Rolex Champs wrap

Rolex has been Title Sponsor of the Rolex TP52 World Championship since 2017 and is also Official Timepiece of the 52 SUPER SERIES, honouring those who pursue excellence on one of yachting’s most demanding stages.

Winning the championship is one of the most coveted achievements in grand prix sailing — a true test of consistency and mastery within an exceptional fleet. Every manoeuvre is executed under the highest pressure, where even the smallest error can decide the overall outcome. The 2025 edition showcased the exceptional depth of talent within the fleet. Seven races had a different winner, underscoring the competitiveness of the 10-race series.

American Magic is a worthy winner. Active in introducing young, and diverse talent to elite-level competition, the team has been a watchword for dependability over recent years. Tactician Terry Hutchinson praised his team’s focus and determination across a rigorous series:

“I could not be prouder of the entire group,” said Hutchinson.

“We were challenged all the way through this year’s Rolex TP52 World Championship. Every time we did something right, something seemed to go against us. I cannot say enough about the mental strength the team showed. They just kept pushing, no matter what.”

Carrying a two-point margin into the final race, American Magic had to dig deep to hold off Jean-Luc Petithuguenin’s Paprec. In the end, despite finishing ahead, the French crew could not get the required number of boats between it and the Americans. Hutchinson highlighted the contribution made by some of his younger crewmates in holding off the opposition:

“Winning is never easy,” he said. “We’re building something for the younger sailors onboard, and that makes today even more meaningful.

“Nothing replaces the feeling of success. It would have been so easy to lose focus on that final run, but we stayed committed. Harry (Melges/helmsman) did a great job, Lucas (Calabrese/main trimmer) was outstanding, and Sarah Stone, our navigator, made history as the first female navigator to win a Rolex TP52 World Championship.”

As a footnote, Harry Melges IV is the also youngest helmsman to win the title testifying to the mix of experience and developing talent on the United States’ boat.

At the heart of the Rolex TP52 World Championship lies the unique blend of passionate Corinthian ownership and elite professional skill. The teams representing a true coming together of dedicated owners and world-class crew. This intense collaboration, underpinned by a relentless attention to detail and a shared commitment to perfection, defines the elite-level regatta’s enduring allure.

Rolex Testimonee and three-time Rolex World Sailor of the Year Tom Slingsby, who has twice competed in the event, highlights the reasons for its standing and appeal, saying,

“I look at the Rolex TP52 World Championship as probably the best, purest, monohull racing you can do. The event really is competition at the highest level between the highly competitive owners, the best tacticians, the best strategists, the best trimmers, best bowmen.”

Australian sailor Kyle Langford, who won three SailGP championships alongside Tom Slingsby, has brought his high-speed foiling experience to the Rolex TP52 World Championship this year, racing aboard Phoenix.

Reflecting on the contrast between the two highest-level circuits, he emphasised the authenticity and finesse required in this class. “The Rolex TP52 World Championship is a pure sailor’s regatta.

“It is an authentic sailing experience. This is the highest level you can reach in monohull racing worldwide, and ranks among the top achievements in the sport. Racing at this level is all about finesse and small details. If you are a couple of metres faster, you are leading; if you are a couple of metres too slow, you are at the back. The margins are incredibly fine, and that’s what makes it so special.”

Agustín Zulueta, CEO of the 52 SUPER SERIES praised the standards set by the fleet and the benefit of the enduring partnership with Rolex, asserting, “That the Rolex TP52 World Championship is regarded the pinnacle of monohull grand prix racing is down to common goal among all stakeholders to be the very best.

“The level of commitment from the teams this week has been extraordinary, the race management has dealt brilliantly with a variety of conditions to deliver a complete series, and, our continued collaboration with Rolex remains fundamental to elevating all involved to greater heights.”

The 2025 Rolex TP52 World Championship in Cascais will be remembered as a week defined by precision execution and unparalleled teamwork. American Magic’s historic victory stands as a testament to meticulous preparation, strategic brilliance and superb leadership. With a new and valuable chapter added to the event’s rich legacy, the championship has confirmed its standing as one of the most demanding tests in sailing.

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