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Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup : Kats, Js, racers and a foiler off Sardinia

Sören Gehlhaus

 ·  05.09.2023

With its rugged coastline, offshore islands and sometimes narrow passages, the north of Sardinia provides a spectacular backdrop for challenging and exciting races. On the first day, the wind on the Costa Smeralda blew at ten knots at the start and over 20 knots at the finish.

The five longest participants, excluding the three Js, completed a course of 32 miles. Juan Ball's Swan 115 "Moat" sailed ahead, but had the four metre shorter "y3k" constantly stuck to its stern. After taking the ORCsy allowance into account, the new Wally 101 eleven seconds in front of the poison green 33-metre Baltic "Inoui" of the Swiss Marco Vögele. After correcting the time, "Moat" was 46 seconds off first place.

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is the first regatta appearance for Claus-Peter Offen's "y3k", which was launched in May. The former President of the International Maxi Association (IMA) was delighted with the performance of his fourth Wally. Compared to its predecessor, the new one is "completely different in terms of width and weight: she is 15 per cent lighter, has 15 per cent more draught and 15 per cent more sail area. That makes her much easier to sail."

The race crew was largely taken over from the 14-year-old Wally 100, and tactician Karol Jablonski is also back on board: "It's a great new boat. We've only trained together for two days and still have a lot of optimisation work ahead of us. Today we had a good start and sailed a clean race. We made some good decisions about when to hoist the gennaker and when to hoist it." The short preparation phase was also the reason why the Wally 101 started in the Supermaxi class (over 100 feet) and therefore did not compete directly against the three 100-foot-long Wallycentos "Galateia", "Magic Carped 3" and "V" (Ex- "Tango" ) from the Maxi A group. Here, the 60 to 100-foot participants are extensively measured according to IRC, and the power density is high.

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Foiler starts for the first time with other Maxis

The 18-metre trailer is also in the A-Class "Flying Nikka" which flew consistently around the course on day one. Last year, the team led by owner Roberto Lacorte was given its own start as a precaution. YACHT was able to convince itself of the now extremely stable flight behaviour before the start of the regatta. In contrast to the AC75 and AC40 of the America's Cup, the fixed keel makes "Flying Nikka" much more resistant to capsizing and take-off anyway. The six-man crew always has the carbon racer under control, which is also due to the software for the automatic control of the T-foils.

After an - understandably - conservative start, the futuristic Mills design finished over 50 minutes ahead of "Black Jack", but slipped to penultimate place due to a "ridiculous" rating, ahead of the unfinished "Bullitt". With a rating of 3449, the foiling single has twice the racing value of Wendy Schmidt's Botin 85 "Deep Blue". The ten yachts in Group A were won by the Farr 100 "Leopard 3", which shed around five tonnes over the winter and came to Porto Cervo with a new mast and winches.

New group of Maxi Multihulls

A milestone in the more than 40-year history of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is the start of three catamarans, including Adrian Keller's 84-foot custom cat "Allegra" and the Gunboat 68 "Convexity2" of Suna Said and three-time M32 World Champion Don Wilson. Lord Irvine Laidlaw moored in front of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) with his new Gunboat 80 "Highland Fling 18". The multiple Maxi Cup winner previously trained on a Gunboat 68, but his other 16 yachts were all single-hulled racers.

"Highland Fling 18" was the first cat to round the top mark east of Santa Maria, but "Convexity 2" took the lead on the downwind course west of La Maddalena and held on to the finish - with The Ocean Race winning skipper Charlie Enright and match racing world champion Taylor Canfield on board. As "Allegra" is older and heavier, this year's Gotland Run participant won on corrected ORCmh time. At a cocktail party organised by Gunboat and the International Maxi Association, YCCS Commodore Michael Illbruck said: "A multihull or a J-Class - it's all part of our sport, a testament to the incredible spread of technology."

Close starts for the J-Class yachts

The three J-Class yachts, which were sent on two up-and-down races like the eight Maxi B starters, were an exception as far as the course was concerned. As the Maxi B class now also includes the former Maxi 72s, the already confusing term "Mini Maxi" no longer exists. The races were as close as ever with three boats tied at the top: "Pepe Cannonball", steered by Peter Harrison, "Proteus" by George Sakellaris and "Bella Mente" by Hap Fauth, who travelled from the USA with a new double rudder.

In the Js, there was no getting past the 43.6 metre "Svea" of Niklas Zennström and Filip Engelbert, which won both heats. Mainsheet trimmer and project manager Tim Powell explained: "With three boats, the starts are obviously important, and we had two good ones." Behind the Swedes, "Velsheda" and "Topaz" were tied on points. "Topaz" won the second start, with America's Cup and match racing ace Peter Holmberg proving a good hand. "Svea's" tactician Bouwe Bekking commented: "We could have passed the 'Topaz' guys, we had the opportunity, but you just don't go that far on these boats. We all have to be careful."

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is sailed on four further days, with Thursday being used as a rest day or alternative day in the event of a calm.

Here are the results after day one:

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More on the topic:

• Wally 101: 30-metre lightweight with a draught of almost 7 metres
• "Wally Tango" Italian haute couture sailing yacht without any stumbling blocks
• "Topaz": Regatta day on an impressive J-Class yacht

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The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2022

The eagerly anticipated Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup will return to the sun-lapped shores of Sardinia this September in celebration of its 32nd edition.

Taking place on the azure-blue waters of the Mediterranean, Costa Smeralda provides an idyllic setting and a variety of challenging conditions for the large fleets of superb Maxi yachts, promising to be one of the most iconic sailing regattas in the international yachting calendar.

