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Active Living · 04 Jun 2026

Rolex TP52 World Championship Returns to Sardinia as Elite Sailing Crews Race for Glory

Rolex TP52 World Championship Returns to Sardinia as Elite Sailing Crews Race for Glory

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The world’s finest sailors prepare for one of the most prestigious events in competitive yachting, backed by Rolex’s enduring commitment to excellence

The countdown has begun for the 2026 Rolex TP52 World Championship, one of the most anticipated events on the international sailing calendar. Taking place from 15 to 20 June at the renowned Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, the championship will bring together the world’s leading grand prix sailing teams for a week of high-stakes competition where precision, performance and teamwork are tested to the limit.

As the pinnacle event of the prestigious 52 SUPER SERIES, of which Rolex serves as Official Timepiece, the Rolex TP52 World Championship has become one of the sport’s most coveted titles. Winning requires exceptional preparation, technical mastery and unwavering consistency, making victory one of sailing’s ultimate achievements.

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Rolex and Sailing: A Partnership Built on Excellence

For nearly seven decades, Rolex has maintained a close relationship with the world of sailing, supporting some of the sport’s most prestigious regattas, institutions and athletes. The championship’s return to Sardinia marks the first time the event has been hosted in Costa Smeralda since 2014, bringing together Rolex, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and the TP52 class in a shared pursuit of excellence.

The dramatic coastline and challenging conditions of north-east Sardinia provide a fitting backdrop for one of sailing’s most demanding competitions. Every race demands flawless execution as crews navigate shifting winds and tactical challenges where even the smallest mistake can determine the outcome.

Record Fleet Set to Compete

This year’s championship is expected to feature a record-breaking fleet of 15 teams, including new entries from France, Brazil, Sweden and the Netherlands.

The TP52 class remains one of the most competitive arenas in professional sailing. Designed under a strict box rule, the yachts are nearly identical in performance, ensuring races are won through skill, strategy and teamwork rather than technological advantage.

According to championship organizers, the continued growth of the fleet highlights the global appeal of grand prix monohull racing and the prestige associated with competing at the highest level.

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Margins Measured in Seconds

The Rolex TP52 World Championship consists of up to 10 races, each demanding exceptional concentration and physical endurance. In a fleet where boats race without handicaps, success often comes down to split-second decisions and marginal gains accumulated throughout the week.

Rolex Testimonee and five-time Olympic medallist Robert Scheidt describes the TP52 class as one of the most challenging environments in sailing, requiring years of preparation and deep team cohesion to achieve success.

Similarly, Rolex Testimonee and three-time Rolex World Sailor of the Year Tom Slingsby notes that consistency, discipline and resilience are essential in a fleet where the difference between victory and defeat can be measured in seconds.

A Rolex Timepiece for the Champion

Beyond the prestige of lifting one of sailing’s most respected trophies, the overall winner will receive a specially engraved Rolex timepiece, symbolising mastery, dedication and achievement at the highest level of the sport.

As the world’s best sailors prepare to battle in the turquoise waters of Sardinia, the 2026 Rolex TP52 World Championship once again reinforces the values that unite competitive sailing and Rolex: precision, perseverance and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

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