Rolex China Sea Race 2024 – Preview

The Rolex China Sea Race is Asia’s oldest, most prestigious blue water race, charting a 565-nautical mile (1,046 kilometre) course from Hong Kong to the Philippines. Inaugurated in 1962, the event is organized by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and has been partnered by Rolex since 2008. This year marks the offshore classic’s 31st edition. Most competing yachts are Asia-based but sailors globally are enticed by the race’s towering reputation, and its underlying Corinthian spirit and traditions. Starting in Victoria Harbour, with the city’s skyline providing a dramatic backdrop, the fleet negotiates the long passage through the South China Sea to Subic Bay. Variable conditions – typically, lumpy seas and a stiff breeze in the early stages, gentle winds at the finish – present a supreme test of sailing prowess. The most coveted prize, the Rolex China Sea Race Trophy, is presented to the overall winner based on International Rating Certificate (IRC) time correction, a system of handicapping yachts for racing. The first boat to finish receives the Sunday Telegraph Trophy. Discover more https://on.rolex.com/48BBgEu Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. The Swiss watchmaker naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and the brand’s enduring partnership now encompasses the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas, as well as towering figures in the sport, including ground-breaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester and the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie. Today, Rolex is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting SailGP global championship in which n