The Australian entry Team Alive–Rampage claimed Line Honours with an elapsed time of 49h 55m 8s. Rampage's owner, Noel Chan, accepted the award on behalf of the team. He said the victory was expected, and his only regret was that he could not sail in the race: "I happened to have business on race day, but my mind was with the race the whole time and I followed the situation closely."

When asked whether the team had targeted any particular challenge for the race, Chan said the wind arrived later than expected, so they were unable to beat the single‑hull record of 47h 31m 8s set in 2016: "There was no wind approaching the finish — the wind arrived about five hours later than expected — otherwise it might have been possible to break the old record. Sailing is a combination of skill and luck." He also praised the crew for their excellent performance and correct strategy, which helped them avoid many no‑wind areas.

Chan said the team is already considering a return in two years' time. "There is a very good chance we will race with Alive again, and we might add a TP52 to compete as well, but it is too early to say for sure." Chan, whose wife attended the prize‑giving ceremony in support of him, noted that his family has been highly supportive of his racing. "My wife is very supportive, and the family supports the sport. If time permits, I will definitely race in the next edition." he added.  Chan also expressed confidence that the current record will one day be broken.

Chinese Mainland entry Seawolf won the IRC Overall on corrected time, finishing in 71h 43m 35s. This marks the first time a Chinese Mainland yacht has won the IRC Overall title in the race's history. Seawolf's owner, William Liu, said perseverance was key to the victory: "Our team has a 20‑year history in racing and has competed in the Rolex China Sea Race for 12 years. We've finished second two or three times; in the previous edition we missed the win by only six minutes. This time we finally won. There are no shortcuts in yacht racing — persistence is the most important thing."

Seawolf's skipper, Yan Yuye, said the crew encountered strong winds and equipment damage during the race, but the team's accumulated experience helped minimise the impact of mistakes: "Over the years, we've reflected on failures again and again to reduce errors."

Asked whether they would race again now that they had fulfilled their ambition by winning the IRC Overall title, Liu said: "Winning won't stop us from racing, and losing won't either. We will keep competing — that is the greatest meaning of the sport of sailing."

Photos credit: RHKYC / Takumi Photography

ABOUT ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB (RHKYC)

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is one of the oldest and largest sports clubs in Hong Kong, with a rich, colourful history that spans over 170 years of community and competitive sailing and rowing. RHKYC provides training programmes for practitioners of all abilities and ages - both members and non-members - to nurture their development, produce elite athletes capable of competing at the highest levels, and contribute to the growth and popularity of these great pastimes. The Club also organises a full calendar of high-profile local and international race events, helping place Hong Kong firmly on the global sporting map.

ROLEX AND YACHTING

Rolex celebrates human achievement, recognizing the journey marked by milestones and emotions that culminates in defining moments – determined by a path followed, not just a trophy. Since the late 1950s, Rolex has championed perseverance and resilience in yachting across all its forms – from prestigious yacht clubs to pioneering feats of exploration, legendary offshore races, and its most successful sailors. Today, the Swiss watchmaker supports the innovative future of sailing through its Title Partnership of the Rolex SailGP Championship, the world's leading sailing league where the best athletes compete on identical supercharged foiling F50 catamarans on some of the world's most famous stretches of water. Furthermore, the brand is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events, from 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. Rolex also partners institutions that share its enduring commitment to sailing, including the New York Yacht Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Royal Yacht Squadron, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and Royal Malta Yacht Club. Integral to this relationship are the towering figures in the sport and Rolex honours their unrelenting determination in the pursuit of excellence. From groundbreaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester to modern-day sailors, Rolex celebrates the individuals who embody adaptability, teamwork and precision. The Rolex family of Testimonees includes legends Paul Cayard and Robert Scheidt, the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie, and the heroes at the heart of the Rolex SailGP Championship, Hannah Mills, Tom Slingsby and Martine Grael.

ABOUT ROLEX

AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND EXPERTISE

Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva, the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Perpetual watches are certified by COSC, then tested in-house for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organization. The word 'Perpetual' is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company's vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 600 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland, the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components. A fifth site, also in Switzerland, is under construction and is expected to open in 2029. Rolex carries out its own manufacturing operations, from casting the gold alloys to machining, crafting, assembling and finishing the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport, and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.

Seawolf takes IRC Overall in the 2026 Rolex China Sea Race

In one of the fastest and most demanding editions of the Rolex China Sea Race, Seawolf secured a historic triumph, finishing on Friday at 21:30:20 and winning IRC Overall on a corrected time of 71h 43m 35s. This marks the first time a Chinese Mainland yacht has won the IRC Overall title in the race's history.