Discover more about this world-class sailing regatta in 2022 and what you can expect to see this summer with Yachting Partner International’s expert guide.

Founded in 1980, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is one of the Mediterranean yachting season's most exclusive highlights, organised with the support of longstanding partner Rolex and in collaboration with the International Maxi Association. Encompassing unparalleled glamour and dramatic sailing, it is a truly spectacular event.

The beautiful Maxi yachts will gather on the water from the 5th to the 10th of September, in a dramatic race across the coastal courses around the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago and along the infamous "Bomb Alley" strait between the islands and Sardinia.

Over the thirty years of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, the average size of the competing sailing yachts has increased considerably, thanks to great strides in material, science, and technology developments.

This year's sailing regatta in 2022 reaches its 32nd edition. As promised, the world's largest, most elegant and powerful fleet of boats, exemplifying cutting-edge technology and design, is set to hit the enchanting waters of the Costa Smeralda, with internationally accomplished sailors at the helm.

As the pioneer in sailing for almost 60 years, Rolex has forged strong relationships with the yachting industry by supporting the most influential yacht clubs, sailors, and regattas. Rolex is exceptionally proud of its association with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and this flagship sailing regatta in 2022. This longstanding partnership is founded on the shared standards of excellence and passion for premium performance.

Yacht Club Costa Smeralda

The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, located in the seaside village of Porto Cervo, is home to one of the finest marinas in the Mediterranean and a superb location to participate in the yearly regattas. This exclusive Italian marina offers 16 berths for yachts of 20 metres, as well as unparalleled nautical experiences, including fine restaurants, designer boutiques and relaxation facilities.

Alternatively, Porto Cervo Marina is one of the best equipped and luxurious docks in the Mediterranean, set in a bay perfectly sheltered from all weather fronts. Porto Cervo Marina offers 700 berths, with 100 slips reserved for superyachts.

Entries for the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2022 will be open until 30 July.

If you want to attend the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2022 this summer, contact our trusted team of luxury yacht brokers to discover our exquisite selection of sailing yachts for sale and charter.

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Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and Rolex Maxi 72 Worlds at Yacht Club Costa Smeralda - Overall

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39 years ago the International Maxi Association was started as a small gathering of maxi yacht owners wishing to bring more co-ordination to their sailing. Since then it has grown both in the size of its membership and its remit, to become an organization with much wider influence and endorsed by World Sailing to organize World Championships and to manage maxi racing globally. The IMA’s overall aim is to encourage greater participation in maxi racing around the world. To this end, the Association has become increasingly involved in all the regattas with significant maxi participation. Another of the IMA’s major responsibilities is to encourage the highest standards of race management, safety and measurement for both inshore and offshore maxi yacht events. For maxi regattas the IMA assists with the standardization of entry and the writing of notice of races and sailing instructions. The Association can also assist with race management and support and endorse events that are held to its high standards. For 2021 as well as all our usual events and our Mediterranean Maxi Inshore and Offshore Championships, we are adding a new regatta run by the Yacht Club Italiano as a season opener in Portofino at the end of April. We are also supporting the famous Transpacific Yacht Race from Los Angeles to Hawaii and the Aegean 600. Our flagship event, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, we trust will be able to proceed this September in Porto Cervo in near normal conditions. Here and at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez we will be joined by the J Class, a class formally affiliated with the IMA, as we await news of their next World Championship. The IMA’s membership remains healthy – a trend we hope will continue. We need maxi owners to support us so that we can support them! We remain extremely grateful for the generous long term and loyal support from our main sponsor Rolex and are pleased to welcome Credit Suisse as a further sponsor. We also thank the marine clothing company Code 0 for kitting out the IMA team in smart new gear. As usual I thank my hard-working and dedicated staff. Throughout the pandemic we have met weekly on Zoom but are greatly looking forward to seeing each other in person, as well as all maxi owner and sailors in the forthcoming season. We wish you an excellent season ahead.

February 2021 Andrew McIrvine IMA Secretary General

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Rolex Swan Maxi Cup – Porto Cervo, Sardinia , Sept 2024

There simply cannot be a more glamorous yacht race…

Based in the heart pf the Mediterranean, the Costa Smeralda in Sardinia provides a stunning setting and a tremendous variety of challenging conditions for the Swan Maxi Cup. The regatta is an eagerly anticipated event attracting large fleets of majestic Swan Maxi yachts to Porto Cervo.

What is the Swan Maxi Cup?

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup brings together some of the world’s largest, most elegant and powerful yachts to race together in the enchanting and enthralling waters off the coast of Sardinia. The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, will be celebrating its over 30 years of this amazing event, and is one of the most iconic regattas in the international yachting calendar. Combining unparalleled glamour and dramatic sailing it is a truly spectacular event.

Where is the Swan Maxi Cup?

Based in the Mediterranean in the port of Porto Cervo in Sardinia, the Costa Smeralda provides a stunning setting and variety of challenging conditions for the Maxi Rolex Cup. This glamorous event is hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in their glorious clubhouse and marina in Porto Cervo.

Which classes of yachts compete in the Swan Maxi Cup?

This is the para explaining the …

Why should I take part in the Swan Maxi Cup?

There are three main reasons to compete in the Swan Maxi Cup in Porto Cervo. First, there are always other Swan 601s competing – and whilst no longer a one design, they all remain very closely matched under ORC. Close racing in spectacular settings. Second, racing in the same event as Wally Centos, J Class and the largest Swans ever built is as thrilling as sailing ever gets. Third, it is the most glamourous and exclusive regatta anywhere in the World. Come and join with our Swan 601!

