The 78th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race got off to the usual rousing start today as 103 boats lined up in Sydney Harbour, raring to get to grips with the 628-nautical mile challenge ahead. Everyone on the water, including the traditional throng of thousands of spectators on hundreds of boats, was treated to a rotating succession of sunshine, heavy showers and rumbling thunder. In a legendary contest where nothing can ever be taken for granted, the outlook for the next two days is particularly uncertain with storms, erratic winds and even hail forecast. The ability to understand and adapt to the evolving weather systems will therefore be crucial for all competitors, which range from professional crews on 100-ft maxis to Corinthian sailors and 2-handed teams. Organised by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in conjunction with the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, Rolex has been partnering the iconic offshore race since 2002 as part of its near 70-year association with the sport of yachting. Discover more https://on.rolex.com/3NCJULt
Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. The Swiss watchmaker naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and the brand’s enduring partnership now encompasses the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas, as well as towering figures in the sport, including ground-breaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester and the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie. Today, Rolex is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races such as 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. It also supports the exciting SailGP global championship in which national teams race identical supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world’s most famous harbours. Rolex’s partnerships with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Yacht Club Italiano, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron, among others, are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.
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