The Rolex Giraglia Returns for 69th Edition

For almost 70 years, the eight-day yacht racing event has ignited enthusiasm in the sport of sailing. Gaining reputable international standing and growing on its decades of tradition, the Rolex Giraglia affirms its status once again this year as the celebrated veteran of sailing events.

Luxury Swiss watchmaker and event partners of the Giraglia race since 1998, Rolex continue its support for 2022, praising the continuity and traditions that the event upkeeps year-on-year. Long-standing Rolex partner, the Yacht Club Italiano (YCI) are co-founding the 2022 event, with support from the Société Nautique de Saint Tropez.

Founded in 1953, the first Giraglia was created to unite the French and Italian sailing communities after the devastation of World War Two, and to this day it still retains the same ‘Franco-Italian spirit’. 

Robert Scheidt, Olympian, acclaimed sailor, and previous Rolex Giraglia competitor, commented: ‘The Rolex Giraglia is one of the oldest and most respected events in the Mediterranean, where professionals and Corinthians share the start line. This happens in very few other sports and the Rolex Giraglia embodies this rare opportunity. The organisers are extremely hospitable to overseas crews and the whole event is underpinned by the commitment and passion of all competitors.’

Growing annually, the event attracts over 200 yachts from more than 25 countries, who compete around the picturesque French and Italian coastlines. An arrival race from Italy welcomes the start of the eight-day event, with the Giraglia’s notorious three-day inshore races taking place soon after off of the coast of Saint-Tropez.

The most prominent race of the Rolex Giraglia is the 241nm offshore race from Saint Tropez to Genoa. The race passes the iconic Giraglia rock which marks a satisfying symbol to the competitors. Robert Scheidt commented: ‘the Rolex Giraglia has an iconic landmark, the Giraglia rock. Rounding it in daylight or at night is always a significant and special moment.’ This year, the legendary 241nm offshore race will take place on the 15th June, often taking more than 24 hours for sailors to complete. 

With eight days of yacht racing just around the corner, we are certainly looking forward to the start of the 2022 Rolex Giraglia.