The Swan Maxi Cup? It’s the dream regatta – the setting, the yachts, the crews… and the party! KD, Swan owner

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, will be celebrating its 31st edition this year, and is one of the most iconic regattas in the international yachting calendar. Porto Cervo offers unparalleled glamour and dramatic sailing making this a truly spectacular event.

How can I compete in the Swan Maxi Cup?

It’s simple; charter a Swan from us. Our Swan 601 is available for race charter in Porto Cervo and is the perfect Mini Maxi for the changeable conditions of Sardinia during the Swan Maxi Cup. Fast yet quick to learn for any new crew, she is a boat you can jump on and be competitive after only a few days training onboard. We can arrange a video tour and explanation of the boat systems before your arrival, shortening your learning curve as much as possible!

Where can I charter a yacht for the Swan Maxi Cup?

Right here. Our Swan 601 is available to race charter for the Swan Maxi Cup in Porto Cervo. We will organise to have the yacht ready and waiting at the dock for you and your crew. We will organise berthing for the event and for training days beforehand/ We will organise a race skipper and tactician if you would like. We will organise a crew house and ground transport. We will even book restaurants… if you like.

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Showcasing precision

Prestigious regattas.

Regattas are held on sailing grounds indicated by buoys or geographic markers near the coast. Unfolding in full view of spectators, they are popular with the public on all continents.

As Official Timepiece or Title Sponsor, Rolex partners major annual regattas, such as the Rolex Maxi Yacht Cup and the Rolex Big Boat Series as well as the biennial Rolex Swan Cup.

Rolex also partners two prominent racing circuits: the worldwide SailGP Championship featuring identical foiling F50 catamarans that seem to take flight across the water; and the 52 SUPER SERIES for similar high-performance monohulls that race in real time.

SailGP The fastest fleet in history

Crews made up of the best sailors. Identical catamarans, with foils and a rigid wingsail, reaching up to 100 km/h. Spectacular races that last 15 minutes at most. The season consists of multiple rounds on the seas of five continents. Launched in 2019, the SailGP circuit redefines the world of competitive sailing, with innovative, continuously optimized catamarans that deliver outstanding performance. These flying yachts bear the colours the countries they represent and form the fastest fleet in history.

For Sir Ben Ainslie, chief executive officer of the Great Britain team, “the SailGP circuit is a major milestone in the evolution of yachting. The boats use the most state-of-the-art technology while the competition continues to widen the appeal of sailing.”

Outstanding sailors

A master of many classes

Tom Slingsby

The gold standard in regatta racing

Sir Ben Ainslie

COMMITTED TO INCLUSION

Hannah Mills

An outstanding helmsman

Robert Scheidt

Maxi yacht rolex cup an event for racing giants.

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup has been the flagship annual event for Maxi monohulls more than 60 feet (18.30 metres) in length since 1980. Organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and staged in the emerald waters off the club’s magnificent headquarters in Porto Cervo, northern Sardinia, it brings together the greatest number of maxi yachts, which compete for nearly a week in races ranging in distance from 15–35 nautical miles (28 to 65 kilometres).

Jewels of naval architecture, these yachts are among the most powerful ever built and are crewed by the best skippers and teams in the world. The monohulls may be immense, but the gaps at the finish line remain small. As with any regatta, precision is essential to good performance.

The partnership that unites Rolex and the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup was initiated in 1985 and is one of the oldest on the nautical calendar.

52 SUPER SERIES Extreme precision

The TP52 class world circuit is one of the most demanding in the sport of yachting. The races, 15 to 30 nautical miles long (28–56 kilometres), are contested on 52-foot (15.85 metres) monohulls meeting strict measurement criteria.

Timing is key to teamwork in the 52 SUPER SERIES. At this level, every second counts and winning boils down to precision. As emphasized by Brazilian racer Robert Scheidt, this requirement makes Rolex the ideal partner for this series: “Rolex stands for precision and excellence in everything it does. These are the characteristics found in the most successful TP52 crews, where teamwork and timing are essential elements.”

Since 2017, Rolex has also been Title Sponsor of the Rolex TP52 World Championship, held mid-season as part of the 52 SUPER SERIES.

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The essence of elegance

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Based in the Mediterranean, the Costa Smeralda provides a stunning setting and variety of challenging conditions for the Maxi Rolex Cup. The regatta is an eagerly anticipated event attracting large fleets of majestic Maxi yachts to Porto Cervo. The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup brings together some of the world’s largest, most elegant and powerful yachts to race together in the enchanting and enthralling waters off the coast of Sardinia. The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is one of the most iconic regattas in the international yachting calendar, encompassing unparalleled glamour and dramatic sailing, it is a truly spectacular event.

Sunday – Registration, Measurement and Inspections Monday – Race Day 1 Tuesday – Race Day 2 Wednesday – Race Day 3 Thursday – Lay Day Friday – Race Day 4 Saturday – Race Day 5

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Swan 82 – kallima, volvo ocean 65 – sisi, reichel/pugh 86 – way of life, swan 76 – la loévie, dehler 60 – blue oyster, crew spaces for this event, crew space on volvo ocean 65 – sisi for rolex maxi cup 2024, get in touch.

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Racing in the Waters off the Coast of Sardinia

World of sailing..

