International fame
The Rolex Giraglia, whose 67th edition takes place from June 7 to 15, 2019, is a high-level sporting race bringing together the greatest competitors in the world of sailing in an intense and passionate team spirit.
As Nicoloò Reggio, president of the Yacht Club Italiano, co-organizer of the race with the Société Nautique de Saint Tropez, points out, "The idea is to be together and to want to participate and share a unique atmosphere. Participating in the event means being part of the history of sailing."
The symbol of the Rolex Giraglia is the rock of the same name located barely one nautical mile off the northern coast of Corsica. A legendary, uninhabited promontory, it serves as a landmark for boats.
The originality of the Rolex Giraglia lies in its format, which combines a short regatta starting from Sanremo followed by three days of coastal racing in Saint-Tropez and finally an offshore race from Monaco.
Its short distance increases the intensity, increasing the pressure on the crews to achieve their best performances in often difficult conditions.
This unmissable event in the Mediterranean nautical calendar will see a large fleet (expected to exceed 250) with a varied range of yachts, including Marie (54,9 meters), the largest yacht ever to participate in this event.
The confrontations within the fleet are regularly decided in the last miles of the race, which is a real challenge for all competitors.
Regarding this legendary race, the testimony of Robert Scheidt, known as a solo sailor, five-time Olympic medalist and twice named Rolex World Sailor of the Year, is edifying: "It's a fantastic race in an exceptional setting. The Giraglia rock, in particular, is very specialcial. A long regatta like this is a challengefi. Success depends on the entire team. There is so much work that goes into these races. Getting the boats to the starting line, preparing the sails, the mast, and theCrew. Managing the boat between day and night, ensuring everyone can rest and is fit enough to do their jobs well. It's a big project, and if you reach your potential, it's immensely satisfying. »
Rolex: A natural and supportive partnership
Rolex, a Swiss watch manufacturer based in Geneva, is renowned worldwide for its expertise and the quality of its products, designed and manufactured in-house with a constant focus on performance and reliability, guarantees of excellence, elegance and prestige. From these same values that drive the world of high-level sailing, a close relationship between Rolex and sailing was born, which has lasted since the late 50s. To date, Rolex is the Title Sponsor of 15 major international events; from major offshore races such as the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, the Rolex Middle Sea Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to the unparalleled grand prix competition of the Rolex TP52 World Championship and the spectacular encounters of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup.
Rolex's relationship with sailing is based on its association with the most prestigious yacht clubs around the world: Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Yacht Club Italiano, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (Italy), New York Yacht Club (USA) and the Royal Yacht Squadron (Cowes, UK).
Beyond the professional approach, all partners share the same values essential to the success of the discipline: camaraderie, fierce competition, dedication, commitment in a unique and unwavering spirit of friendship.
A record to beat
Among the leaders competing in this year's offshore race is George David's Rambler, who took the monohull real-time victory in the 2017 Rolex Fastnet and is a four-time Rolex Middle Sea Race real-time champion. A newcomer, he will be keeping an eye on the race record, a breathtaking time of 14 hours, 56 minutes, and 16 seconds set by the Slovenian maxi Esimit Europa 2 in 2012. Given the conditions, Rambler is more than capable of surpassing this record!
It should be noted that this year, the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM), led by its President, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II and Secretary General Bernard d'Alessandri, will host the final and most famous event of the event, the 241-nautical-mile offshore race.
The Principality of Monaco and the YCM play a major role in the Mediterranean region and constantly work to promote nautical heritage and tradition while ensuring the preservation of the maritime environment: a commitment to preserving the planet supported and shared by Rolex.
The final awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, June 15. Good luck to all participants, and we salute their excellent team spirit!
Christine Masseron
