxims in KIALOA III USA THE PIONEERING SPIRIT The values of endurance, mind. The bigger the boat, the larger the crew, the more com- 2 days 14hrs 36'56" 1975 courage and determination that underpin the plex it is. The higher the aim, the more detailed it becomes. CYCA’s flagship event mirror those of its insti- And time is always of the essence. Preparation is crucial. HELSAL AUS Anticipating boat modifications may start a year out, crew 3 days 1hr 32'09" 1973 gator, Captain John Illingworth. As one of the world’s leading ocean-racing experts, he helped selection and training from six months and weather charting ONDINE USA lay solid foundations for the first Sydney-Hobart. a couple of weeks. While all yachts are handicapped, min- 3 days 3hrs 46'16" 1962 imizing weight is critical, influencing the size of the crew Illingworth had never sailed south of Sydney and the amount of food and water to take. Too little food, TASMANIA KURREWA IV AUS before but he won the very first race with his and the crew will get tired and hungry; too much, and the 3 days 18hrs 30'39" 1957 30-foot yacht Rani. He later won what is now the excess weight will slow the boat. Crews adjust according to MARGARET RINTOUL AUS Rolex Fastnet Race, in 1947 and 1949, before the weather forecast and their expected time at sea right up Hobart 4 days 2hrs 29'01" 1951 becoming Commodore of the Royal Ocean to moment they leave the dock. During the race, time man- Racing Club (RORC) in Great Britain. As a naval agement is vital. Watch systems will be instituted to ensure MORNA AUS architect he helped design Gipsy Moth IV, the crew get periods of rest; for example a crew might spend two 4 days 5hrs 01'21" 1948 yacht Sir Francis Chichester skippered on his his- hours on watch, two hours off and two hours on standby. Tasman Island MORNA AUS Each sailor will be assigned roles and responsibilities – who toric single-handed sail around the world in 1967 5 days 2hrs 53'33" 1946 trims the sails, steers and prepares meals; as well as who is (see Heritage, p. 31). in charge of tactics, navigation or sail selection. Every detail, RANI GBR every moment, counts. 6 days 14hrs 22'00" 1945

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 8 “We have a pretty strict watch system, but during the first night we had to stay on deck. This year’s race [2014] lasted 50 hours and I only got three hours’ sleep – it’s pretty demanding and you just deal with it.”

MARK RICHARDS, Skipper, Wild Oats XI, Line Honours Winner 2014 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 9 ROYAL OCEAN RACING CLUB

DISTANCE 605 nm ROLEX FASTNET FOUNDED 1925 (1,120 km) Cowes (UK) – RACE LOCATED London and Cowes, Isle of Wight (UK) Fastnet Rock MEMBERSHIP 4,000 (Ireland) – The Rolex Fastnet Race, held in often Plymouth (UK) tempestuous seas off the British Isles, is the

The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) was of activities and members in 54 different FOUNDED world’s largest ocean race. It is also one of the formed in 1925 immediately following the countries, the club is a true international force. 1925 most open and demanding yacht races, a veritable first Fastnet Race, with the ambition “to Having celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2015, benchmark in offshore racing for almost a century. ROLEX encourage long-distance yacht racing and today, the RORC is considered a leader in organ- PARTNERSHIP The Rolex Fastnet Race regularly attracts over the design, building and navigation in which izing and promoting offshore racing, developing since 2001 340 yachts from up to 30 countries. And the entry speed and seaworthiness are combined.” Its requisite standards of excellence, particularly in list brings together professionals, Corinthians DATE racing calendar is spearheaded by the bien- safety, for both crews and race officials. Biennial, odd years, and adventurers, some 3000 sailors whose nial Rolex Fastnet Race. With a global span in August competitive edge produces gripping sailing.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 10 The race demands wholehearted preparation IRELAND and holds special significance for those who take part. Since 2001, this intrepid spirit of adventure and rich tradition has become a cornerstone of Rolex’s association with offshore sailing. UNITED KINGDOM THE COURSE The 605-nautical mile Rolex Fastnet course is etched in the consciousness of every self-respecting yachtsman and woman. Begin- ning at the Royal Yacht Squadron – another Rolex Celtic Sea London Fastnet Rock partner – in Cowes, the Isle of Wight, it passes noted landmarks in the English Channel including Start Point, The Lizard and Land’s End, ahead of Cowes the open water passage across the Celtic Sea and the symbolic turn around the Fastnet Rock Plymouth RECORD BREAKING off the southern coast of Ireland. This rounding THROUGH THE AGES heralds the race’s emblematic halfway juncture ABU DHABI UAE as the fleet embarks on the long return leg, pass- 1 day 18hrs 39' 2011 ing south of the Scilly Isles, and on to the finish Scilly Isles in Plymouth. 605 nautical miles ICAP LEOPARD GBR 1 day 20hrs 18' 2007 SHARP REMINDER When a then record fleet of 303 yachts started the 1979 race, none of the RF YACHTING NZL 2 days 5hrs 8' 1999 crews had any idea that they would be part of one of yacht racing’s most tragic incidents. Back

NIRVANA USA then, predicting the weather was more art than 2 days 12hrs 41' 1985 science. The yachts set off with a forecast of light to moderate winds. A depression that had CONDOR OF BERMUDA BER developed off Canada moved steadily east dur- 2 days 23hrs 25' 1979 ing the race, before deepening and exploding with extreme force right over the fleet just as it 362 29 28 AMERICAN EAGLE USA YACHTS COUNTRIES RACES 3 days 7hrs 11' was crossing the most exposed section of the in 2017, versus represented appearance record 1971 7 in 1925 in 2017 held by Ken Newman course, the Celtic Sea. That day, 15 lives were GITANA IV FRA lost and over 20 yachts had to be abandoned. An 3 days 9hrs 40' 1965 inquiry conducted by the RORC led to recommen- TRUE ENDEAVOUR In theory, a double-handed (two-man) crew should not be able dations and new regulations to improve yacht to outperform fully crewed yachts in an offshore race, which is long and tough and NORDWIND GER construction, stability, integrity and prepared requires ample amounts of energy and concentration. Sailing to overall victory in 3 days 16hrs 23' 1939 ness, which continue to form the foundation of the 2013 Rolex Fastnet Race, a French father and son team, Pascal and Alexis modern offshore racing. While organizers are Loison, became the first double-handed crew to win outright one of the blue riband HALLOWE’EN GBR unable to legislate for the weather, their pro- offshore races. Epitomizing the spirit of these yachting contests, the pair sailed 3 days 19hrs 5' 1926 to Cowes from their home port in Cherbourg, France and slept on board on the fessionalism continues to significantly influence eve of the start. Following the prize-giving, they treated themselves to a dinner of JOLIE BRISE GBR the way owners and crew approach this type champagne and fish and chips before sailing back home. 6 days 2hrs 45' 1925 of challenge.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 11 “One of the reasons the Rolex Fastnet Race is so successful is that for crews sailing in the middle of the pack and at the bottom it’s not just a challenge, they have a realistic chance of winning.”