• Writer Sandra Lane
• Photographer Carlo Borlenghi

“There’s a problem with this event—it’s too perfect.” So goes the joke shared by habitués of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup , held in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, every fall. It’s hard to disagree. We are on board Alix, a magnificent 90-foot (27-metre) Swan maxi yacht that’s serving as Rolex’s hospitality boat—not racing, but following the fleet.

The sun is warm, the sky and sea a medley of brilliant blues—a complementary contrast with the apricot-coloured rocks of the surrounding islands. The breeze is exactly the right strength to make the racing exciting, and our ride both fun and comfortable. Paul Cayard , seven-time world champion, veteran of multiple America’s Cups, winner of the Whitbread Round the World Race, and a Rolex Testimonee is on board. He explains the tactics of all the boats as they jockey for position on the line.

Held in the first week of September, the 2019 edition of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup attracted a fleet of 53 of the world’s biggest racing yachts (a maxi is more than 60 feet (18.3 metres) long, with no upper limit). Established in 1981 as a biennial event, the regatta has been supported by Rolex since 1985—the same year that the brand established its partnership with the event organizer, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS). Since it became an annual event in 1999, it has grown to what must be the largest gathering of big race boats anywhere in the world.

They are attracted by a unique combination of factors: a tightly organized racing program and intense competition on the water, matched by tremendous camaraderie on shore, with the added attraction of Costa Smeralda’s world-class hotels and restaurants.

Tied up to the docks that fan out in front of the yacht club, the racing fleet is a spectacular sight. Representing a combined value of well over $100 million, it’s a fitting complement to the strong contemporary architecture of the yacht club building. (No ordinary clubhouse, it houses valuable collections of maritime memorabilia, contemporary art, and prehistoric fossils—amassed by the club’s founder, the Aga Khan—and has a terrace featuring one of the most glamorous swimming pools in the Mediterranean.)

Observing the Maxi fleet, you can trace the entire evolution of yacht design over the past 90 years—examples of how hull shapes have changed from gracefully narrow and curvy to aggressive-looking wedges; the evolution of materials, from polished teak and brass to carbon fibre and titanium; the change in sail technology—with most yachts now using NTPT, the high-performance thin-ply technology material developed and patented by North Sails, and recognizable by its dark colour. Billowing white canvas is now the stuff of nostalgia.

Maxi yachts run the gamut from those designed primarily for cruising (built for owners who also like to race) to pure, stripped-down racing machines, and even J-Class—beautifully restored examples of the yachts built for the America’s Cup in the 1930s, and their modern replicas. Being separated into eight classes, with an intricate handicapping system, allows boats with different designs and performance to compete in the same race.

Today, yachting is one of the key pillars of Rolex’s sponsorship activities. However, the brand’s relationship with the sport goes back to 1958 when it formed an association with the New York Yacht Club. In 1966–67, throughout his record-breaking solo around-the-world voyage, Sir Francis Chichester wore a Rolex Oyster Perpetual. A sextant, charts, and a very accurate timepiece were essential for navigation in those pre-GPS and pre-satellite phone days.

Just as the yachting community has been a leader in raising awareness of the need for marine conservation, Rolex’s philanthropic initiatives in that area go back several decades—latterly brought together under its Perpetual Planet umbrella. The YCCS itself took a significant initiative in 2017, celebrating its 50th anniversary by establishing the One Ocean Foundation. YCCS commodore Riccardo Bonadeo (a two-time winner of the event himself) considers it part of an “obligation to show gratitude to the sea,” emphasizing the importance of “action rather than just awareness.”

Today, Rolex’s yachting activities span the globe, encompassing partnerships with many of the world’s most prestigious yacht clubs and classic sailing events. As well as YCCS and the New York Yacht Club, the partners include the Royal Yacht Squadron (UK), Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, and Yacht Club de Monaco. Rolex partners with some 15 major yacht races and regattas, ranging from offshore classics such as the Sydney Hobart, the Middle Sea Race, and the Fastnet, to the 52 Super Series and SailGP.

But there’s nothing quite like the Porto Cervo Maxis—as it is known colloquially. “If you’re into sailing and you have the kind of money to own a big boat, Porto Cervo is your target,” says Cayard. “We all take the other [Maxi regattas] seriously, but this is the big one—this is the Rolex. You have the prestige, the history, the amazing weather and sailing conditions—it’s like a world championship.”

As you might expect at this level of any sport, things can get pretty intense—and here, the weather plays a significant role. That mistral day on the chase boat, we were lucky—we just got completely soaked by waves and spray. Others were not so fortunate: in the intensity of racing—as the top limit of safe wind speed imposed extreme loads on the yachts’ rigging—sails were blown out, a mast was broken, sailors were injured. All this for no reward other than the passion for racing.

Given the demands of racing yachts at this level, one of the most remarkable things about the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is that there is no prize money; for the yacht owners, it’s all about the thrill of beating their peers. An unusual feature of the regatta is that, although owners are allowed to hire professional crew, they must helm their own yachts for the great majority of races. When they cannot, the substitute helmsman must be classed as an amateur and the yacht receives a penalty on the result of the race.

Instead of money, the winners receive a trophy and a Rolex watch—this past regatta, a Rolex Rolesor   Yacht-Master. The engraving on the caseback is unique: proof that they have achieved supremacy in a sport that they are passionate about, by steering their yacht throughout one of the world’s most prestigious regattas. A regatta that is unlike any other.

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Record entry for Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup

• September 5, 2005

A record number of entries representing 13 countries have turned up for the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo, Sardinia which starts today

A record number of entries representing 13 countries have turned up for the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo, Sardinia which starts today.

