Rolex Renews Title Sponsorship of World Sailor of the Year
On November 17, World Sailing announced the renewal of its sponsorship agreement with the world's largest luxury watch manufacturer Rolex for the World Sailor of the Year award, with Rolex continuing as the title sponsor.
Established in 1994, the World Sailor of the Year award is recognized as the highest honor for sailors and has been titled by Rolex since 2001. The 2025 World Sailing Awards ceremony was held on November 5, 2025, in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland.
The award recognizes outstanding achievements by sailors across all sailing disciplines, from inshore to offshore, from dinghies to multihulls. The winners in the male and female categories are selected by a panel of experts and the public, and are announced at the annual World Sailing Awards ceremony. Winners receive a unique trophy and a Rolex watch engraved with a special inscription.
World Sailing CEO David Graham said: "We are delighted to continue our partnership. Rolex shares our values of excellence, performance, and the spirit of sailing. This extension reflects our mutual commitment to honoring the top athletes in the sport. This long-term support will elevate the prestige of the Rolex World Sailor of the Year award and inspire the next generation of sailors."
Above: 2025 Rolex World Sailor of the Year winner Charlie Dalin
World Sailing is the global governing body for the sport of sailing, officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It is responsible for promoting sailing internationally, managing the Olympic sailing program, setting the rules for sailing competitions, and training judges, umpires, and other officials.
Rolex's association with sailing began sixty years ago. Today, Rolex's long-standing relationship with the sport encompasses numerous events and top clubs.
Currently, Rolex is the title sponsor of 15 international sailing events, ranging from premier offshore races like the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix events such as the Rolex TP52 World Championship, and spectacular regattas like the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. Additionally, Rolex supports the SailGP global championship.
Rolex has partnerships with organizations including the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, the New York Yacht Club, the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the Royal Malta Yacht Club, the Royal Yacht Squadron, and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.
| Source: Official press release
| Image source: Official press release, Rolex website
| Editor: Esther