Rolex has sponsored water sports since 1927 when its Oyster timepiece successfully survived a woman’s English Channel Swim. Ever since, Rolex has recognized and rewarded human brilliance and talent in the world of sports and especially water sports. Although the sport of sailing is now open and accessible to many; however, the Rolex Big Boat Series is only for Pros.

The grand opening is witness to five boats soaring across the start line and heading towards San Francisco while seventy-five more big boats await their turn. The Rolex Big Boat Series has now become a tradition that has 45-years of successful sailing behind it. The annual regatta invites only the finest sailors to race their largest yachts in the bay’s trying conditions. In 1964 Queen Elizabeth’s 64-foot Foxhound was invited to be part of the first race; however, since their decline many other famed Big Boat names have been part of the race.

The competition sees sailors giving the race their best over a period of four days on courses stretching from Treasure Island to the Golden Gate and beyond. This often adds up to a distance of 15 miles or more covered per race. The Bay Tour is a Sunday regatta that has a grueling 40-mile race to Point Bonita.

The most popular names on the sailing scene a decade ago were Roy Disney and Larry Ellison. Roy Disney would compete in his Pyewacket while Larry Ellison sailed in his Sayonara. The name to watch out for these days is Jim Kilroy on Samba Pa Ti. Jim Kilroy is a Los Angeles real estate developer. For accompaniment are champion professional sailors and Olympians like Robbie Hanes and Paul Cayard, who keep these royals on their toes.

In 1964, Bob “R.C.� Keefe a member of the St. Francis Yacht Club proposed that a race should be organized for all the international big boat talent and that is how the series came about. The club then created the most exquisite and expensive trophy in sterling silver, crowned with pure gold sails and the club’s flag adorned with diamonds, sapphires and rubies called the St. Francis Perpetual Trophy. Some say it was the most expensive yachting trophy in the world. However, it later had to be re-designed in 1976 when a fire turned it into a puddle of precious material. The first year saw only 10 boats in the competition but now ten times the original number sail at the competition and all vying for the perpetual trophies in six divisions.

Now the competition is ruled by the 52-foot class. These boats are international Formula One racers and cost as much as $1 million. Jim Mitchell’s bright blue Vincitore is one such example. There are some bigger boats that are part of the race like Kjeld Hestehave’s Velos which is 73 feet. There is also room for smaller boats with amateurs. Vincitore’s Jim Mitchell is a money manager with homes in Seattle and Switzerland. He races under the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron burgee and won top honors along with the St. Francis Perpetual Trophy and a specially engraved $9,450 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master. Each winning skipper in the six divisions received a $6,000 engraved Submariner as a befitting reward from Rolex.

One of the most attractive features of the Rolex Big Boat Series and a very befitting honor for every sailor is to become a proud owner of the Rolex Submariner. There is no denying the fact that primarily sailors are fascinated by the thrill of struggling with the wind to not just stay on course but also to use the same wind to pull their boats to the finishing line before anyone else can. The satisfaction that comes from putting in one’s best efforts through great coordination among crew only gets multiplied when one finally manages to beat all the odds to come out victorious. The same feeling and emotions get doubly charged up when the best of sailors come together to fight it out with unparalleled camaraderie in the Rolex Big Boat Series.

2009 Rolex Big Boat Series also witnessed similar levels of enthusiasm and the love of sailors for participating and their endurance for winning was there for all to see. After many hard fought races winners could be seen raveling in all the attention they were getting. Happiest of the lot were the winning skippers of six classes who were honored at the Rolex Trophy Ceremony on a beautiful evening with different St Francis Yacht Club Perpetual Trophies. The occasion was made more eventful as in addition to the participating sailors representing 97 boats; boat owners, their families and friends were all out in full strength to support the winners.

Zurich, Switzerland based Jim Mitchell was one of the proud winners. He is the owner of the Custom 52 Vincitore which won the IRC A class at the 2009 Rolex Big Boat Series. Significance of this event and the prestige that sailors attach to winning at the San Francisco course was amply demonstrated when Jim Mitchell mentioned the emotional moments he shared with his father at the end of the race. It was great moment to watch him holding the 1964 original silver piece St Francis Perpetual Trophy.

In fact Jim Mitchell’s boat Vincitore was the best performing IRC rated boat in the 2009 Rolex Big Boat Series and was deservingly named as the overall Rolex US-IRC National Champion. For his role Jim Mitchell was also presented with a remarkable Rolex Yacht-Master watch which added to the sense of achievement. The visibly elated Jim Mitchell has promised to come back next year to get another Rolex watch for himself.