This event, organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in conjunction with the International Maxi Association (IMA), will run until Saturday with a lay-day (or reserve) scheduled for Thursday. The 37-strong fleet will be split into three divisions: IMA Racing Division comprising high performance yachts racing time-on-time under IRC and IMA experimental handicap. Wally Division, with yachts racing under their own handicap system. Cruising Division, racing time-on distance under IRC handicap system, including Spirit of Tradition yachts, sailing with a day-by-day performance handicap.

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup race week traditionally comprises a variety of inshore race courses off the stunning coastline of Northern Sardinia, known as Costa Smeralda for its crystal-clear emerald waters, and around the Archipelago of La Maddalena with its narrow straits, rocky outcrops and shifting winds.

The courses are designed to make the best use of the daily weather conditions – winds in September can be anywhere between light thermally-induced sea breezes to the famous Mistral, which can blow from the north-west at up to 45 knots at times.

According to Captain Filippo Petrucci, official meteorologist of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, “The week will start off with good weather and a regular sea breeze of 12-14 knots, however a low pressure system will slowly move towards Italy, reaching Sardinia on Wednesday night. The winds will gradually shift to the south-south-east and the clouds will move in, bringing with them showers and thunderstorms. By Friday morning the front will have moved beyond Porto Cervo and the weather will steadily improve, with plenty of sunshine and a good stable sea breeze. This morning there’ll be a northerly breeze, starting at 4-6 knots, will slowly shift to the north-east, reaching 10-11 knots by the afternoon.”

The strong international fleet (Argentina, Australia, British Virgin Islands, France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain and United States) will provide plenty of close action, with a couple of strong new entries and many veterans of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup – probably the most synonymous event linked to the Sardinian sailing paradise of Porto Cervo.

Two newcomers to the event, Maximus and Skandia, are likely to be the boats to watch at this year’s Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.

Transatlantic Challenge. Australian Grant Wharington’s Skandia was rebuilt and improved in its design after the major damage suffered during the past Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. The last time these two boats met was during the Rolex Fastnet where Maximus had the better of Skandia, and it will be interesting to see who will prevail in this challenging and very different environment.

Italian entry Mister A owned by Aldo Pagani, 2004 winner in the Cruising Division in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, will be competing again this year, hoping to repeat his success. The fleet also includes four Spirit of Tradition yachts, among these the world famous schooner Adela owned by US billionaire George Lindemann. The largest yacht of the fleet, with a LOA of just over 180ft, Adela is a regular competitor at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. New York real estate mogul Harry Macklowe will be sailing his 112ft Unfurled against a series of tough competitors including Germany’s Inspiration owned by Herbert Dahm, third in the 2004 Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.

Twelve yachts will compete in the Wally Division, where Alberto Roemmers’ Alexia from Argentina hopes to defend the 2004 title among a fleet that includes entries from the British Virgin Islands, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway and Spain. Tiketitan, second in 2004, will once again be on the starting line, together with Great Britain’s Magic Carpet Squared, owned by Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, CEO of L’Oreal. Another prominent personality who regularly sails in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup with his yacht Kauris III is Italian Marco Tronchetti Provera, chairman of Telecom Italia and Pirelli, and main partner of Luna Rossa Challenge 2007, one of the three Italian America’s Cup teams who will be competing in Valencia in 2007.

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The top superyacht regattas to add to your 2024 calendar

Related articles.

From the South of France to St Barths, the superyacht regatta calendar is packed with opportunities for owners to race their boats in stunning settings. Whether you are looking for keen competition or are more interested in the après scene, we are here to help you pick the perfect contest.

Oyster World Rally, Antigua

From 14 january, 2024 .

By the finish of the 22/23 rally, more than 100 Oysters had circumnavigated over the decade that the British builder has been running these rallies. Dozens more will have their chance at the next one, which heads west from Antigua and makes 15 stopovers on the 16-month route.

New Zealand Millennium Cup, Auckland

February 23-26, 2024.

Postponed from 2023, the Millennium Cup 2024 takes place in a new location – Auckland, aka the City of Sails, which eases logistics for international owners. There is also a new multihull division as well. What isn’t changing is the fun racing with a Kiwi flavour.

Superyacht Challenge, Antigua

March 11-17, 2024.

Defining superyachts as vessels over 24.4 metres, this regatta offers four days of lively racing from the entrance to English Harbour as well as relaxed parties brimming with camaraderie in historic Nelson’s Dockyard.

The race is held annually in Nelson’s Dockyard and comprises daily pursuit races, and an optional race around the island, with the start and finish line just off English Harbour. Entrants are divided into three classes — buccaneers, corsairs and privateers — and all compete under the ORC Superyacht Rule.

Rather than a traditional trophy, winners receive barrels of rum, suitably filled in true Caribbean style. Additional awards include best-dressed crew, loudest Caribbean shirt, and a cook-off between crews. In fact, the only trophy awarded is the Gosnell Trophy, which is given to the crew that has "competed in the Spirit of the Regatta" both on the water and ashore.

St Barths Bucket Regatta

March 21-24, 2024.

The St Barths Bucket Regatta attracts some of the finest sailors and sailing yachts from across the world and is always a highlight on the racing calendar. This invitation-only event welcomes around 40 superyachts (usually upwards of 30 metres in length) to the sandy shores of St Barths each year.

The racing has traditionally been on three courses but organisers have said they now have 30 options to choose from.

