The centenary edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race underlined its status as the world’s largest offshore race, with a record number of 444 yachts crossing the start line off Cowes, England. Ahead of the 2,900 plus sailors, the renowned 695 nautical mile / 1,287 kilometre course which finishes in Cherbourg, France, and which tests skill, determination and resilience. Both the race and its organizer, the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), have been supported by Rolex since 2001; the quarter-century partnership representing a significant element within the brand’s wider relationship with yachting which began almost 70 years ago. In contrast to the preceding two editions, the wind strength and sea state were much less threatening, with the emphasis firmly on strategic and tactical analysis of the conditions rather than survival. Separated into nine starting groups, the fleet made steady progress west through The Solent, before exiting into the English Channel at Hurst Narrows and The Needles. The latest chapter in this 100-year-old story of outstanding human achievement is underway. Discover more https://on.rolex.com/3J33xN4
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. Since the late 1950s, Rolex has championed the perseverance and resilience in sailing across all its forms – from pioneering feats of exploration to legendary offshore races, prestigious yacht clubs and its most successful sailors. Today, Rolex supports the innovative future of sailing through its Title Partnership of the Rolex SailGP Championship, the world’s leading sailing series where the best sailors compete on identical supercharged F50 foiling catamarans on some of the world’s most famous stretches of water. Furthermore, Rolex is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events, from the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. Rolex also partners institutions that share the brand’s enduring commitment to sailing, including the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, New York Yacht Club, Royal Yacht Squadron, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and Royal Malta Yacht Club. Integral to this relationship are the towering figures in the sport, and Rolex honours their perpetual determination in the pursuit of excellence. From groundbreaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester to modern-day sailors who embody adaptability, teamwork and precision, its family of Testimonees includes legends Paul Cayard and Robert Scheidt, the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie, and heroes at the heart of the SailGP Championship, Hannah Mills, Tom Slingsby and Martine Grael.
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