Competing for the fifth time, Seawolf has steadily improved, including an IRC Overall second place in 2024. Skipper Yan Yu Ye reflected on the breakthrough, saying: "We've always believed we could win. After five attempts, each with lessons learned, this victory means a lot. The conditions were tough with strong winds and some damage, but we were lucky to have a steady breeze most of the way. Only near the finish did we fall into a wind hole, but the team pulled through."

Navigator Campbell Murray Field highlighted the team's preparation and diverse crew: "We had a multinational team that worked well together. We studied the course, set a clear strategy, and mostly stuck to it. The final approach required a few adjustments, which was frustrating after a fast crossing, but nothing caught us off guard."

IRC Overall second place went to Franco Cutrupia's Solaris 60 Fenice in their debut in the Rolex China Sea Race. "This was our first China Sea Race and it was very interesting.  There were many boats and a truly international crew, which made us excited. Above all, we had fun: the wind was good, everyone was safe, and there were no major damage."

IRC Overall third place was grabbed by Stefan Filip's Neo 400+, Neo One, improving on their strong 2024 performance. Navigator Cameron Ferguson described their crossing as: "It was an awesome trip down — a fast blast reaching across the China Sea, so it was really fast and furious. Getting out of the harbour was a bit slow — you fight to get out of there. Once we settled in it built up to about 20 to 30 knots, gusting at times. A pretty straightforward crossing, to be honest."

Double–handed honours went to Sun Fast 3600 Zesst (Henning Mueller / Adrian Stromski), finishing as the only boat in their division and taking an impressive IRC fourth overall.

Henning was delighted to record the fastest elapsed time as a double–handed entry. He said, "We went into the race with confidence — Adrian and I have sailed double–handed in Hong Kong for many years. Although we planned to rely on the autopilot, we ended up hand–steering almost the entire time. The autopilot struggled in the waves and wasn't set up for such conditions, so one of us had to be on the helm and mainsheet constantly. It was exhausting, but we managed it together."

The race also celebrated it's first–ever solo finisher, Tiger Mok aboard 2 Easy, who finished the 565nm crossing on his own in 3 days 6 hrs 30 mins.

"To be the first person to race the Rolex China Sea Race solo is really unique. This race is tough enough double–handed; doing it single–handed this edition wasn't easy but it exceeded my expectations. Things aligned and I made it. It's very hard but achievable. I'm glad I made that decision six months ago.

The mental challenge was the biggest. Physically it was manageable because I tried to be safe and take small steps — doing things one at a time before the weather hit. But mentally it was really stressful: the weather and unexpected gear malfunctions always seem to happen during a race, no matter how much you test. You fix something and then you wonder what will fail next. That keeps your head racing.

When I saw the finish line approaching, it felt unreal. Logically I knew I could do it, but emotionally it was a mix — I'm still processing it."

The 2026 Rolex China Sea Race delivered three days of dynamic offshore competition as twenty yachts set off from Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour on 4 March, embarking on the iconic 565 nautical mile passage to Subic Bay, Philippines. Throughout the race, yachts reported sustained winds of 25–28 knots with gusts reaching 30 knots, accompanied by big sea conditions that contributed to one of the fastest editions in recent memory.

Australian yacht entry Team Alive-Rampage with skippers Philip Turner and Noel Chan crossed the finish line in Subic Bay at 13:15:46 on 6 March, claiming Line Honours with an impressive elapsed time of 49 hours, 55 minutes, 46 seconds—just shy of surpassing their long–standing 2016 record.

In IRC Division 0, William Liu's Seawolf, Stefan Filip's Neo One and Hie Hua's Happy Go secured the podium positions after a highly competitive crossing. IRC Division 1 was topped by Henning Mueller's Zesst, followed by Johnson Yuen's Zoe's Guard and Fraser and Glenn Smith's Wild Card. In the IRC Premier Division, Franco Cutrupia's Fenice claimed first place, ahead of Peter Churchhouse's Moonblue 2 and Tom Attenborough's Parnassus.

In the double–handed and PHS divisions, victories went to Henning Mueller's Zesst and Bradly Wilkins' Blowers Daughter, respectively.

Race Chairman Hugues de Saint Germain said: "I think the event was a great success and very well organised by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. Although three boats retired, all remaining boats finished within two to three days — much faster than in previous years. We're very pleased that moving the race forward by a month delivered the improved conditions we hoped for."

