Rolex has been a steadfast supporter of sailing since the late 1950s, standing alongside the most prestigious yacht clubs, legendary races and iconic regattas. Now, as the Title Partner and Official Timepiece of the Rolex SailGP Championship since the 2025 Season, Rolex continues its unwavering commitment to the sport, embracing a bold new era of innovation and high-performance competition Commenting on Rolex’s position, Rolex Testimonee Tom Slingsby, driver and CEO of the BONDS Flying Roos SailGP Team and three-time Rolex SailGP Champion, says: “What I admire most about Rolex is how they’ve maintained their legacy as a timeless brand while continuing to innovate and evolve. That philosophy mirrors the mindset we bring to the Rolex SailGP Championship, constantly refining our skills, pushing the limits of performance, and aiming to set new standards. It’s a perfect alignment of values.”
©Brett Pibbs for SailGP – Rolex Testimonee Tom Slingsby celebrates victory at the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland during the 2025 season
This season the Rolex SailGP Championship welcomes Artemis SailGP Team to the fleet, flying the flag for Sweden, increasing the total number of foiling F50 catamarans to 13, and the introduction of the championship’s first-ever athlete transfer framework. These exciting additions bring fresh perspectives and elite new talent to the league, building on the 2025 Season’s technical advancements which included the introduction of revolutionary T-shaped foils and a 27.5m wing. Together, these developments further cement the Rolex SailGP Championship as one of the most dynamic and competitive sporting leagues in the world. For leaders like Slingsby, this evolution marks a moment of recalibration, not just for the sport but for the teams vying to stay ahead. As Slingsby explains: “The introduction of the new light wind advancements on the boats means the playing field is reset, and the playbook is being re-written. Everyone is starting from scratch, and we all see this as a chance to innovate and adapt faster than the competition. It’s a challenge we’re ready for, and we’re determined to stay at the forefront. Innovation like this not only elevates the championship but keeps us as athletes excited, forcing us to constantly adapt.”
©Simon Bruty for SailGP – Rolex Testimonee and Bonds Flying Roos SailGP team driver Tom Slingsby runs across the F50 catamaran during a manoeuvre
While advancements like this drive the growth of the Rolex SailGP Championship, achievement on the water lies in the strength of leadership and team culture. In this new era of data-driven performance, success depends on harnessing technology through adaptability, skill, teamwork and precision. As Slingsby reflects: “With identical boats and open data, the real edge lies in how well a team communicates, works together and rises to challenges. We put a lot of emphasis on building a strong team culture. That starts with carefully choosing the right people both for their skills and their ability to contribute to a positive environment. In sailing, it’s about teamwork, communication and culture, those are the real performance drivers.”
©Jason Ludlow for SailGP – Rolex Testimonee Tom Slingsby races close to the shore on Lake Geneva
©Andrew Baker for SailGP – Rolex Testimonee Tom Slingsby, driver and CEO of the Bonds Flying Roos Sailgp Team
©Felix Diemer for SailGP – Rolex Testimonee Tom Slingsby leads The Bonds Flying Roos on board the Australian F50 catamaran
Since seamlessly transitioning from Olympic and America’s Cup success to driver and CEO of the BONDS Flying Roos SailGP Team, Slingsby has learnt how to balance traditional sailing instincts and skill with the high-performance, technology driven nature of the foiling F50 catamarans. A skill he has made sure to encourage among his team while building a strong sense of community. Reflecting on his team’s journey, Slingsby says: “We’re trying to create an atmosphere where people love being a part of our team and are excited to come in and work with us every day. Ultimately, it’s about building trust, fostering camaraderie, and ensuring that everyone is committed to the same goal. If we succeed in creating that culture, then we’re giving ourselves the best chance of being at the top of the podium at the end of the season.”
©Simon Bruty for SailGP – The Bonds Flying Roos SailGP team race in close quarters
Slingsby’s approach to leadership embodies the evolution of sailing itself. His ability to guide his team through complex challenges mirrors the championship’s dynamic nature, where human ingenuity plays an essential role in turning advanced tools into a competitive edge. With a level playing field and intensifying competition, this season promises thrilling battles, showcasing that the smallest margins separate victory from defeat. At the heart of it all, the Rolex SailGP Championship celebrates not only unparalleled skill but also the leadership and team dynamics that define high-performance sailing. As Fremantle, Australia prepares to host the first event of the 2026 Season from Saturday 17 to Sunday 18 January, Slingsby will be determined to see these qualities translate to victory in front of his home crowd at the inaugural Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix.
