Rolex TP52
The annual Rolex TP52 World Championship represents the top tier of monohull grand prix sailing. Held as the pinnacle event of the 52 SUPER SERIES, of which Rolex is also Official Timepiece, the regatta is one of the most revered in the sport.
Success is highly coveted. Emerging triumphant at the end of the exacting week-long competition is considered an exceptional accomplishment and a source of immense pride for the victorious crew.
The 2025 edition will serve to reinforce Rolex’s commitment to celebrating achievement. The showpiece has been supported by the Swiss watchmaker since 2017 and the partnership forms part of a wider relationship with yachting that began almost 70 years ago.
This year’s world championship takes place across a maximum of ten races over five days from 2 July. For the third time in a decade, the host is Clube Naval de Cascais, Portugal, one of several impressive yacht clubs that form the foundation of Rolex’s privileged partnership with the sport.
Crews representing a broad spread of nations, including France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States, will contest the title. Each is highly competitive, led by skilled, committed owners and comprised of leading professional sailing talent. It is common for a high percentage of teams to win races and for the championship to be decided in the final stages of the very last race.
Rolex Testimonee and three-time Rolex World Sailor of the Year Tom Slingsby has twice competed in the regatta and knows from first-hand experience how difficult it is to win:
“At the Rolex TP52 World Championship you can’t leave anything to chance. The fleet is razor-sharp and the margins between success and failure are tiny. To win overall, you need to achieve a high level of consistency throughout the regatta series. This takes discipline and resilience. There is little room for an off race, let alone day. It is the kind of racing I love — intense, close and brutally honest. If you want to win this championship, you have got to be on it every second.”