EDDIE WARDEN OWEN, CEO of the Royal Ocean Racing Club

THE NAVIGATOR’S ART The experience of the navigator is crucial for an offshore race, from the moment preparations start onshore. Those unfamiliar with the course need to learn its characteristics. Even those who have successfully raced the waters many times continue learning new things. Closer to the race, navigators on the smallest or the largest yachts will study myriad sources of information, particularly on the forecast weather and currents. They will test and calibrate the electronic systems that aid interpretation of weather and routing data, and performance predictions. During the race they will temper expectations with real-time observations and tactical decisions. Time plays a crucial role in determin- ing where a yacht should be positioned on the course to take advantage of an approaching weather front. Afterwards, win or lose, the navigator will relive every moment, questioning where they could have improved.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 12 YACHT CLUB COSTA SMERALDA CORSICA

FOUNDED 1967 Porto LOCATED Porto Cervo, Sardinia (Italy) Cervo and Virgin Gorda (British Virgin Islands) MEMBERSHIP 600

Originally founded in 1967 by the Aga Khan and three fellow sailing enthusiasts, the Olbia Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) is a com- pelling place to enjoy the yachting spirit. MAXI YACHT ROLEX CUP Nestled on Sardinia’s north-eastern Emerald Coast, the surrounding shimmering waters LOCATED The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is one of the most of the Mediterranean and La Maddalena Porto Cervo, spectacular and exciting regattas in the inter Sardinia (Italy) Archipelago, peppered with rocky outcrops, SARDINIA national yacht-racing calendar. Precision and

islets and islands, are regarded as one of the FOUNDED excellence are requisites as the best skippers and world’s most eye-catching and challenging sail- 1980 crews are matched with the most modern and ing grounds. Nautical influence is felt throughout powerful yachts of the moment. Attracting an the stylish, modern Clubhouse and the Marina ROLEX impressive line-up of sailing power and prowess, PARTNERSHIP often accommodates some of the world’s most since 1985 the week-long event is regarded as an essential splendid yachts. In 2012, the YCCS extended its and inspirational annual rendezvous for innov influence to the Caribbean, opening a luxurious DATE ators and early adopters of cutting-edge yachting Annual, in Clubhouse and Marina in Virgin Gorda, British September technology. Leading designers and professional Virgin Islands. Rolex has been associated with sailing talent gather for great competition and to the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda since the early share the thinking that shapes their community. 1980s, partnering the Rolex Swan Cup and Maxi Thirty years on, the event is enduringly popular Yacht Rolex Cup shortly after their inception. with owners and crew.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 13 136.5 ft 112 ft 100 ft 100 ft 30.5 m 72 ft 60 ft 21.9 m 30.5 m 18.3 m RANGER 41.6 m THE MAXI YACHT The term “Maxi” derives from the maximum length racing yacht allowed under the international AROBAS BELLA MENTE XI WILD OATS CUBED CARPET MAGIC 34.1m NILAYA handicapping rule prevalent during the 1970s and 80s. Maxis remain impressive beasts, driving technological advance- ment as owners and designers strive to reduce weight Mini Maxi Maxi 72 Maxi Wally Supermaxi J-Class while increasing power and performance. The definition of 18.29 – 24.08 m (60 – 79 ft) 22 m (72 ft) 24.09 – 30.5 m (80 – 100 ft) Upwards of 23.47 m (77 ft) Upwards of 30.51 m (100.1 ft) 30.5 – 43.6 m (100 – 143 ft) Dedicated race boats and dual Ultra competitive sailing machines Extremely powerful, fast mono- High performance cruisers typified Majestic dual-purpose yachts. Harking back to the opulent, the class has changed with time. Design, construction tech- purpose racer/cruisers competing built to a maximum length of hull yachts. by the latest design trends. Power- Imperious on the water, exhibiting stylish and glamorous 1930s, niques, materials and systems have evolved enormously and inshore and offshore. 72 feet. Crew: 20–25 ful sail plans, expansive teak decks extraordinary comfort below deck. these magnificent yachts compe- Crew: 16–18 Crew: 16–18 and aggressive hull lines conceal Advanced handling systems mean ted for the America’s Cup in their constantly, leading to progressively ambitious projects. And chic interiors. these leviathans are raced with a day. Graceful and captivating, Crew: 3–25 crew upwards of 20 and cruised the yachts are sailed by those it can take up to 12 months for a highly experienced crew to with just a handful of people. passionate about the past. fully adapt to a new yacht. Crew: 5–30 Crew: up to 35

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 14 ROLEX SWAN CUP “Swan owners have passion and a noble approach which is

FOUNDED Nautor’s Swan has been at the forefront of yacht characterized by the racing and the spirit that shines through 1980 design and construction for half a century. Its luxurious, high-performance yachts are synonym at the Rolex Swan Cup.” ROLEX PARTNERSHIP ous with excellence, innovation and reliability. since 1984 Porto Cervo is regarded as the marque’s spiritual LEONARDO FERRAGAMO, Chairman, Nautor’s Swan home, and the biennial Rolex Swan Cup has LOCATED long been a rendezvous moment noted for its Rolex Swan Cup: Porto Cervo, philosophy of “gentleman sailing”. Following Sardinia (Italy) the opening of the new YCCS base on Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, the Rolex Swan Rolex Swan Cup Cup Caribbean was born. Both events serve to Caribbean: Virgin Gorda showcase Swan yachts throughout the ages (British Virgin and the partnership with Rolex for more than Islands) 30 years, one of the most enduring sporting rela- tionships that reflects shared values of tradition, DATE Rolex Swan Cup: camaraderie and competition. Biennial, even years, in September A FITTING PARTNERSHIP “The Rolex Swan Cup represents the utmost in co-operation between Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean: three great entities: Rolex, the Yacht Club Costa Biennial, odd years, Smeralda and Nautor’s Swan,” explains Leonardo in March Ferragamo, Chairman of Nautor’s Swan. Nautor’s Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland, by Pekka Koskenkyla, who was inspired by hundreds of years of Finnish boatbuilding tradition. With more than 2,000 yachts built between 36 and 131 feet, the current generation of models divides into three clear segments: Superyachts like the Swan 115, Performance Cruiser/Racers such as the Swan 65 and ClubSwan Yachts like the outstanding ClubSwan 50.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 15 ROYAL MALTA YACHT CLUB

FOUNDED 1835 LOCATED Ta’ Xbiex, Malta MEMBERSHIP 700

The history of the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) is rooted in the strong link between the inhabitants of Malta and the sea. Its membership is small, but it actively nurtures the sport and organizes one of yachting’s most inspiring races. In 1968 the RMYC founded the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Influenced by the legend of the Fastnet Race, two Englishmen residing in Malta – Jimmy White and Alan Green, both members of the RORC and the RMYC – and two Maltese brothers – Paul and John Ripard, also RMYC members – sought to turn their passion for the sea into a competitive ocean race in the Mediterranean that would be as demanding as its peer. Tracing a 600-nautical mile course around Sicily using islands as marks of the course was a stroke of genius. They created a race course steeped in mythology and history that encounters stunning geography and retains tactical challenges rarely matched elsewhere.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 16 “The fact that it’s a 600-nm race that starts and finishes in ITALY the same place is pretty unique. Normally we can break down one of the Rolex classic races into two or three sections, this race probably has 10 or 15 of those important sections.”