Another notable winner of the day was Kjeld Hestehave’s 73-foot Velos who was honored with the City of San Francisco Trophy. The IRC B class champion boat was a clear favorite from the very first day and the very first race. It had outstanding time at the 2009 Rolex Big Boat Series as it went on to record six straight wins. Richard Rheem Perpetual Trophy as well as IRC C class was won by Dan Woolery’s King 40 Soozal. Established way back in 1972 to honor Richard Rheem, the famous sailor, is another prestigious trophy that sailors aspire to and work hard to win.

In the end 2009 Rolex Big Boat Series was a great treat for the lovers of sailing involved with the sailing world in whatever way possible.

From the very first race of the first day Rolex Big Boat Series has been challenging the sailors to push to their limits and enthralling the fans all across world. In every step of the way this year’s Rolex Big Boat Series has turned out to be more than what initial expectations have been. All days and every race once again brought to the forefront the very philosophy and values that Rolex believes in, stands for and endeavors to highlight by promoting events like the Rolex Big Boat Series.

The third of the Rolex Big Boat Series turned out to be nothing like anyone had expected. In fact right from the morning it had become apparent that the day was going to not just different but markedly difficult. As more than 1000 sailors and their countless fans witnessed the large area of thunderstorms moving in the morning the increase in challenge and competition became a surety. The entire course was engulfed with a dense fog which brought the visibility down drastically to become a big potential hindrance to the sailors. If that was not all then wind speed also fell significantly to make it one of the most difficult days in the recent sailing history.

The regatta is held in the world famous city of San Francisco and is organized by the St. Francis Yacht Club. The fans from the city and around and world over had gathered to be there at the famous Rolex Big Boat Series. Those who know the weather of San Francisco knew and even acknowledged that it had never been same in the city and all signs were for the day to be really difficult for the teams and their crews.

For Rolex it was a day full of pride as sailors were all set to give in their best and everyone was ready to fight it out. Rolex believes in offering people a platform and an opportunity to test and realize their abilities and potential and that is precisely what the day three at Rolex Big Boat Series seemed to be headed to.

The first race of the third day at Rolex Big Boat Series can be best defined as a highly competitive race and was won by the team of Tom Akin and Mark Jones on their boat Flash. It was a satisfying victory for the duo that also went on to finish at the third place in the subsequent race. Two great finishes meant that they are now placed only one point behind in the leaders in the IRC A class which is none other than Jim Mitchell’s custom 52.

Other classes also witnessed great competition and many places were interchanged on the overall leader’s tables. Kjeld Hestehave’s Velos was the fastest in the IRC B class whereas there was no challenge to the Elan 40 Tupelo Honey in the IRC D class as Gerard Sheridan kept other sailors at bay quite comfortably.

More or less similar scenes were witnessed in the different classes with the purpose that attracts Rolex to get involved with events like Rolex Big Boat Series only getting served better.

The world has always seen the Rolex brand as a master producer of premium watches, although over the years the perception about this brand has evolved. Over the many decades the Swiss premium watches manufacturer has sponsored a number of sailing events that bring together the top most sailors and a large number of people in a celebration of human achievement. The Rolex Big Boat Series falls among one the several regatta championships that Rolex supports and organizes. Held over the glassy waters of the West Coast in the United States, The Rolex Big Boat Series is also referred to as the ‘Granddaddy’ of all the sailing events that are held in America. Way back from the year 1964 top yachtsmen have boarded their vessels and set sail over the San Francisco Bay in a bid to claim the crown of the champion who was able to masterfully steer his craft to victory.

In its 45^th year now, the Rolex Big Boat Series is a grand-prix regatta championship that draws top sailors and remarkable boats from around the country. The Rolex Big Boat Series features competitive events in one-design and handicap racing classes. In 2009 a new addition to the Rolex Big Boat Series was the inclusion of Rolex US-IRC National Championship, where all participating IRC yachts will be entitled for competing for the title. This event is marked by the superlative talent that comes together in a wager to clasp the title of a champion sailor. Using probably the most innovative ways and means, the sailors try to outperform and outclass each other on a battle over the blue waters. It was in 2005 that Rolex took on the role of becoming the principal partner of the Big Boat Series and from then on till now it has unwaveringly supported the regatta challenge, giving it added luster and increased awareness.