Off the water, owners have their choice of countless invitations, from private gatherings to the Bucket-affiliated soiree at Tamarin as well as the final awards ceremony party, which is traditionally held at the five-star Eden Rock hotel. At the yacht hop, some owners have been known to fly in thousands of oysters and host aerial silk performers, which proves that the old Bucket spirit of winning the party — if not the day on the water — is still prevalent.

The 2024 fleet is already shaping up nicely with regatta regulars such as the 56-metre Malek , 51-metre Red Dragon and 35-metre Whisper all making a return, with the new 59-metre Maximus also anticipated to join. 

Les Voiles de St Barths Richard Mille

April 14-20, 2024.

A relative newcomer to the racing scene, Les Voiles de St Barths may not be steeped in history like many long-timers on this list, but it has swiftly become a calendar staple since its inception in 2010. It welcomes a serious fleet of modified racers and mini maxis - think TP52s and JV72s - among smaller racing boats and a multihull fleet.

Now in its 13th year, the event will see the fleet return to the red-roofed town of Gustavia in St Barths. Like the bucket, the regatta is powered by reliable trade winds that arrive from the east, which means very few days are lost due to unfavourable weather conditions. Racecourses make use of the landscape with clusters of rocks punching out of the water that serve as marks. Some more competitive teams even send divers down to see how close they can get before having to tack off.

Racing is close and competitive but things are much more laid back ashore. The lay day usually consists of a long lunch at Nikki Beach followed by tug of war and diving for bottles of Barons de Rothschild champagne.

Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta

June 4-8, 2024.

The Sardinian superyacht regatta is back as the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda welcomes Giorgio Armani as its title sponsor for the second year.

Where other regattas may have a T-shirts and flip-flops feel, Sardinia is about glamour in the playground of the Italian elite. It’s not all focused on the nightlife, though; any serious sailor knows racing here is not for the faint-hearted.

“Sardinia is, in my eyes, the most exceptional regatta area in the world,” says the owner of  WinWin . And he's not wrong. Competitors can expect stronger winds from the northwest and have to navigate rocks jutting out of the water in Bomb Alley — the passage between Sardinia and La Maddalena archipelago.

The regatta is always capped off with an evening at Phi Beach —  WinWin ’s owner says it’s the best party of any regatta. It’s a quintessentially Italian summer scene, with guests treated to glorious sunset views and music from top DJs piped through bars and dance floors interspersed among the rocks right on the water.

Entry is open to superyachts with a minimum length of 27.43 metres and the event will also encompass the Southern Wind Rendezvous.

Cyclades Cup

June 14-16, 2024.

The Cyclades Cup is organised by the Yacht Club of Greece in collaboration with World Superyacht Awards judge and owner of the 50-metre  Almyra II , Ilia Rigas. The inaugural regatta is set to take place on the picturesque island of Antiparos, Greece, with BOAT International acting as media sponsor . 

The event will welcome sailing yachts over 30 metres to participate in two days of Corinthian Class superyacht racing across one of the world's most spectacular uncharted race courses.

But it will go beyond just a simple sailing weekend in the South Aegean. Offering a chance for owners, guests, captains and crew to come together to celebrate a shared love of boats, the Cup will extend an invite to all motor yachts over 30 metres to gather and enjoy a packed social programme including sunset cocktails, dinners and sightseeing.

Superyacht Cup, Palma

June 19-22, 2024.

A laid-back southern Mediterranean vibe prevails at the Superyacht Cup in Palma, Europe’s longest-running superyacht regatta. Leave your jackets and ties at home; this is a shorts and T-shirt event. Uniquely, this regatta is contained within a fenced-in event village, proving that relaxed and informal can also mean ultra-exclusive.

While racing in the Bay of Palma may not offer the same dramatic scenery as the Caribbean, it is ideal for newcomers who may find rounding inflatable marks less daunting than a rocky outcrop, and its more sheltered position means there are no boat-breaking big seas. The race committee has the ability to set courses in the bay to suit the fleet and to really give every yacht a better chance to sail to its rating.

Last year's fixture welcomes a quartet of J Class entries, Svea , Topaz , Ranger and Velsheda .

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup

September 8-14,  2024.

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is the highlight of many a Maxi racing calendar and is back for its 34th edition in 2024. Staged off Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda - known for its rocky scenery and turquoise waters – it continues to attract dedicated owners, highly skilled crews and exceptional yachts. 

This year's Cup follows a hugely successful event last year. Racing is open to yachts of at least 18.29 metres and, for the first time this year, multihulls can join its ranks.

Oyster Palma Regatta, Palma

September 21–25, 2024 .

Taking place at the new venue of Port Adriano, this special edition celebrates 50 years of Oyster Yachts. In addition to the friendly competition over four days of racing, there will be an owners’ dinner to commemorate its half-century of building bluewater cruising yachts.

Ibiza JoySail, Balearic Islands

September 19-22, 2024.

Now in its fourth edition and growing exponentially each year, this laid-back regatta welcomes maxis and superyachts for offshore and coastal racing in the Balearic Islands, along with plenty of onshore socialising hosted by STP Palma and Marina Ibiza.

Les Voiles de St Tropez

September 26 – 6 october, 2024.

The Mediterranean big-boat racing season winds down with Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. But don't be fooled, this is no small soirée. The event is the largest gathering of Maxis yachts in the world as owners and crew come together and toast to the last of the summer sun with a week of good old-fashioned racing. 

Swan Med Regatta-Tuscany Challenge, Marina di Scarlino, Italy

October 2024 .