STEVE HAYLES, professional navigator, twice winner of the Rolex Fastnet Race

606 nautical miles

Stromboli

Strait of Messina 1 DAY 23HRS 55’ RECORD set by Favignana George David’s Rambler (USA) in 2007 SICILY DISTANCE 606 nm (1,122 km) ROLEX MIDDLE Valletta (Malta) – Aeolian Islands SEA RACE (Stromboli) – Egadi Islands – Marking the close of each Mediterranean Pantelleria – yachting season, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is Lampedusa Pantelleria (all Italy) – a navigator’s race with numerous puzzles posed Valletta by the corners of its spectacular course that demand intense preparation. An anticlockwise FOUNDED circumnavigation of Sicily, it is unique in off- 1968 shore yacht racing in that it starts and finishes ROLEX in the same place. The active volcanic island of PARTNERSHIP Stromboli – the lighthouse of the Mediterranean since 2002 – is the symbol of the race, often illuminating the night sky with eruptions for crews passing after DATE Malta Annual, mid- sunset. The four principal founders competed in to late October the first race, with John Ripard winning overall Lampedusa with Josian.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 17 ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB

FOUNDED 1894 LOCATED Kellett Island, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong MEMBERSHIP 13,800 ROLEX PARTNERSHIP since 2007

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC) was founded in 1894 after the Hong Kong Corinthian Sailing Club was granted a royal warrant by the British Admiralty. One of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Hong Kong, the RHKYC is a multi-faceted, cosmopolitan organization. Furthermore, the origins of its flagship event, the Rolex China Sea Race, are truly Corinthian. In December 1959, RHKYC member Sim Baldwin, keen to test his new 40-ft yawl Morasum, completed a cruise to Manila from Hong Kong. The weekend after Morasum’s return to Hong Kong, Baldwin recounted his experiences to fellow members, suggesting they should do it again, but as a race. Two years later, on 7 April 1962, three yachts from the RHKYC, one from Manila and one from Japan crossed the start line for the first China Sea Race. It has been run every two years since.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 18 CHINA 1 DAY 23HRS 31’ RECORD set by Philip Turner’s Alive (AUS) in 2016

Hong Kong DISTANCE 565 nm (1,046 km) ROLEX CHINA Victoria Harbour (Hong Kong) – SEA RACE Subic Bay (Philippines) Asia’s principal blue water race has retained the FOUNDED original Corinthian ethos that lies at the heart of 1962 565 nautical miles Rolex’s relationship with the sport. The Rolex ROLEX China Sea Race capitalizes on Hong Kong’s dis- PARTNERSHIP tinctive energy, with a race start in Victoria Harbour since 2008 Sanya surrounded by the city’s impressive high-rise DATE panorama. The competing yachts negotiate both Biennial, even traditional and modern sea traffic before embarking years, over the Easter on the open water section of the 565-nautical weekend mile course to Subic Bay in the Philippines. The first night is rarely for the faint-hearted: lumpy seas and a stiff breeze often characterize these early stages. In contrast, the race frequently fin ishes with gentle winds, adding to the challenging Subic Bay Manila “The Rolex China Sea Race has test of seamanship.

always been a cosmopolitan event; PHILIPPINES voted ‘Asian Regatta of the year’ at the Asian Boating Awards 2014, it is playing host to a growing number of international entries and was proud to welcome its first Chinese yacht, Seawolf, in 2014.”

MARK WHITEHEAD, former RHKYC Commodore

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 19 YACHT CLUB ITALIANO

FOUNDED 1879 LOCATED Genoa (Italy) MEMBERSHIP 1,100

The Yacht Club Italiano (YCI) is a renowned institution in the Mediterranean, based in the historic port of Genoa. Its high esteem results from organizing regattas of national and international importance, and its part in founding the Federazione Italiana Vela (Italian Sailing Federation). In January 1953, members of the YCI and the Yacht Club de France met in a Paris bistro, with the aim of creating an event that would encourage camaraderie between French and Italian sailors and raise the level of sailing competition in the Mediterranean. Five months later, “La Giraglia” was born. One of the foun ders of the Rolex Giraglia was the late Beppe Croce, President of World Sailing for 17 years.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 20 ITALY “La Giraglia is unique in sailing. You have extreme competition and Gulf of Genoa FRANCE Sanremo also amateurs sailing for pleasure. Monaco Since 1953 that spirit has remained unaltered.”

CARLO CROCE, former President of the YCI Saint-Tropez

Giraglia Rock 241 nautical miles

DISTANCE 241 nm (446 km); ROLEX GIRAGLIA Saint-Tropez (France) – Saint-Tropez provides an elegant and exclusive Monte-Carlo (Monaco) setting for the start of this offshore race that CORSICA regularly draws an impressively global fleet of FOUNDED over 200 international crews. Following an over- 1953 night race from Sanremo the fleet gathers in ROLEX Saint-Tropez for three days of inshore compe- PARTNERSHIP tition before embarking on a 241-nautical mile since 1998 offshore race to Monaco via the Giraglia rock, DATE an imposing outcrop of historic navigational Annual, in June importance which lies just one nautical mile off Corsica. The Giraglia rock and its lighthouse has reached mythic proportions and sits alongside the Fastnet rock (Rolex Fastnet Race), the Organ Pipes (Rolex Sydney Hobart) and Stromboli (Rolex Middle Sea Race) as a yachting landmark. The event has a distinctive Franco-Italian spirit. Following its partnership with Rolex in 1998, the YCI has been able to project that spirit to a wider international audience with the precious support of the Yacht Club Sanremo and the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 21 ROLEX TP52 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

FOUNDED 2008 ROLEX PARTNERSHIP since 2017 ANNUAL different location each year

Rolex has an enviable reputation for partnering only the very best sporting events. The Rolex TP52 World Championship, which became part of the Rolex yachting portfolio in 2017, is no excep- tion. The highlight of the annual 52 Super Series, where Rolex is also Official Timepiece, the regatta brings together elite crews from the yacht racing world for dramatic and captivating competition. The TP52 Class was created in 2001 to provide high quality racing that is fun, safe and reliable. For over 15 years, the Class has kept this focus, remaining at the forefront of Grand Prix yachting through controlled development that keeps pace with advancements in materials and technology. The foundation stone is a “box rule”. In order to be eligible, a boat has to quite literally fit into a box of dimensions that cover among other elements length, draught and sail area. TP52s race in real-time with the first over the finish line winning. The victorious team at the Rolex TP52 World Championship is most defin itely the best prepared and most skilful. With a closely matched fleet where the emphasis is firmly upon crew work, timing is a fundamental component, and, at this level, every second counts, every race.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 22 TEAM WORK In yacht racing, the individual skill of the crew members and their ability to work together as a team are essential to success. Here are the key positions on board:

4 1 HELMSMAN The helmsman steers the boat. Concentration and a willingness to listen to instructions from the tactician and sail trimmers are essential. 7 2 TACTICIAN A fundamental role, often filled by a 7 3 professional, where getting the best from the crew is 6 as important as making optimum strategic decisions.

3 BOWMAN Operating on the most exposed 5 part of the boat, a position requiring agility, speed of thought and instinctive accuracy.

4 PIT The mission control filtering information 1 7 from the front and back of the boat, critical during sail hoists and sail changes.

2 5 MAST A strength position, crucial to the smooth execution of downwind manoeuvres and fast sail changes. 8 6 MAINSHEET A pivotal position controlling the mainsail, effectively the boat’s engine, requiring an understanding of sail shape and the aims of the helmsman and tactician at any given point.

