The elemental basis of compound inspiration lies in the capacity of being able to pursue a higher purpose. Rolex throughout history has understood the significance of human achievements and the imperative value of our choices. Sailing is an art that allows the human spirit to sense the ability of the ocean to gently caress while simultaneously being able to consume the vessel without so much as a trace being left behind. This extraordinary connection between the ocean and mankind goes back to an epoch when life itself was created. Sailors have been gliding across the waters for many thousands of years now and over the years have developed this into a competitive regatta that tests the competence of determination and the character of a sailor. Rolex has been supporting numerous, world class sailing events across the planet that aims to improve the sport and aid the sailors in realizing their ambition, of becoming the best there ever was. The Rolex Commodores’ Cup is one of the many endeavours by Rolex to promote the sport of sailing. An IRC recognised event the Rolex Commodores’ Cup was first held in 1992 and is a competition between three-boat national teams. This international regatta is held with the patronage of Rolex in close collaboration with the Royal Ocean Racing Club.

The Rolex Commodores’ Cup is a biennial racing tournament that takes place over a period of seven days at Cowes in the Isle of Wright. The Rolex Commodores’ Cup is designed in such a manner that it tests the teams competing in a string of competitive events that are held on offshore and in-shore courses. All the team challenges have to be endorsed by the Members National Authorities while the crew on each boat is subject to strict regulation on the aspects of nationality and the number of professionals onboard the boat. Held from the 29^th of June to the 6^th of July 2008, the Rolex Commodores’ Cup saw a total of 15 international teams participating in this prestigious face off. Pelted by the hard rain and braving strong gusts of 30 knot wind, the sailors fought hard battle to emerge on top. The immensely talented Peter Rutters battled the low visibility and the tough competition to win his fifth title of the Rolex Commodores’ Cup. The 30 knot gale force winds compelled 5 boats to opt out of the race, though the worst affected was the small boat from Netherlands by the name of Slainte that got dismasted. Gery Trentesaux the defending champion’s racing chance was cut short after the boat he was on had a total gear failure. The Great Britain (GBR) Red Team held strong and fought the rough conditions to victory, stunning the toughest competitors as well as the spectators who had lined up to watch this international regatta. At the end of the event a prize distribution ceremony was held at the Royal Yacht Club in the evening where the winning members of GBR Red Team were felicitated and given the Rolex Commodores’ Cup along with steel and gold Rolex Submariner chronometers.

Rolex will be back to support the next Rolex Commodores’ Cup that is to be held in 2010 and is expected to attract, a lot of highly skilled teams take part in this premier racing event.

Tags: Cowes, Gery Trentesaux, Isle of Wright, Peter Rutters, rolex, Rolex Commodores’ Cup

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 18th, 2009 at 6:47 am and is filed under Historical Beginings, Rolex Culture, Rolex Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.