The 2009 edition of the Rolex Big Boat Series is all set to commence on the 9^th of this month over the water of the San Francisco Bay. With barely a week left for the event to kick off, the organizers and partner members like the St. Francis Yacht Club are gearing up to put on a brilliant display of talent. It goes without saying that all Rolex events are followed by an elaborate gala event that brings together all people including the competing members and the organizers as well as the spectators in the combined celebration of human achievement and to revel in the glory of pursuing the greatest forms of endeavor.

Spectators have already begun thronging the shores for a unhindered view of the magnificent yachts and the teams that steer their craft to triumph. The primary focus of the event along with the fact of supporting superlative talent is to also pay homage to the man who is regarded as an ambassador of sailing, Tom Blackaller. This year the likes of Paul Cayard along with several other world champions will participate in the Rolex Big Boat Series.

At the helm of their boast sailors look towards the horizon hazarding a guess on the outcome of the race and the eventual Rolex champion.

When the idea for creating a premium watch brand Rolex was conceived not many people were aware of the fact that it was built on the aspect of crafting an aspiration or an inspiration that moves the human spirit to pursue the greatest of individualistic attainments. Strange as it may seem Rolex was never merely a brand that manufactured the finest watches and always chose to follow a path that leads to the cumulative achievement of the greatest of feats. It is with this ambition that Rolex supports and sponsors a number of sporting events that challenge will and demand perfection. Sailing as been a part of Rolex’s global portfolio for many decades now and has been known to draw champion sailors from around the world. Among the many sailing regattas Rolex sponsors is the illustrious Big Boat Series.

Usually held during the month of September each year, the Rolex Big Boat Series will be celebrating its 45^th year or regatta championship when it comes around this year. To be held in almost a weeks time the Rolex Big Boat Series is revered for its capacity to be able to draw fantastic sailors who are almost regarded as legends in the world of sailing. Rolex co-creates the eminent Big Boat Series in collaboration with St. Francis Yacht Club. The Rolex Big Boat Series has an unusual tradition of announcing the names of the classes that are going to compete in each of the sailing challenges for the St. Francis Yacht Club’s Perpetual Trophies a day before. The classes are going to be announced on the 9^th of September, Wednesday at the Rolex Commodore’s Reception that is to be held at the St. Francis Yacht Club. This year the Rolex Big Boat Series along with its 45^th anniversary will also be celebrating the champion sailor, Tom Blackaller. There have been a few names in the world of sailing that have gone on to become an inspiration for the rest to battle the waters and prove their mettle, among them is Tom Blackaller.

The Rolex Commodore’s reception that is to be held later this week will be hosted by John Macneill and will also feature a special presentation by the world champion sailor Paul Cayard. Paying homage to the world class sailor, Tom Blackaller the reception is going to celebrate and salute the man who added strength to the St. Francis Yacht Club of which he was also a member of. Fellow sailors remember Tom Blackaller as gregarious, larger than life man who stupefied scores of people with his deft maneuvers and excellent handling skills. Regarded by numerous people as an ambassador of sailing, Tom Blackaller claimed the place of a champion of the Star world regatta championships for two times along holding the position of America’s Cup skipper. Apart from participating in a number of world championships Tom Blackaller ook out time to race in the local sailing events also write for the Bay and Delta Yachtsman every single month. Though the legend of Tom Blackaller remains alive through the resilient efforts of Rolex, he passed away almost two decades ago in 1989.

Rolex is proud to honor, salute, celebrate and protect the legend of the man sailors around the world regard as the mighty crusader who lived and sailed with equal exuberance and determination.

Come September and Rolex will once again showcase why it is treated as the name that stands for values that are inherent part of the adventurous sports. One of the most impressive and difficult sports that can get your pulse racing is boat racing. For Rolex it has always been of prime concern to promote and be associated with such events which thrive on the courage and capability of individuals. To ensure the same Rolex has been involved with many a racing event. The boat racing world is inundated with races which have the mark of Rolex. It goes to the credit of Rolex to have successfully supported countless boat racing championships.

One of the jewels in Rolex crown is the Rolex Big Boat Series. Keeping the tradition alive this year the series is going to celebrate 45^th anniversary which speaks volumes of the historic relation that Rolex has with the world of adventure sports. Celebrating this momentous occasion St. Francis Yacht Club’s premier regatta will also serve as the 2009 Rolex US-IRC National Championship. The premier race is scheduled to be held from 10-13 September in the popular San Francisco Bay. Some of the most popular names in the world of racing are going to be a part of the regatta to celebrate the anniversary.