7 TRIMMERS The crew comprises three trimmers responsible for tuning the headsails – jibs, HELMSMAN AND TACTICIAN: A SPECIAL genoas and spinnakers – making sure their shape is YACHT-MASTER II RELATIONSHIP Compatibility between the helmsman balanced and powerful. The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II and the tactician is essential. The helmsman is respon- regatta chronograph is equipped sible for steering the boat; concentration and a deft touch with a programmable and synchroni- 8 FLOATER During complex manoeuvres an zable countdown function specially are paramount. He must also listen and respond to advice designed for the starting sequences extra pair of hands able to fill a gap can make a of yacht races (see p. 42). and instructions from his tactician, frequently a yachting professional of the highest pedigree. The tactician plays a positive difference. Usually light, fast and strong fundamental role. Getting the best from the helmsman is just to take on a variety of tasks. as important as the race strategy, and the relationship must work on many levels: advisor, coach, friend and boss.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 23 SailGP

FOUNDED The desire to innovate and explore new ways Real-time data will be drawn from 1,200 sensors 2018 to more efficiently exploit the wind lie at the placed on the boats and the athletes, plus

ROLEX heart of yachting. The development of foiling – onboard cameras and microphones, enabling PARTNERSHIP the technique of lifting a hull or hulls out of the teams to analyse health and performance, and since 2019 water to reduce resistance, enhance stability and to develop tactics and strategy throughout the

DATE increase speed – is a relatively new phenomenon races. This information will also be available to Annual in the sport, but one that has captured the imag- umpires to make critical rulings and to fans to Championship: ination. The SailGP global racing championship ensure their experience is as close to the action – Sydney, AUS (February) takes cutting-edge foiling technology, in the form as possible. – San Fransisco, of the 2,400 kg F50 catamaran, and combines it USA (May) with supremely talented athletes skilled in con- Points will be accumulated in each race throughout – New York, USA (June) trolling these blisteringly fast craft, engineered the season, culminating with a final match race – Cowes, for racing at speeds in excess of 50 knots dur- between the top two teams for the SailGP UK (August) ing intense competition. From slender low-drag Championship. – Marseille, FRA (Septembre) hydrofoils, to complex fly-by-wire control systems and sophisticated electro-mechanical actuators, the F50 does more than extend the boundaries of modern design and technology, it defines a new generation of racing catamaran.

Rolex has partnered with SailGP as the Official Timepiece for the inaugural 2019 season, which involves six national teams representing Australia, China, France, Great Britain, Japan and the United States, each comprising five onboard crew. Racing takes place in stadium-style sailing venues located in five of the world’s most famous harbours: Sydney, San Francisco, New York, Cowes and Marseille. Utilizing short, inshore racecourses, each grand prix event will include two competition days featuring five fleet races for the six identical, wingsailed-foilers and climax with a final match race between the two leaders.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 24 SOCIÉTÉ NAUTIQUE DE SAINT-TROPEZ ITALY

FRANCE

Saint-Tropez

FOUNDED 1866 LOCATED Saint-Tropez (France) MEMBERSHIP 500 LOCATED Saint-Tropez LES VOILES DE SAINT-TROPEZ (France) The Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez is one of the most active clubs in the Mediterranean, FOUNDED Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez brings together modern between Saint-Tropez and the Club 55 restaurant involved in the organization of more than 15 sail- 1981 and vintage yachts and sailing enthusiasts from at nearby Pampelonne, using La Nioulargue buoy ing events each year. The most notable are the ROLEX all corners of the globe for a week-long nautical as a turning mark. Ikra beat Pride, but that was Rolex Giraglia and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, PARTNERSHIP festival. Formerly known as La Nioulargue, the a mere footnote given the size and scope of the an event filled with respect for tradition and since 2006 event was born of a challenge between two event that followed. Patrice de Colmont, owner passion for the history of yachting. The club DATE passionate sailors. In 1981, Jean Laurain, the of the Club 55, used the race to launch a regatta dates back to 1866 and the current name first Annual, skipper of the 12-Metre Ikra, and American Dick that, over the years, has grown dramatically in appeared in 1899. late September/ Jason, owner of the Swan 44 Pride, agreed to race size, scope and appeal. early October

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 25 YACHT CLUB DE MONACO Monte Carlo

FRANCE MONACO

FOUNDED 1953 LOCATED Monte Carlo (Monaco) MEMBERSHIP 2000 ROLEX PARTNERSHIP since 2013

Founded by Prince Rainier and presided over by His Serene Highness the Sovereign Prince Albert II since 1984, the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) is regarded as a driving force on the Mediterranean regatta scene. The club has its roots in the principality’s Société des Régates, whose origins date back to 1862, and is today behind a roster of events that includes the 500-nautical mile Palermo-Montecarlo offshore race and Monaco Classic Week. In June 2014, in honour of the inauguration of the YCM’s new clubhouse, the Yacht Club Italiano offered to finish the Rolex Giraglia offshore race in Monaco for the first time in the event’s history. As a partner of the race and both clubs, Rolex was a privileged participant in this momentous occasion. The motto of the Yacht Club de Monaco is “One Spirit, One Team, One Club”. To be a member requires perfection of an “art de vivre la mer”, a desire to preserve and foster respect for nautical etiquette and the marine environment, to perpetuate and pass on heritage. The new clubhouse, designed by world- renowned architect Lord Norman Foster, is a striking manifestation of the club’s ideals.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 26 NEW YORK YACHT CLUB

Newport New York

USA

FOUNDED 1844 LOCATED New York & Newport, Rhode Island (USA) MEMBERSHIP 3,200 ROLEX PARTNERSHIP since 1958

From its beginnings in 1844, the New York Yacht Club has grown in stature to play a sig- nificant role in the world of yacht racing. This prestigious club hosted the first-ever transatlan- tic race in 1866, and started its most famous version in 1905, which is still staged to this day. From 1851 until 1983, the NYYC, founder of the America’s Cup, held the longest winning streak in sport as holder of the renowned trophy and LOCATED ROLEX NEW YORK YACHT CLUB organizer of the event over that period. Rolex’s Newport, Rhode Island (USA) seminal partnership with the New York Yacht INVITATIONAL CUP Club is the brand’s oldest in yachting, spanning FOUNDED more than half a century. Today, the club has 2009 two imposing clubhouses. The New York City Created to reignite the tradition of Corinthian core value is friendly and fair competition, where ROLEX location, opened in 1901, is a renowned beaux- PARTNERSHIP competition between yacht clubs, this unrivalled the skills of the sailor are paramount. The crew arts building and was named a National Historic since 2009 biennial event fuses intense racing with an must be Corinthian sailors, members of the Landmark in 1987. The second, acquired that exceptional social spirit. Invited yacht club teams yacht clubs they represent and nationals of the DATE same year, is located at Harbour Court, on the Biennial, odd years, race identically tuned, one-design IC 37s on competing yacht club’s country. water in Newport, Rhode Island. in September Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound. Its

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 27 ROYAL YACHT SQUADRON

UNITED KINGDOM

GERMANY Cowes

FOUNDED 1815 LOCATED Cowes, Isle of Wight (UK) MEMBERSHIP 1000 ROLEX PARTNERSHIP since the 1980s

The Royal Yacht Squadron’s (RYS) influential and first American member was admitted. In 1851, pioneering history began in St. James’s, London, a race around the Isle of Wight for a Cup of One in 1815, when a group of like-minded owners of Hundred Sovereigns (£100) was opened to for- big yachts created the Yacht Club. Its association eign yachts. Known in the US as the Hundred FRANCE with British royalty began with George IV, who Guinea Cup, the trophy was won by the New joined the club in 1817, when Prince Regent. York Yacht Club’s yacht America and has since On his coronation in 1820 “Royal” was added become the America’s Cup, one of the most to the club’s name, and then in 1833 the club renowned prizes in the sport. The Royal Yacht became the Royal Yacht Squadron by command Squadron, which celebrated its bicentenary in of King William IV. The connection continues 2015, became Rolex’s second partner in yacht- today with Queen Elizabeth II as patron. Prince ing after the NYYC, in the 1980s. The Squadron Philip, a keen yachtsman and a former Commo- is an exclusive, but active club. Its clubhouse dore, is the Squadron’s Admiral. In 1826, the since 1858, The Castle in Cowes, is a familiar RYS took to organizing regular racing from its sight for those approaching by sea, and a back- nautical base at Cowes. By the 1830s it had cre- drop for the start of many of the world’s greatest ated the first ocean race, and, in the 1840s, the yacht races, including the Rolex Fastnet Race.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT YACHT CLUBS AND REGATTAS 28 02 HERITAGE AND ROLEX TESTIMONEES

P30 INTRODUCTION THE OYSTER AND THE SEA

P31 AROUND THE WORLD SINGLE-HANDED WITH A ROLEX SIR FRANCIS CHICHESTER

P34 THE SEMINAL PARTNERSHIP NEW YORK YACHT CLUB

P35 A MARINE CHRONOMETER ON THE WRIST THE ROLEX OYSTER

P37 ROLEX TESTIMONEES THE ESSENCE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT

29 THE OYSTER AND THE SEA

The sea is Rolex’s natural environment. As the world’s premier waterproof, highly accurate and reliable wristwatches, its Oyster Perpetual models have proven invaluable instruments for yachting, adopted by the pioneers of racing and circumnavigation alike.