Several teams praised the conditions, calling this the fastest China Sea Race they had ever experienced. Veteran sailor and Moonblue 2 owner Peter Churchouse remarked, "I've been doing this race since 1982 — for so many years. I think this is the fastest race we've ever done."

The physical and mental demands of the race were felt across the fleet, as described by Zoe's Guard skipper Johnson Yuen: "This race was tough for us—it really made me question why I put myself through this kind of suffering. But I'm looking forward to joining more offshore races in the future."

Olympic gold medallist Lijia Xu (Lily), racing aboard Happy Go in her first Rolex China Sea Race, shared her aspiration: "I also have a small dream for the future — to form an all–women's team and come back to compete in the Rolex China Sea Race."

Photos credit: ROLEX / Andrea Francolini

ABOUT ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB (RHKYC)

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is one of the oldest and largest sports clubs in Hong Kong, with a rich, colourful history that spans over 170 years of community and competitive sailing and rowing. RHKYC provides training programmes for practitioners of all abilities and ages - both members and non-members - to nurture their development, produce elite athletes capable of competing at the highest levels, and contribute to the growth and popularity of these great pastimes. The Club also organises a full calendar of high-profile local and international race events, helping place Hong Kong firmly on the global sporting map.

ROLEX AND YACHTING

Rolex celebrates human achievement, recognizing the journey marked by milestones and emotions that culminates in defining moments – determined by a path followed, not just a trophy. Since the late 1950s, Rolex has championed perseverance and resilience in yachting across all its forms – from prestigious yacht clubs to pioneering feats of exploration, legendary offshore races, and its most successful sailors. Today, the Swiss watchmaker supports the innovative future of sailing through its Title Partnership of the Rolex SailGP Championship, the world's leading sailing league where the best athletes compete on identical supercharged foiling F50 catamarans on some of the world's most famous stretches of water. Furthermore, the brand is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events, from 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. Rolex also partners institutions that share its enduring commitment to sailing, including the New York Yacht Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Royal Yacht Squadron, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and Royal Malta Yacht Club. Integral to this relationship are the towering figures in the sport and Rolex honours their unrelenting determination in the pursuit of excellence. From groundbreaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester to modern-day sailors, Rolex celebrates the individuals who embody adaptability, teamwork and precision. The Rolex family of Testimonees includes legends Paul Cayard and Robert Scheidt, the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie, and the heroes at the heart of the Rolex SailGP Championship, Hannah Mills, Tom Slingsby and Martine Grael.

ABOUT ROLEX

AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND EXPERTISE

Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva, the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Perpetual watches are certified by COSC, then tested in-house for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organization. The word 'Perpetual' is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company's vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 600 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland, the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components. A fifth site, also in Switzerland, is under construction and is expected to open in 2029. Rolex carries out its own manufacturing operations, from casting the gold alloys to machining, crafting, assembling and finishing the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport, and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.

It was a tense and exciting morning for race followers, as all eyes were on Team Alive–Rampage to see whether they could challenge their own long‑standing race record set in 2016. The team had led the fleet on the water since departing Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour on Wednesday 4 March, pushing hard along the southernmost section of the rhumb line and building a commanding 20 nm lead over Centennial V.

The China Sea Race is renowned for its tactical complexity. As the leaders approached Subic Bay, the prevailing northeasterly breeze often bends around the northern tip of Luzon, creating an area of lighter, more unstable winds. Once again, the front‑runners found themselves navigating this notorious "Luzon Hole", where many promising record attempts have slowed in previous years.

Despite their strong early pace, Team Alive–Rampage eventually crossed the finish line at 13:15:57 on Friday 6 March, recording an elapsed time of 49 hours 55 minutes 57 seconds — fast enough for a decisive Line Honours victory, but just short of eclipsing their 2016 benchmark.

Matt Humphries, technician on board Team Alive–Rampage, said that although they finished 18nm short of breaking the race record, the team was still very pleased with their performance.

"We wanted to bank a little bit of a southerly route to make sure we didn't fall into a bad transition or a hole coming into Subic Bay. That part actually went very well for us — we didn't have to sail upwind at the end. The boys pushed extremely hard; they fought for every mile and every minute. They were on fire, making sure we secured Line Honours and delivered a strong result."

Australian skipper Duncan Hine echoed Humphries's satisfaction with how the race unfolded: "We had a lot of fun. You set out a plan, you work through it, and we basically drove the boat like we stole it." Hine also spoke highly of the collaboration between Alive and Rampage: "The culture between the two teams has been phenomenal. We've thoroughly enjoyed this venture. It was something completely new — this is the first time Alive has ever had another team involved in the programme. And looking ahead, I can't see why we couldn't do it again with Rampage, or even with another team."