New to the calendar last year, the inaugural Tuscany Challenge gathered Med-based Swan owners for a first ever Med-based end-of-season regatta set against the stunning backdrop of the Tuscan archipelago. This Nautor Swan Experience gathering celebrates the entire Swan world across a three-day competition. Hosted by the Yacht Club Isole di Toscana, it determines the world champions in the ClubSwan 50, ClubSwan 42 and ClubSwan 36.

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At the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, J-Class Yachts Are Back

These majestic boats, which were abandoned before World War II, are on the water again, built using old designs.

By Kimball Livingston

Falling off the deck of a giant J-Class yacht is not an everyday thing, but there is risk enough that each J in competition has a chase boat to rescue sailors who do fall. Imagine manhandling enormous sails on a narrow, slanting, pitching deck without the protective fencing of the lifelines that are standard on other boats.

There are no lifelines on J-Class boats because they would interfere with tacking the enormous forward sails, the jibs. And then there’s a century of tradition: Those lines would compromise the boat’s classic looks.

Around 50 boats are competing in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup starting on Monday in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, including four J-Class yachts. While many of the boats will be 60- to 80-feet long, Js are well over 100 feet, with masts much taller than that. They tower majestically over other boats.

“The Js have the most graceful shape imaginable, and in their sheer scale they project a sense of grandeur that no other boats can match,” said John Kostecki, an Olympic medalist and America’s Cup winner. “The first time you see them on the water, they take your breath away.”

J-Class yachts had their own era in America’s Cup history. They were built from specifications laid down at the turn of the last century and chosen three times for America’s Cup matches between the United States and Britain from 1930 to 1937.

The original Js were extravagant throwaways, intended only for racing. Not one was kept in sailing trim through World War II. What wasn’t salvaged for war materials was simply abandoned. Original J-Class yachts were never intended for casual weekend sailing, and they had outlived their purpose for competition.

J-Class designs have since been resurrected by a few owners who can afford to indulge themselves in their beauty and romance. There are now seven in the world.

One competing in Sardinia is Velsheda, which was built in 1933 and abandoned in the mud in 1937. It was rescued in 1984 and now is owned and helmed by the Dutch businessman Ronald de Waal. It looks 1933-fresh after an extensive renovation.

The other Js racing on Monday are replicas of boats long discarded or designed but never built, and now constructed to modern standards and with modern features, like the 135-foot Ranger. Harold Vanderbilt defended the America’s Cup on the original Ranger in 1937.

The replica Ranger will be helmed by the 2007 America’s Cup winner Ed Baird, with Kostecki as the tactician.

Svea and Topaz are also replicas. Svea had been designed but not built in 1937, intended for a Swedish America’s Cup challenge that was canceled because of the war. It was launched in 2017, and its primary winches — for controlling the enormous sails — are customized for different maneuvers at different, hydraulically powered, computer-controlled rates of speed.

At 143 feet long with 176 feet of carbon mast, Svea is the longest and newest J.

Topaz, a 1935 design, was built in 2015 and will by helmed in Sardinia by Peter Holmberg, an Olympic medalist and America’s Cup winner.

In building replicas, there is no forgiveness in design below the water. However, compromises are allowed elsewhere. One such compromise is the gleaming house that rides above the deck on Ranger. Vanderbilt’s Ranger had no house for lounging in the shade, but the new house is a comfort spot for the owner and guests when the boat is not racing. During regattas, Kostecki said the structure was a visual obstacle for Baird.

Different lengths and weights also produce differences in performance. New boats are faster than old boats, in part because of the ability of modern materials and engineering to carry more tension on the forestay — linking the top of the mast to the front of the boat — to prevent sagging of the sails.

Tom Dodson of New Zealand, a sailmaker and tactician on Velsheda, said: “The new boats might carry 36 tons of load on the forestay. Velsheda at age 89 can handle at most 22 tons before the boat starts to twist and flex, but that’s still a lot of cars hanging off your mast.”

A time correction formula used in regattas allows boats launched decades apart to compete fairly.

“Some factors can be calculated and others can’t, but the boats are so big and so heavy that they push through the water at close to the same speed. The latest correction system seems to be working. Velsheda wins races. Topaz and Svea both won races in July at Palma,” Dodson said, referring to the Superyacht Cup in Spain.

Helming these boats is not stress free. Given their tonnage and outdated configuration, the long keel in particular, Js do not turn on a dime.

“These are far and away the hardest of all boats to steer accurately,” Dodson said. “When I have to step in [at the helm], maybe while Ron wipes his sunglasses, my heart rate shoots up. Along with responsibility for the safety of all, at the end of the day, if it’s a job well done that’s a lot of satisfaction — respect due.”

Francesco de Angelis has skippered in the America’s Cup for Italy and has sailed on many of the J-Class yachts now in commission.

“I began with Endeavour, the first of the three original Js to be restored,” he said. “I was curious because the class was such a milestone in yachting.”

As tactician now for Topaz, de Angelis said, “Because the boats are not highly maneuverable, gauging time and distance to the starting line requires you to commit to your approach with three minutes left in the countdown to the start.

“On the course, you can’t afford to make many maneuvers, so you have to choose well and execute well.” Once committed to a tack, “there’s no turning back.”

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Mike Lynch’s Sunken Superyacht Is Largely Intact, Italian Officials Say

I talian investigators searching the wreckage of the Bayesian superyacht said it appeared largely intact, a discovery that contradicts earlier eyewitnesses who said its mast had snapped when it sank in Monday’s storm.

Divers are reporting that the 180-foot-long yacht was lying on its side on the ocean floor, an Italian coast guard official said Wednesday. “The divers are looking for structural damage on the hull,” the official said.