Rolex’s relationship with the maritime world dates back to the brand’s earliest days. In his endeavour to create an accurate and reliable wristwatch, Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf used the marine chronometer’s renowned precision as a benchmark to produce the world’s first wristwatch-chronometers. And, in order to protect their high precision from damaging dust and moisture, he devised the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, the Oyster.

Such pioneering innovations drew the attention of the world’s yachting elite – including the New York Yacht Club (NYYC), Rolex’s first partner in the sport, in 1958, and the instigator of yachting’s oldest trophy, the America’s Cup. For 25 years, from 1958 to 1983, when racing was at its purest, every winner of this iconic regatta was awarded a Rolex chron ometer. And the seminal partnership between Rolex and the NYYC endures to this day. But few characterize the daring spirit that has marked the history of yachting better than Sir Francis Chichester, whose single-handed round-the- world voyage in 1966–1967 charted the course for subsequent generations of yachtsmen and yachtswomen. His navigational instruments included a sextant and a Rolex Oyster Perpetual chronometer.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT HERITAGE AND ROLEX TESTIMONEES 30 A HARDY TIMEPIECE “Gipsy Moth IV needs repairs after capsizing in the Tasman Sea, but the Rolex ticks on happily. Francis Chichester.” AROUND THE WORLD SINGLE-HANDED WITH A ROLEX (Autographed picture.) SIR FRANCIS CHICHESTER

British yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester’s name remains forever engraved in the history of yachting as the first person to sail around the world alone from west to east, along the fastest route available – the clipper route. During his pioneering exploit in 1966–1967, he was accompanied by a no less hardy companion, a Rolex Oyster Perpetual, which took the same drenching and scrapes as he did on stormy oceans.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT HERITAGE AND ROLEX TESTIMONEES 31 Plymouth Plymouth

226 days

21 days

Cape of Good Hope 80 days Cape Leeuwin

3 CAPES Sydney First single-handed true circum- 157 days navigation rounding the three great capes – Horn, Leeuwin and Good Hope. Cape Horn

Sir Francis Chichester was given a hero’s welcome and knighted by Queen Elizabeth II after his 226-day journey covering more than 29,500 miles (about 47,600 kilometres) on the 16-metre (55-foot) ketch, Gipsy Moth IV. He had single-handedly sailed the same path as the speedy 19th-century sailing ships with 20-strong crews that plied their trade between Europe and the Far East, with a stopover in Australia. As a measure of his solo exploit on board the mahogany-hulled yacht, the clipper route is favoured by the most testing round-the-world yacht races, which only appeared after his

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT HERITAGE AND ROLEX TESTIMONEES 32 odyssey. Sailing the length of the Atlantic 29,600 Ocean south across the equator, rounding the MILES in 226 days’ sailing time. Cape of Good Hope and circumnavigating much Fastest voyage around the world of the Southern Ocean past Cape Horn, for a by any small boat. return leg northwards along the Atlantic, was the Plymouth – Sydney – Plymouth 1966–1967 fastest and most direct way between the major continents by sea before the Suez and Panama Canals were built. And, even today, it remains 15,500 the most risky and adventurous, exposed to the MILES fiercest elements and long tracts of treacherous Record holder for longest open sea, far from land and rescue – despite the non-stop single-handed voyage: Plymouth – Sydney, 14,100 miles; huge progress in communications technology, Sydney – Plymouth, 15,500 miles navigation, boat building and safety, including Held 1966–1969 the advent of satellites, since Gipsy Moth IV’s voyage.

176 A HARDY TIMEPIECE Sir Francis’s Rolex became a MILES PER DAY trusted navigational aid, as he plotted his position Record speed for single-handed eight-day run, along a Great and course from the sun or the stars. “During Circle Line. my voyage around the world in Gipsy Moth IV, my Rolex Watch was knocked off my wrist several times without being damaged,” he wrote in a letter in 1968. “I cannot imagine a hardier timepiece. When using [it] for sextant work and working the foredeck, it was frequently banged, also doused by waves coming aboard; but it never seemed to mind all this.” Sir Francis epitom ized a certain spirit of yachting and adventure. An entrepreneur and aviator, he took up ocean sailing in the 1950s and won the first solo trans- atlantic race in 1960, sailing from Plymouth (UK) to New York in 40 days. With his circumnavigation, the unassuming 65 year-old beat yachtsmen half his age and defied critics who felt his twin- mast yacht was best handled by a crew of eight. On 17 September 1966, during the early stages of his single-handed journey, Sir Francis donned a dinner jacket to quietly celebrate his birthday in mid-Atlantic with a champagne cocktail. Months later, an estimated quarter of a million people lined the shore to cheer him home as he sailed into Plymouth.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT HERITAGE AND ROLEX TESTIMONEES 33 THE SEMINAL PARTNERSHIP NEW YORK YACHT CLUB

In the 1950s, Rolex took to the high seas by forging ties with one of the most prestigious clubs in yachting, the New York Yacht Club. Through this historic partnership, Rolex became the first Official Timepiece, in 1958 and until 1983, of one of sport’s greatest traditions and the world’s oldest sporting trophy: the America’s Cup.

The New York Yacht Club’s sailing record is indel- then defended the Cup for 132 years, defeating ibly marked by the America’s Cup. This flagship 24 challenges from mainly British and Australian competition was born from a race staged by rivals. It wasn’t until 1983, when an Australian England’s Royal Yacht Squadron – another lead- syndicate mounted a successful challenge, that ing Rolex partner – that the New Yorkers won. In the Cup left the United States and the hands of 1851, a few years after the English club opened the NYYC for Australian shores. up races off Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, to members of other clubs, the Commodore of the NEW YORK TRENDSETTERS The international rivalry fledgling New York Yacht Club, John Cox Stevens, around the America’s Cup fuelled the develop- challenged for the Squadron’s big race around ment of yacht racing, which flourished around the the island, the Hundred Guinea Cup. In a letter world over the ensuing century – mainly through to the RYS, Stevens openly said he expected “a clubs. When Rolex made its debut on the very thrashing” at the hands of his established and crest of the yachting scene by forming historic more experienced British rivals. Instead, the ties with the New York Yacht Club, the America’s HISTORIC ROLEX sleek black schooner, America, from New York, Cup was often referred to as the ultimate symbol ADVERTISEMENT, caused a historic upset: it crossed the line well of yacht racing supremacy. The racing saw two 1967 ahead of 14 British vessels and their experienced highly trained crews draw on all their skill, team- crews, watched onshore by a bewildered Queen work and experience to battle it out in the purest Victoria. The yacht America’s victory marked a yachting spirit over a seven-race series, in the two a highly accurate, waterproof and robust Rolex Rolex became integrated into the heart of sail- turning point in the history of the sport. The NYYC most competitive, closely matched, 12-metre Oyster Perpetual Submariner. The Submariner ing excellence. The brand went on to partner invited clubs from around the world to challenge yachts in the world. For the next 25 years, until was the yachtsman’s watch of choice, until the sport’s most elite clubs in order to support for its newly acquired silver trophy in a “friendly 1983, the Cup was not the only award to be had the Rolex Yacht-Master was launched in 1992. some of the most admired races in the world competition between foreign countries”, which for winning this legendary regatta. The winner Thanks to this early and enduring association of yachting and uphold the highest values of became known as the America’s Cup. The NYYC also took away one vital piece of equipment – with a pioneering club at the top of its craft, the sport.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT HERITAGE AND ROLEX TESTIMONEES 34 WORLD FIRST A MARINE CHRONOMETER ON THE WRIST The first ever “Class A” certificate granted by the Kew Observatory to a wristwatch was awarded to a Rolex, after extensive tests of its THE ROLEX OYSTER chronometric precision.