Second to cross the line was Standard Insurance Centennial V, Ernesto Echauz's Reichel/Pugh 75 and the 2023 Line Honours winner. Choosing a route closer to the coast to take advantage of the developing sea breeze, she finished at 15:43:48 on Friday 6 March.

Echauz praised the decision to bring the race forward, calling it an excellent move. "It was a very good race—an excellent race. The wind was strong, and we finished in just a little over two days, which is really very fast. There were only about two hours where we didn't move, or moved very slowly, but after that everything was fine from start to finish. So it was a good thing the race was moved to March, when the wind conditions are much better. Fantastic."

As Centennial V and Team Alive–Rampage celebrated their arrivals, the battle further offshore intensified. The defending Line Honours and IRC Overall champion, the TP52 Happy Go, was locked in a dramatic, neck‑and‑neck duel with fellow TP52 Standard Insurance Centennial VII. The two boats traded the lead repeatedly, but in the final two hours Happy Go found an extra gear, ultimately edging out Centennial VII by 41 minutes at the finish.

With the front of the fleet now safely ashore, attention shifts to the battle for IRC Division 0 and IRC Overall Honours — where Seawolf remains the boat everyone is watching.

In IRC Division 1, both Zesst and Zoe's Guard continue to deliver strong performances, trading pressure throughout the race. Meanwhile, in the IRC Premier Division, Fenice has been steadily gaining ground, while Lisa Elaine continues to sail impressively and hold her position among the leaders.

Race action is being tracked by Yellowbrick Tracking https://yb.tl/rolexchinasea2026  and is being shown live at www.rolexchinasearace.com – the Race can also be followed on the YB Race Viewer App.

For more information about Rolex China Sea Race 2026, please visit www.rolexchinasearace.com.

Photos credit: ROLEX / Andrea Francolin

ABOUT ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB (RHKYC)

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is one of the oldest and largest sports clubs in Hong Kong, with a rich, colourful history that spans over 170 years of community and competitive sailing and rowing. RHKYC provides training programmes for practitioners of all abilities and ages - both members and non-members - to nurture their development, produce elite athletes capable of competing at the highest levels, and contribute to the growth and popularity of these great pastimes. The Club also organises a full calendar of high-profile local and international race events, helping place Hong Kong firmly on the global sporting map.

ROLEX AND YACHTING

Rolex celebrates human achievement, recognizing the journey marked by milestones and emotions that culminates in defining moments – determined by a path followed, not just a trophy. Since the late 1950s, Rolex has championed perseverance and resilience in yachting across all its forms – from prestigious yacht clubs to pioneering feats of exploration, legendary offshore races, and its most successful sailors. Today, the Swiss watchmaker supports the innovative future of sailing through its Title Partnership of the Rolex SailGP Championship, the world's leading sailing league where the best athletes compete on identical supercharged foiling F50 catamarans on some of the world's most famous stretches of water. Furthermore, the brand is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events, from 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. Rolex also partners institutions that share its enduring commitment to sailing, including the New York Yacht Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Royal Yacht Squadron, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and Royal Malta Yacht Club. Integral to this relationship are the towering figures in the sport and Rolex honours their unrelenting determination in the pursuit of excellence. From groundbreaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester to modern-day sailors, Rolex celebrates the individuals who embody adaptability, teamwork and precision. The Rolex family of Testimonees includes legends Paul Cayard and Robert Scheidt, the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie, and the heroes at the heart of the Rolex SailGP Championship, Hannah Mills, Tom Slingsby and Martine Grael.

ABOUT ROLEX

AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND EXPERTISE

Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva, the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Perpetual watches are certified by COSC, then tested in-house for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organization. The word 'Perpetual' is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company's vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 600 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland, the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components. A fifth site, also in Switzerland, is under construction and is expected to open in 2029. Rolex carries out its own manufacturing operations, from casting the gold alloys to machining, crafting, assembling and finishing the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport, and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.

It was a tough night for some entries. The double‑handed team on Juice retired due to equipment malfunction, while PHS entry Jibulai later withdrew after suffering a broken mainsail. 

Moonblue 2 on the other hand reported "a big night, charging through the oil rigs and ripping off roughly 170nm", with the crew in high spirits.

