The Rolex SailGP Championship
Redefining competitive sailing
Rolex has been synonymous with the world’s most iconic sports for almost a century, including a decades-long partnership with competitive yachting at the highest level. Here in St. Thomas, sailing is a way of life, with excellent conditions and true Caribbean charm on hand for all who take to the water. As the only Official Rolex Jeweler in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, AH Riise is proud to be associated with Rolex’s support for the world of sailing. This long-term commitment extends to the exciting SailGP Championship, which has been proudly supported by Rolex since its inauguration in 2019.
Ultralight aerodynamic catamarans. Spectacular races on the seas across five continents. A unique experience for the public. The Rolex SailGP Championship, with Rolex as Title Partner and Official Timepiece, has revolutionized yacht racing and propelled competitive sailing into the future.
Published on September 4, 2025
The fastest fleet in history
Twelve crews comprising the most talented of sailors. Identical catamarans, with foils and a rigid wingsail. Capable of rising above the waves to reach speeds of 50 knots, almost 100 km/h, they go head-to-head in rounds of no more than 15 minutes each. The Rolex SailGP Championship is redefining the world of competitive sailing with cutting-edge boats that deliver exceptional performance. These veritable flying yachts bear the flags of the nations they represent and make up the fastest fleet in history.
Spectacular competition
First held in 2019, the Rolex SailGP Championship has established itself as the most thrilling competition in the world of sailing and invigorates each season with new events. Now, a dozen races around the world are held throughout the year: San Francisco, Dubai, Auckland, Portsmouth, and even all the way to the shores of Lake Geneva. At each Grand Prix, the championship offers a spectacular show in front of huge grandstands, providing spectators with an exclusive experience.
At the heart of the Rolex SailGP Championship with Rolex Testimonees
Hannah Mills, a champion on and off the water
Two-time Rolex World Sailor of the Year Hannah Mills is now a strategist for the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team. Also a two-time 470 world champion, the Welsh skipper is one of the most decorated women in Olympic sailing history with a pair of gold medals and one silver. A SailGP ambassador for sustainable development, she is also highly committed to the inclusion of women in sailing.
Tom Slingsby, a master of many classes
A 2012 Olympic Games gold medallist, Tom Slingsby is also a three-time Rolex Sailor of the Year awardee. He has also won the Rolex SailGP Championship three times as the helmsman and chief executive officer of Team Australia. The talented yachtsman brought home 10 world championship titles across multiple categories. The Australian was also a member of Oracle Team USA that held aloft the America’s Cup in 2013. Moreover, he stood at the helm of line-honors winning crews in real time at the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
Martine Grael, a born skipper
In 2025, Martine Grael made history by becoming the first helmswoman of the Rolex SailGP Championship with the new Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team. The Brazilian sailor was only 22 years old when named Rolex World Sailor of the Year in 2014. Two years later in Rio, she won the first of two Olympic gold medals in the 49er FX class, with the other one following in Tokyo in 2021. She also took part in the Volvo Ocean Race 2017-2018, an offshore competition that established her as one of the world’s most accomplished sailors.
Rolex and Sailing at AH Riise
The teamwork, precision and innovative technology that powers competitive yachting is brought to life in our Rolex boutique in historic Charlotte Amalie. As soon as you enter our doors, you will be immersed in intimate, nautical charm, with walls made of handmade bricks that were used as ballast aboard Danish ships in the 1800s, yachting photography and Rolex-designed relief artworks that celebrate the beauty of sailing. Our Rolex Specialists are on hand to offer a warm welcome and expert guidance as you discover a world of Rolex right here in St. Thomas.
The Rolex Yacht-Master collection