Just over 100 years ago, in 1914, the Kew Observatory in Great Britain granted a “Class A” chronometer certificate to a wristwatch for the very first time – a watch made by Rolex. Until then, such a certification, which attested to the highest chronometric precision, had generally been awarded only to large marine chronometers after extremely rigorous tests. Rolex was the first to prove that a wristwatch could be just as accurate as the clock-like marine navigation instrument – something that was scarcely believable at the time. This milestone marked the advent of the modern precision wristwatch and Rolex went on to become the largest manufacturer of chronometer-certified watches.

HIGHEST STANDARD OF PRECISION This first “Class A” chronometer wristwatch was a feat of miniaturized precision that met the most stringent criteria in the world. Kew certified the accuracy of marine chronometers, which was vital to determine a vessel’s position (longitude) on the high sea. After 45 days of tests, in five different positions and at three different temperatures, the Rolex wristwatch matched and even exceeded the standards expected of the finest marine clocks. These onboard instruments could not deviate by more than a few

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT HERITAGE AND ROLEX TESTIMONEES 35 The Rolex wristwatch chronometer certified by Kew recorded an average daily variation rate of only +1 second.

with the invention of the Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, thanks to an ingenious patented case system featuring a screw-down bezel, case back and winding crown. The name, Oyster, was inspired by its capacity to remain indefinitely submerged in water without risk of damage. It was not only waterproof, but also dustproof, for dust and sand are formidable enemies of watch mechanisms. The brand per- fected the concept of the modern watch in 1931, by developing and patenting the self-winding Perpetual rotor system, which is driven by wrist movements. There was no longer a need to wind the watch manually with the winding crown, a critical point for maintaining waterproofness. PRECISION This self-winding system, also patented, ensured An example of a late 18th WRIST CHRONOMETER a constant power reserve. As a result, the Rolex century marine chronometer, A Rolex wristwatch comparable to the one made by French watchmaker certified as a “Class A” chronometer Oyster Perpetual accumulated three fundamen- Louis Berthoud. by the Kew Observatory. tal qualities: it was precise, waterproof and self-winding, making it ideal for use on the high seas. Following improvements in certification and accuracy standards over the decades, the seconds per day without putting the safety of to the ever more active and sporting lifestyles brand’s leadership in chronometric precision con- the ships at risk. The Rolex wristwatch chronom emerging at the time. By obtaining a top-class tinues today. All Rolex movements are tested by eter certified by Kew on 15 July 1914 recorded Kew certificate, Rolex demonstrated that preci- the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute an average daily variation rate of only +1 second. sion in a small format was not only conceivable (COSC). Each cased watch is then certified as a In those early years of the 20th century, pocket but also achievable, and could rival the best time- “Superlative Chronometer” in-house, according watches were the timepiece of choice, due to pieces of the era. It marked official recognition of to a protocol in the order of −2/+2 seconds per their robustness and relative accuracy. A reli the highest world-class quality for Rolex. day, or twice that required of an official chronom- able, high-precision wristwatch was the stuff of eter. They bear the heritage of the pioneering utopian dreams. Yet, from the beginning, Rolex The ideal watch for yachting Rolex’s next object role played by Rolex in bringing precision to founder Hans Wilsdorf was convinced that the ive was to design a perfectly waterproof case the wristwatch, with the help of the exacting small timepiece represented the future of the to protect the movement and maintain its cer- demands that the nautical world placed on the watchmaking industry and could be adapted tified precision. This was accomplished in 1926 marine chronometer.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT HERITAGE AND ROLEX TESTIMONEES 36 ROLEX TESTIMONEES Sir Ben Ainslie, Robert Scheidt and Paul Cayard.

ROLEX TESTIMONEES Rolex counts among its Testimonees sailors of multiple Olympian and America’s Cup competitor, extraordinary ability and stature. The outstanding arguably Cayard’s greatest achievement was success enjoyed by Sir Ben Ainslie, Paul Cayard in the discipline of offshore racing, winning the THE ESSENCE OF and Robert Scheidt is a reflection of the values Whitbread Round the World Race at his first they embody. Their constant drive for excel- attempt. Robert Scheidt represented Brazil at lence, the passion they have for their sport and six successive Olympic Games, winning medals ACCOMPLISHMENT their determination to always rise to the occasion at five, including two golds and a silver in the bestow further prestige on the many titles they Laser class and silver and bronze in the Star. With have won. 12 World Championship titles and two Rolex World Sailor of the Year awards, Scheidt remains With five medals, four of them gold, British an inspiration within the sport. Rolex’s involvement in sports is centred on an affinity with yachtsman Sir Ben Ainslie is the most successful Olympic sailor in history. Since retiring as In recent years, all three have competed at human achievement that stretches back to the brand’s an Olympian in 2012, he has worked tirelessly several Rolex-partnered events throughout the earliest years. Rolex has enjoyed long-standing partner- to become a driving force within the elite world world, including the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht of America’s Cup competition. A Cup winner Race, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex ships with a succession of exceptional athletes ever since with a United States team in 2013, the four- TP52 World Championship. The one race all a young Englishwoman, Mercedes Gleitze, swam the time Rolex World Sailor of the Year now leads a these Testimonees have in common is the Rolex English Channel wearing a waterproof Oyster wristwatch British one in the quest for the holy grail of yacht- Middle Sea Race. ing. The American Paul Cayard has competed at back in 1927. the highest level in sailing for decades. Also a

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT HERITAGE AND ROLEX TESTIMONEES 37 03

WATCHES

P39 UNIQUE FUNCTIONS YACHT-MASTER II

P42 INFOGRAPHIC THE YACHT-MASTER II IN ACTION

P43 NAUTICAL STYLE YACHT-MASTER

38 A WATCH WITH UNIQUE YACHTING FUNCTIONS YACHT-MASTER II

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II is built for yachting competition and performance. It is a regatta chronograph dedicated to experienced sailors and yachting enthusiasts alike. With its programmable countdown, the Yacht-Master II is a blend of innovation, technology and sporting performance the Rolex way.