For the first ever single‑handed entry, Tiger Mok aboard 2 Easy successfully completed his first night at sea: "Survived the first evening — great to see the sunset and never felt this happy and special to see the sunrise. We've got 20 to 25kts right now, boat is going okay. I had a little autopilot malfunction last night — a sail tie caught the autohelm, blew a fuse, but it's working again. I hope the autopilot will be nice to me. I've been very gentle with it, not pushing too hard."

By morning, winds eased to around 18kts, with 1.5 to 2m waves, offering the fleet a brief window to reset, regroup, and enjoy a well‑earned breakfast.

But the respite didn't last long — by afternoon, winds built again, with a tired crew aboard Parnassus reporting 25 to 27kts.

Team Alive–Rampage have taken the southernmost rhumb line, aiming to avoid a patch of adverse current that could threaten their bid to break the race record. By 2000 HKT they had logged 420nm and were charging toward Subic at 15kts, holding a 25nm lead over Standard Insurance Centennial V.

The two TP52s — Standard Insurance Centennial VII and Happy Go — remain locked in close quarters, sticking nearer the rhumb line and continuing an intense match‑racing duel with only a few miles between them.

Meanwhile, in the battle for IRC Overall, Seawolf is putting on a commanding performance and remains well‑positioned to challenge for their first overall victory.

Race action is being tracked by Yellowbrick Tracking https://yb.tl/rolexchinasea2026  and is being shown live at www.rolexchinasearace.com – the Race can also be followed on the YB Race Viewer App.

For more information about Rolex China Sea Race 2026, please visit www.rolexchinasearace.com.

Photos credit: ROLEX / Andrea Francolin

ABOUT ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB (RHKYC)

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is one of the oldest and largest sports clubs in Hong Kong, with a rich, colourful history that spans over 170 years of community and competitive sailing and rowing. RHKYC provides training programmes for practitioners of all abilities and ages - both members and non-members - to nurture their development, produce elite athletes capable of competing at the highest levels, and contribute to the growth and popularity of these great pastimes. The Club also organises a full calendar of high-profile local and international race events, helping place Hong Kong firmly on the global sporting map.

ROLEX AND YACHTING

Rolex celebrates human achievement, recognizing the journey marked by milestones and emotions that culminates in defining moments – determined by a path followed, not just a trophy. Since the late 1950s, Rolex has championed perseverance and resilience in yachting across all its forms – from prestigious yacht clubs to pioneering feats of exploration, legendary offshore races, and its most successful sailors. Today, the Swiss watchmaker supports the innovative future of sailing through its Title Partnership of the Rolex SailGP Championship, the world's leading sailing league where the best athletes compete on identical supercharged foiling F50 catamarans on some of the world's most famous stretches of water. Furthermore, the brand is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events, from 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. Rolex also partners institutions that share its enduring commitment to sailing, including the New York Yacht Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Royal Yacht Squadron, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and Royal Malta Yacht Club. Integral to this relationship are the towering figures in the sport and Rolex honours their unrelenting determination in the pursuit of excellence. From groundbreaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester to modern-day sailors, Rolex celebrates the individuals who embody adaptability, teamwork and precision. The Rolex family of Testimonees includes legends Paul Cayard and Robert Scheidt, the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie, and the heroes at the heart of the Rolex SailGP Championship, Hannah Mills, Tom Slingsby and Martine Grael.

ABOUT ROLEX

AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND EXPERTISE

Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva, the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Perpetual watches are certified by COSC, then tested in-house for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organization. The word 'Perpetual' is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company's vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 600 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland, the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components. A fifth site, also in Switzerland, is under construction and is expected to open in 2029. Rolex carries out its own manufacturing operations, from casting the gold alloys to machining, crafting, assembling and finishing the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport, and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.

Rolex, the event's esteemed title sponsor since 2008, shares a longstanding partnership with RHKYC, one of the world's oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs. This relationship forms a cornerstone of Rolex's nearly 70-year association with yachting.

This year's lineup features entries from all over the world, including: Team Alive–Rampage from Australia, Seawolf from the Chinese Mainland, and two teams from the Philippines — Standard Insurance Centennial V and Standard Insurance Centennial VII. Notably, this year marks the first single‑handed entry, 2 Easy.

Among the returning challengers is Happy Go, 2024's double-title winner, having claimed both Line Honours and IRC overall. Led by owner Nie Hua, includes Olympic gold medallist and 2012 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year, Lijia Xu (Lily) as helmsman. Having undergone significant maintenance and upgrades on the TP52, the team is eager to defend their titles and excel in the face of stiff competition. "Winning double in the last edition was unforgettable, but now we're focused on giving our very best, "said Nie. Xu, racing in the event for the first time, emphasizes her tactical role on board and hopes to guide the team skillfully through challenging, light-wind conditions.

