World Sailing announces the extension of its partnership with Rolex

Issued on behalf of: World Sailing

World Sailing, the world governing body of the sport, is delighted to announce an extension to its longstanding partnership with Rolex. The Swiss watchmaker has been the title partner of World Sailor of the Year Awards, the highest honour a sailor can receive in recognition of his/her outstanding achievements, since 2001.

Those who are nominated for the Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards demonstrate excellence, performance and accomplishment. Previous winners make up an illustrious list of the most celebrated names in the sport all whom have excelled at the highest level.

Male and female winners receive the unique marble and silver trophy depicting the globe, crowned with five silver spinnakers representing the continents, together with a Rolex timepiece.

Kim Andersen, World Sailing President, said, "Rolex has been a committed partner of World Sailing since 2001. We are thrilled to continue this long-running relationship and share our mutual passion for the sport. We thank them for their continued trust in and support of the sailing community."

David Graham, World Sailing Chief Executive Officer commented, "We are delighted with this extension. As we know, the Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards helps inspire people to fall in love with sailing, which is ultimately our task."

Due to the interruption to the sailing calendar caused by the current global pandemic, the Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards will not be presented in 2020. Success and excellence within the sailing community will next be celebrated at the 2021 World Sailing Awards.

Editors' notes:

ABOUT WORLD SAILING

World Sailing is the world governing body for the sport of sailing, officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

Founded in 1907, World Sailing's vision is for a world in which millions more people fall in love with sailing; inspired by the unique relationship between sport, technology and the forces of nature; we all work to protect the waters of the world.

World Sailing is made up of 145 Member National Authorities, the national governing bodies for sailing around the world and 119 World Sailing Class Associations.

Visit www.sailing.org or contact marketing@sailing.org to find out more.

About Rolex

An unrivalled reputation for quality and expertise

Rolex, a Swiss watch manufacture headquartered in Geneva, is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products. Its Oyster Perpetual and Cellini watches, all certified as Superlative Chronometers for their precision, performance and reliability, are symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The word "Perpetual" is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company’s vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. Rolex has registered over 500 patents in the course of its history. A truly integrated and independent manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house the essential components of its watches, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, Rolex is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.

For more information, visit www.rolex.com

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