The 2009 Rolex US-IRC National Championship will include different divisions like IRC-rated entries as well as one-design classes. The honor that awaits the winners of the race is an amazing watch from the house of Rolex. All six Perpetual Trophy winners at the St. Francis Yacht Club would become proud owners of specially engraved Rolex watches. For the participants nothing can beat the thrill of participating and winning the race and when you are going to get specially engraved timepieces from Rolex the charm and motivation of participating multiplies many times. In a way Rolex has become one of the more important factors that pull the racers to give in their best and come out victorious.

The core factor behind holding the Rolex US-IRC National Championship at St. Francis Yacht Club is to promote the racing all across US and make sure that as many participants as possible can participate. And in the historic year of 45^th anniversary of Rolex Big Boat Races it seems entirely suitable to host the Rolex US-IRC race in St. Francis Yacht Club. It is going to be more like a home coming for the US-IRC National Championship as it was the Rolex Big Boat Races where in 2004 the prestigious IRC started off in US. This year the competition is expected to be among the fiercest considering the US west coast is witnessing a whole lot of races this season which could lead to higher turnout of racing champions.

The event is going to put six different St. Francis Perpetual Trophies up for grab. The trophies include Richard Rheem, Atlantic, Commodore’s Cup, St. Francis, Keefe-Kilborn Memorial and City of San Francisco. Some of the expected names at the race include Jim Mitchell’s Reichel/Pugh IRC 52 Vincitore and Dan Woolery’s King 40 Soozal. The expected cynosure of all eyes is definitely going to be John McLaunin’s Grand Prix Racer Pendragon VI. The race is going to be a treat for race lovers from all across the world.

Sailing is a formidable sport that draws tens and thousands of sailors who try their hand in manipulating the boat by capturing the fleeting wind and sailing above the bluish depths of the seas. Rolex ,a name that is tantamount with the pursuit of perfection through labor and commitment sponsors many events around the planet that focus on developing and perfecting a particular art or sport. With a rich legacy of several decades in promoting a number of sporting activities including sailing Rolex has forever believed that individuals around the world possess the capacity to attain greatness what they lack is a platform and the right support to showcase and develop their skill. Rolex endorses more than 20 prestigious world class sailing events around the world that attracts a large number of world class sailing teams. The main objective of Rolex has been to develop and advance the sport of sailing and allow the skilled sailors to reach the epitome of human achievement. The Rolex Big Boat Series popularly known as the ‘Granddaddy’ of Grand Prix racing attracts a tremendous amount of talent from across the length and breadth of America. Regarded as one of the most prestigious and premier events in the sailing world the Rolex Big Boat Series is a conglomeration of the best in the business who come to claim the top prize and etch their name in the books of sailing history.

The Big Boat Series tournament was established in 1964 and takes place annually in the blue waters of the San Francisco Bay. This eminent racing event holds tournaments in every category including the one design racing class as well as the handicap racing category. One of the most important sailing events that takes place on the United States West Coast, the Rolex Big Boat Series is fantastic tournament that sees a stunning display if sailing skills each year. In accordance with its policy as well as it’s principal of supporting numerous world renowned sailing around the globe Rolex became the principal partner and sponsor for the Big Boat Series from 2005 onwards. Last year at the Rolex Big Boat Series sailors in their various boats moved past the point ‘A’ and ‘B’, mark that would later serve as the finishing line and threw white roses into the water as a tribute to Olin J. Stephens.

The Rolex Big Boat Series for 2009 will be held between 10th to 13th September at the St. Francis Yacht Club that boasts of a beautiful view of the water front. The St. Francis Yacht Club was founded in 1927 has a tremendous history of hosting sailing regattas. Renowned for its expertise in hosting the national and international regatta championships the St. Francis Yacht Club plays host to more than 40 different regattas each year. The Rolex Big Boat Series commences off at the quaint surroundings of the San Francisco Bay area with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Sailors and enthusiasts await the tournament with considerable anticipation and have already started preparations for this world class event.

In September of 2009 Rolex will be back to support the Big Boat Series and provide all possible assistance to make this event an absolute success. Inspiring others to follow suit and master their craft like the sailors at the event Rolex has always wanted to set a precedent that would act as an inspiration to others to strive on in the face of mounting despair and hindrance.