Everything you need to know about the Rolex TP52 World Championship
Jul 16, 2024
To watch the pinnacle of Monohull Grand Prix Yacht Racing, look no further than this year’s Rolex TP52 World Championship 2024 race. Olivia Bullock gives you the lowdown on the captivating race where the winning team is awarded a Rolex timepiece
For the first time ever, the Rolex TP52 World Championship 2024 will take place on the waters of Narragansett Bay in Newport, Rhode Island, United States. Running from the 15 July to 20 July, the event will be arranged by the New York Yacht club for its first competition away from European waters.
The intense competition entails elite crews from around the world racing each other in yachts known as TP52s that span an incredible 52-feet. The event brings together some of the most elite crews, making for an intense competition. This year’s race will be hosted by the New York Yacht club who were the first to organise a transatlantic race in 1866 and were integral to laying the foundations of the rules for the sport. The winning team of the championship will receive a Rolex timepiece.
Rolex has maintained a seminal relationship with the New York Yacht club for just under 70 years, its oldest in yachting. The 10-race regatta spans over five days, with 10-12 teams. A crew of 14 runs the boat, with positions as helm (owner/driver), tactician, strategist, bow, mid bow, pit, grinder, trimmer and float. Usually, all members are capable of fulfilling all positions. In an event where every second counts in every race, teamwork is vital.
Rolex has sponsored the Annual 52 Super Series since 2017 as the official timepiece. The brand has appropriately paired with the series, sharing an appreciation for precision and innovation.
“I think that the Rolex TP52 World Championship is probably the hardest class championship to win. The level of detail that goes into each boat, each sail, the crew and work, and the technology involved is at the highest level you can reach. It is really a game of fine margins, and consequently super tough to win,” says Rolex testimonee Robert Scheidt.
The fiercely competitive race presents many obstacles with changeable weather creating prevailing winds. If the crews are unable to swiftly navigate how the land impacts wind direction and strength, it could seriously hinder their performance in the competition where races are won by a mere few meters or seconds.
The event also prides itself on its commitment to sustainability. Each team is required to elect a member to act as a representative for environmental issues and is to present tangible ways their team is contributing to aid the climate crisis. This can be seen most practically through beach, harbor and foreshore clean ups. We do love green #legends.
Competition is rife at the event as it is not unusual for more than half the fleet to win at least one race. The high-level battle is a must watch with teams racing from around the world.