For the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II, Rolex devised a new and unique horological hand, as on a traditional chronograph. The minutes of the countdown are indicated complication: a programmable countdown with a mechanical memory and on-the-fly by a red-triangle-tipped hand on a scale graduated from 10 to 0 (with markers for the synchronization designed specifically for the start sequence of regattas. Imagining half minutes); this display occupies three-quarters of the circumference of the dial. The dedicated functions and an ergonomic design that would fulfil the timing needs of skip- numerals 10 to 0 are echoed in large format on the bezel insert to further enhance read- pers, the brand created a new watch. The technical complexity of the Yacht-Master II is ability. The outcome is a model of legibility and is clearly distinguishable from the regular masked by its simplicity of use and its excellent legibility, now enhanced by a new dial hours and minutes display, which includes a small seconds hand in a counter at 6 o’clock. and new hands characteristic of Rolex Professional models. The complex challenges were addressed in such a way as to ensure legendary Rolex reliability and preserve the PERPETUAL CALIBRE 4161 The second challenge lay in the fact that the duration of an distinctive aesthetics of the Oyster collection. official regatta countdown can vary from race to race. Therefore, the watch countdown must also be adaptable. Rolex engineers devoted 35,000 hours to developing OPTIMAL LEGIBILITY The first technical challenge posed by the Yacht-Master II was to this complication, which took the form of a new movement, calibre 4161. Based on devise a countdown display that remains legible at a glance in the heat of the action the chronograph calibre 4130, developed in 2000 for the Cosmograph Daytona, the at the start of a regatta. The Yacht-Master II displays elapsed seconds via a centre 4161 includes an additional, innovative mechanism that enables the countdown

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT WATCHES 39 to be reprogrammed with a choice of duration from 10 minutes interacts with the movement. Rotating to one minute. This programming can, furthermore, be mechan the bezel 90° gives access to the program- CHARACTERISTICS OF THE YACHT-MASTER II ically “memorized”, so that at reset the hand returns to the same ming function of the countdown duration, ROBUSTNESS AND PRECISION duration for the next countdown. Subsequently, a different length which is set via the winding crown. Turn- Parachrom RELIABILITY • Paramagnetic of time can be set and memorized as required. This new mech ing the Ring Command bezel back in the • Waterproof blue Parachrom anism, at the heart of the Yacht-Master II’s unique functionality, is other direction then locks and memorizes Oyster case hairspring in Oystersteel protected by a patent. Fitted on top of the movement, it is linked to the programming. Such innovation was made • Superlative Oysterlock • Cerachrom bezel Chronometer (COSC safety clasp the main chronograph mechanism by a traversing column wheel, possible by Rolex’s complete in-house control insert in virtually + Rolex certification another innovative feature of this movement. over the entire design, development and manufacturing process, scratchproof after casing) from movement to case to bracelet. This is one of the distinctive ceramic ERGONOMICS INTERACTION BETWEEN BEZEL AND MOVEMENT Perhaps the most strengths of the brand and it proved a key advantage for this exclu- • Screw-down Triplock winding • Bidirectional difficult challenge was to make these functions simple to oper- sive interface. rotatable Ring Cerachrom crown with triple ate. The traditional chronograph interactions with the movement waterproofness Command bezel system for countdown were already fully utilized: the pusher at 2 o’clock to start and stop ON-THE-FLY SYNCHRONIZATION One final challenge faced the programming the countdown; the pusher at 4 o’clock for resetting; the crown Yacht-Master II before it could earn its status as the premier • Oysterlock folding to wind the watch and set the time. Rolex chose, therefore, to regatta chronograph. During the start sequence, the skipper safety clasp Triplock innovate with the Ring Command bezel, a rotatable bezel that must be able to synchronize the watch to the official winding crown

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT WATCHES 40 countdown. The synchronization has to be done “on-the-fly” while the countdown is still running. For the seconds hand, the solution was to incorporate a fly-back reset function: the hand “flies back” instantly to its starting point at a press of the pusher at 4 o’clock, and starts running again as soon as the pusher is released. The countdown minutes hand is automatically synchronized to the nearest minute, thereby compensating for the chronograph having been launched too late or too soon.

PIONEERING TECHNOLOGIES Some of the 360 components that make up calibre 4161 are produced using UV-LiGA, a micro- manufacturing technology that allows metallic structures to be grown in a resin mould and which is revolutionizing watch movement design. As a result, components can now be made with tiny proportions, complex geometry or in innovative materials that were previously ruled out due to the limitations of traditional manu facturing techniques. Without these components – and without this UV-LiGA technology entirely mastered in-house by Rolex – the Yacht-Master II could simply not have seen the light of day.

The innovations underlying the Yacht-Master II illustrate how Rolex stopped at nothing to bring skippers an elegant, reliable regatta chronograph; a watch that is simple to use and which responds ideally to their needs at the start of a race, when perfect timing is of the essence.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT WATCHES 41 THE YACHT-MASTER II IN ACTION

The starting procedure of a regatta generally unfolds in several stages, marked by sound and visual signals. This preparatory phase, which can be decisive for victory, lasts from five to 10 minutes according to the type of race. With programming and on-the-fly synchronization functions uniquein a mechanical regatta chronograph, the Yacht-Master II al lows skippers to time their start to coincide precisely with the race’s official countdown, whatever its duration. Here is an example of a 10-minute starting sequence illustrating the functions of the watch:

Before the race – 10 minutes – 5 minutes – 1 minute Start signal The starter’s flag and sound A starting gun and a flag give A preparatory signal is given: the A second preparatory signal is Indicated by the final sound of the signals will impose the rhythm the warning signal marking gun is fired a second time and ano- given with a blast of a horn and gun and the lowering of the 10- of the start sequence as yachts the start of the official regatta ther flag is hoisted. the 5-minute flag is lowered. minute signal flag. manoeuvre for position around countdown. the line.

PROGRAMMING THE COUNTDOWN LAUNCH OF THE COUNTDOWN SYNCHRONIZATION FINAL CHECK CROSSING THE LINE The skipper programmes a countdown The skipper launches the countdown The skipper has an opportunity to The skipper can check at a glance that Having manoeuvred to full advantage duration of up to 10 minutes on of the Yacht-Master II by pressing the synchronize the watch countdown with the countdown of the Yacht-Master II is right until the last second indicated their Yacht-Master II according to pusher at 2 o’clock. The centre seconds the official countdown. By pressing the properly synchronized with the official by the Yacht-Master II countdown, the regatta rules. The programming hand starts instantaneously and in- pusher at 4 o’clock, the seconds hand timing. The watch indicates precisely the skipper is perfectly positioned to is accessed and locked by turning dicates elapsed seconds in the same can be reset on the fly (“fly-back” func- to the second how much time remains cross the line at the signal and make the Ring Command bezel. Once pro- way as a traditional chronograph; the tion) and it runs again as soon as the before the start line can be crossed. the best start. grammed, the countdown duration is short, red-triangle-tipped hand indi- pusher is released. mechanically memorized so that when cates the remaining minutes on the the countdown is reset, it automatical- 10- to 0-minute countdown scale on ly keeps exactly the same setting. the dial.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT WATCHES 42 NAUTICAL STYLE, ON- AND OFFSHORE YACHT-MASTER

YACHT-MASTER 40, The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master carries the rich heritage that has bound Rolex and the world Rolesium version – bezel in of sailing since the 1950s. This Professional watch provides a perfect blend of functionality 950 platinum, case and bracelet and nautical style, making it equally at home on and off the water. in Oystersteel.