The Australian contender, Team Alive–Rampage combines two leading crews aboard the Reichel/Pugh 66, Alive. Skippered by Duncan Hine and supported by Rampage owner Noel Chan, the team seeks to repeat Alive's 2016 feat, when they set the enduring monohull race record of 47 hours, 31 minutes and 8 seconds, which still stands today.

Filipino sailing legend Ernesto Echauz returns for his fourteenth China Sea Race, leading Standard Insurance Centennial V - the 2023 Line Honours winner and the first Philippine entry to achieve this milestone. With all crew members drawn from the Philippine national team, Echauz credits their consistent success to teamwork and has championed greater inclusion of women in key sailing roles.

Making a groundbreaking solo run, Tiger Mok will helm 2 Easy, becoming the first competitor to enter the Rolex China Sea Race single-handed.  Mok, who previously raced as part of a team, described solo racing as "akin to running a start-up—every problem is yours alone." His goal this year: simply finish the demanding race, balancing intense racing with essential rest.

In his welcome address, Commodore of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Adrian Pang celebrated the race's storied legacy: "We extend our sincere gratitude to Rolex for their unwavering support, which has made this event a pillar of international sailing. It is a privilege to host Asia's first Rolex-sponsored sailing competition." Pang also welcomed new official partner, Nautor Swan, underscoring the event's growing prestige and Hong Kong's commitment to hosting major sporting events.

Rolex China Sea Race 2026 Chairman Hugues de Saint Germain echoed this appreciation: "While the course remains unchanged, each edition brings fresh challenges—from fishing nets and commercial traffic to the infamous Luzon Hole. It's a true test of endurance, strategy, and seamanship." He also thanked the organizing committee, safety officials, club staff, and participants for their dedication.

The race will see entrants compete for two prestigious trophies: the Rolex China Sea Race Trophy, awarded to the overall IRC winner on corrected time, and the Sunday Telegraph Trophy, for the first yacht to finish in real time (Line Honours). Winners in both categories will also receive a coveted Rolex timepiece.

For more information about Rolex China Sea Race 2026, please visit www.rolexchinasearace.com.

ABOUT ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB (RHKYC)

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is one of the oldest and largest sports clubs in Hong Kong, with a rich, colourful history that spans over 170 years of community and competitive sailing and rowing. RHKYC provides training programmes for practitioners of all abilities and ages - both members and non-members - to nurture their development, produce elite athletes capable of competing at the highest levels, and contribute to the growth and popularity of these great pastimes. The Club also organises a full calendar of high-profile local and international race events, helping place Hong Kong firmly on the global sporting map.

ROLEX AND YACHTING

Rolex celebrates human achievement, recognizing the journey marked by milestones and emotions that culminates in defining moments – determined by a path followed, not just a trophy. Since the late 1950s, Rolex has championed perseverance and resilience in yachting across all its forms – from prestigious yacht clubs to pioneering feats of exploration, legendary offshore races, and its most successful sailors. Today, the Swiss watchmaker supports the innovative future of sailing through its Title Partnership of the Rolex SailGP Championship, the world's leading sailing league where the best athletes compete on identical supercharged foiling F50 catamarans on some of the world's most famous stretches of water. Furthermore, the brand is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events, from 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. Rolex also partners institutions that share its enduring commitment to sailing, including the New York Yacht Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Royal Yacht Squadron, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and Royal Malta Yacht Club. Integral to this relationship are the towering figures in the sport and Rolex honours their unrelenting determination in the pursuit of excellence. From groundbreaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester to modern-day sailors, Rolex celebrates the individuals who embody adaptability, teamwork and precision. The Rolex family of Testimonees includes legends Paul Cayard and Robert Scheidt, the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie, and the heroes at the heart of the Rolex SailGP Championship, Hannah Mills, Tom Slingsby and Martine Grael.

ABOUT ROLEX

AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND EXPERTISE

Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva, the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Perpetual watches are certified by COSC, then tested in-house for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organization. The word 'Perpetual' is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company's vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 600 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland, the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components. A fifth site, also in Switzerland, is under construction and is expected to open in 2029. Rolex carries out its own manufacturing operations, from casting the gold alloys to machining, crafting, assembling and finishing the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport, and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.

Photos credit: ©Rolex/Andrea Francolini