Speed That Defies Gravity

In a world where speed and innovation converge, Rolex SailGP is redefining what it means to race on water. Forget the traditional yacht; the F50 catamaran is a precision machine that represents engineering taken to its absolute limit. These vessels are designed to fly above the surface — and they do, reaching speeds that defy logic and exceeding 100 kilometers per hour.

The championship visits some of the world’s most iconic cities, carrying the drama and passion of elite sailing to every corner of the globe. From the vibrant energy of Dubai to the singular atmospheres of Auckland and Sydney, and onward to the shores of Los Angeles and San Francisco, each venue delivers an experience unto itself. The next event on the Rolex SailGP 2025 calendar is the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, scheduled for July 19 and 20, 2025, in the port of Plymouth, England — the seventh of twelve stops in the season.

How is such a feat possible? The answer lies in cutting-edge engineering and the mastery of the crews. With no engine, the F50 is driven entirely by wind, seamanship, and the laws of physics. Inverted hydrofoils — underwater wings — generate lift that raises the hull clear of the surface, all but eliminating drag. The result is a sailing experience that reads like science fiction.

The Emirates Great Britain SailGP team races at the edge of the water in a tightly contested heat.
Photographed by Ricardo Pinto / SailGP

Every detail is meticulously engineered for performance. The rigid wing — functioning as a sail — and fully integrated controls allow crews to adjust speed and heading with millimetric precision. The coordination among six sailors is essential, each with a critical role: helmsman, strategist, wing trimmer, flight controller, and grinders responsible for generating hydraulic power.

Tom Slingsby, Rolex Testimonee and CEO of Australia SailGP Team, at the helm of the F50.
Photographed by Felix Diemer for SailGP

Rolex SailGP is more than a sporting competition — it is a showcase of innovation and a testament to human ingenuity. It is the opportunity to witness technology and talent combine to produce a spectacle without equal.