The Yacht-Master range was launched in 1992, with a first model both directions for fast and easy setting. The bezel’s signature Yacht-Master 40 model the same year, the Yacht-Master 42 is fitted designed specifically for intrepid navigators and professionnal raised and polished numerals stand out clearly on the contrasting with an Oysterflex bracelet. race skippers. Initially made of 18 ct gold – the first Professional matt background. The Yacht-Master provides a timer functionality, Also new in 2019, the Oysterflex bracelet equipping the model to debut in precious metal – and with a 40 mm case, enabling the wearer to read, for example, elapsed sailing time or Yacht-Master 42 and the Yacht-Master 40 in 18 ct Everose gold is the Yacht-Master was soon offered in other versions – Rolesor the time between two buoys or waypoints. Its Oyster case, water- fitted for the first time with the Rolex Glidelock extension system. (combining Oystersteel and 18 ct gold) and Rolesium (combining proof to 100 metres (330 feet), also features a slightly rounded Developed and patented by Rolex, this ingenious toothed panel Oystersteel for the case and bracelet and 950 platinum for the design to avoid snagging rigging or sails. This robust yet elegant mechanism located under the clasp cover allows fine adjustment bezel) – as well as other sizes. Its graduated bezel is rotatable in case safely protects the accuracy of the self-winding mechanical of the bracelet length without the use of tools. Thanks to the movement, designed and manufactured by Rolex and certified as Rolex Glidelock, the length of the Oysterflex bracelet can be easily an official chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing adjusted by some 15 mm in increments of approximately 2.5 mm. Institute (COSC). Distinctively chic, sporty and technical, the Yacht-Master is the perfect watch for an active lifestyle and more than ever the ideal OYSTERFLEX BRACELET AND CERACHROM INSERT In 2015, Rolex timepiece for sailing enthusiasts. unveiled the Oysterflex bracelet. Developed and patented by the brand, this highly innovative bracelet singularly combines the SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER CERTIFICATION Like all Rolex watches, robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet with the suppleness, each model in the Yacht-Master range is covered by the Superlative comfort and aesthetics of a rubber strap. It is composed of two Chronometer certification, an exclusive designation that testifies flexible metal blades – one for each bracelet section – overmoulded that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully with high-performance black elastomer. undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own labo- The Oysterflex bracelet was introduced on the Oyster Perpetual ratories according to its own criteria, which exceed watchmaking Yacht-Master 37 -- a new model launched the same year and norms and standards. The Superlative Chronometer status is sym- equipped with calibre 2236, incorporating the Syloxi silicon hair- bolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is spring – and on a version of the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40. coupled with an international five-year guarantee. Both watches were released in 18 ct Everose gold with a Cerachrom bezel insert in matt black ceramic – a first for the Yacht-Master range. In 2019, Rolex is presenting the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42, bringing a 42 mm diameter to the range for the first time and her-

YACHT-MASTER 42, 18 ct white gold, Cerachrom bezel insert in matt black ceramic, alding the arrival of 18 ct white gold on a Yacht-Master model. Oysterflex bracelet, calibre 3235. Equipped with new-generation calibre 3235, also introduced on the

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT WATCHES 43 04

GLOSSARY

P45 GLOSSARY

P47 MEDIA CONTACTS

44 GLOSSARY masthead

AFTERGUARD Describes the collective of key DISPLACEMENT Measured in tonnes, calculates tactical decision-makers on a boat, typically the weight of the water displaced by a yacht spinnaker the helmsman, navigator and tactician. “After” when floating. because they stand to the rear of the yacht. DOUBLE-HANDED Yacht sailed by a two-person crew. CANTING KEEL A traditional keel is fixed and points straight down beneath the centreline of a yacht. A ELAPSED TIME Actual time it takes a yacht to com- canting keel is able to pivot either side of the centre- plete a race. line to better counteract the heeling force of the sail and improve performance, particularly upwind. HELMSMAN Responsible for steering a yacht (member of afterguard). COASTAL RACE OR INSHORE RACE A race that uses spreader a combination of natural features, navigation KNOT Measures nautical speed. One knot is the marks and laid buoys within sight of land to cre- equivalent of one nautical mile per hour. mast forestay ate a course that usually lasts between two and four hours in time; the actual distance sailed will LATITUDE Lines mapped around the Earth’s sur- backstay depend upon the strength of the wind, and size face parallel to the equator, used to define the of yachts competing. north/south position of a yacht. jib shroud COMMODORE The senior officer elected by the LINE HONOURS Awarded to the first finisher of membership to lead and represent a yacht club; an offshore race; a position often contested by supported by other elected officers, for example the fastest state-of-the-art designs; the winner vice commodores and rear commodores, which receives a Rolex timepiece. boom may have specific areas of responsibility. helm mainsheet deck LONGITUDE Lines mapped around the Earth’s hull CORRECTED TIME The recalculation of a yacht’s surface perpendicular to the equator, used to elapsed time according to its individual rating or hand- define the east/west position of a yacht. rudder icap (which is typically based on parameters such as its hull dimensions, displacement and sail area). MAXI A high-performance yacht measuring between keel 24.09–30.5 metres (80–100 feet). CORINTHIAN Refers to a non-professional sports- man or sportswoman whose spirit and approach to competition is of the highest standard.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT GLOSSARY 45 port

helm

stern cockpit roof mast foredeck bow

helm

starboard

MAXI 72 A 21.94-metre (72-foot) all-out racing include the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and SINGLE-HANDED A yacht sailed by one person. WARNING SIGNAL Race starts follow a set boat, equally adept at competing in inshore or the Rolex Fastnet Race. procedure of sound and visual (flag) signals pre- offshore races. STARBOARD Right-hand side of the yacht from the scribed by the sailing instructions or rules. The ONE-DESIGN Class of yacht built to one uniform perspective of a person onboard facing forward. first signal in the sequence is the warning signal MONOHULL A yacht with a single hull. Boats with design and consequently as identical as possible. either 10 minutes or 5 minutes before the race two or three hulls are referred to as multihulls. The IC37 is an example of a one-design yacht. SUPERMAXI Maxi yacht measuring upwards of begins. 30.51 m (100.1 ft). NAUTICAL MILE A measure of distance at sea. OVERALL WINNER Best performing yacht, deter- WATCH SYSTEM Rota deployed on board a yacht, 1 nautical mile = 1.852 kilometres. mined on corrected time after the application of TACTICIAN Key role in making decisions about notably during offshore races, to manage human handicap (except in one-design racing). A Rolex how a yacht conducts its race from the start to resources by subdividing the crew into smaller NAVIGATOR A key position onboard, the navi timepiece is awarded to the overall winner. the finish (member of afterguard). units that can look after the vessel while other gator is responsible for defining the optimum crew members rest. route between any given points – usually marks PORT Left-hand side of the yacht from the per- TP52 Created in 2001, the TP52 is a grand prix of the race course – based on geographical and spective of the person onboard facing forward. racing yacht. Designed to a “box rule”, boats WINDWARD / LEEWARD RACE A short race lasting meteorological factors (member of afterguard). have to literally fit into a box of dimensions. between 45 minutes and 90 minutes in which REGATTA A series of races which usually take the competing yachts race a series of legs OFFSHORE RACE A long-distance race, usually place in close proximity to the organizing TRIPLE CROWN Unofficialtitle awarded to a yacht/ upwind (into the wind) and downwind (with the between two different places / ports, which yacht club. crew who win all three prizes at an offshore race wind behind). takes the fleet through open water, out of sight (line honours, overall winner and setting a new of land. Also referred to as ocean race or blue- RHUMB LINE A straight line in-between two points race record). water race. Rolex-sponsored offshore races on a race course.

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT GLOSSARY 46 MEDIA CONTACTS

PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS ROLEX PRESS ROOM Rolex SA https://pressroom.rolex.com/en/sports-and-culture/ Virginie Chevailler partnership-activities/rolex-and-yachting-news.html [email protected] +41 22 302 26 19

Quinag Sàrl Giles Pearman [email protected] +41 32 545 3120

ROLEX YACHTING PRESS KIT 47