The early reports from Italian officials appeared to be at odds with witnesses who had said the aluminum mast snapped during a violent thunderstorm when the vessel sank off the coast of Sicily with 22 people on board, including owner Mike Lynch, a U.K. tech billionaire.

The towering mast on the Bayesian stretched nearly 240 feet into the sky—making the superyacht the tallest luxury sailboat when it was built.

Maritime experts said a broken mast of that height could cause serious damage to a vessel, but the design isn’t a safety concern as long as the masts are well maintained and held tightly upright on the hull by cables called stays.

“Bigger masts support bigger sails and higher sailing speeds,” said Takis Tsakos, a veteran captain who also oversees for clients the construction of superyachts such as the Bayesian at yards in Europe and the U.S. “The yacht fans love the bigger masts because they look marvelous and give the vessel more volume. They are especially impressive at night when they are lit up.”

The Bayesian’s mast could have fallen on the hull, damaging it, or could have been uprooted from its base by the strong winds if the stays weren’t tight enough. Yacht captains say loose stays can make a boat tilt as much as 15 degrees even with the sails folded.

“That would have made a gaping hole and water could have rushed in. It was also a relaxed evening—doors and windows could have been open with more water coming in as the boat tilted,” said Tsakos, founder of Athens-based Yachtways GP, which rents out luxury yachts in the Mediterranean. “These will be determined when the yacht is pulled out of the water.”

The people missing and presumed dead in the sinking of the Bayesian include Lynch, his daughter, a top executive at Morgan Stanley and one of Lynch’s lawyers. The group was celebrating Lynch’s acquittal on U.S. fraud charges.

Italian authorities are continuing to investigate the accident and divers are trying to access the sunken hull. Rescue teams located five bodies from the wreck on Wednesday. The body of the boat’s chef was retrieved from the sea on Tuesday.

Masts must meet the safety standards of classification societies that give the green light for a ship to sail and monitor its maintenance over the years. Oversize masts on superyachts are turned by computer so they face the wind straight on and not sideways even when the sails are folded.

“For a vessel of this size to go down, there must have been tremendous ingress of water inside its enclosed spaces,” said Fotis Pagoulatos, a naval architect who has participated in a number of shipwreck investigations. “Its design allows it to stay afloat, even with two compartments flooded.” He said he wouldn’t be surprised if the yacht’s hull is found cracked and buckled from the forces exerted by the freak weather and possibly the cracked mast.

The single-masted Bayesian was built by Italian company Perini Navi and delivered in 2008 to its original owner. The boat, which was taller than it was long, was one of a class of supersize luxury yachts that cruise the Mediterranean and other hot spots.

Formerly known as Salute, it was one of several that Perini Navi built that was 56 meters long. But its sister ships had shorter masts—generally extending 59 meters, compared with about 72 meters for the Bayesian. Perini Navi didn’t return requests for comment.

The Bayesian has been eclipsed by newer boats owned by other billionaires. Jeff Bezos, the Amazon.com founder, commissioned the 127-meter-tall Koru, a three-masted vessel that was delivered in 2023.

The Koru was so tall that in 2022 it sparked a protest over plans to dismantle a bridge to let it sail out of the Dutch port where it was built. Instead, the ship was towed to another shipyard to have its masts mounted.

Still, the Bayesian remained one of the largest private sailing yachts. It was ordered by a Dutch businessman but, in 2005, he was paralyzed in a yachting accident and it was sold on completion to another Dutch owner and renamed Salute, according to yacht brokers.

In 2014, it was sold to an entity owned by Angela Bacares, Lynch’s wife, and renamed Bayesian. It has no racing history, but boats of this size compete in events such as the St Barths Bucket Regatta, an annual race in the Caribbean, and in the Perini Navi Cup, a four-day race near Sardinia.

Perini Navi is known for creating some of the world’s most famous and luxurious sailing yachts, including the 88-meter-long Maltese Falcon, one of the world’s most recognizable sailing yachts, with rotating masts and a futuristic design.

The masts of the Maltese Falcon are 57 meters tall.

Write to Costas Paris at [email protected]

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Aug 11, 2024 | 1:38 PM MST

via Reuters

Patrick Mahomes attend the Time Magazine 100 gala celebrating their list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, in New York City, New York, U.S., April 25, 2024. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

Patrick Mahomes who signed a 10-year contract deal in July 2020, that was valued at $477 million, with an additional $26 million in bonus potential, possesses a mesmerizing collection of expensive watches. Luxury Swiss watch brands, renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and heritage, make up the majority of Patrick Mahomes’ collection. Among his favorite brands, Rolex, Omega, and Cartier are the three remarkable ones. These renowned watchmakers are now known for their inventiveness, accuracy, and classic style.

Mahomes’ collection boasts an incredible range of models that perfectly capture the unique characteristics of each brand. The renowned skeletonized version of one of Cartier’s, the sought-after Omega Seamaster, and the iconic Rolex Daytona are among the most recognizable pieces in his collection. Let’s take a deeper look at his collection of watches.

Significant watches in Patrick Mahomes’ collection

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The winner of Super Bowl LVIII owns a collection of numerous Rolex watches, including two $520K Daytonas and Yacht Masters. Mahomes also has numerous other items, including a $36,000 solid gold Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra watch. His entire watch collection is valued at about $852,000, which is a paltry amount considering his annual pay of $45 million.

1. Patrick Mahomes NFL Draft watch

The Kansas City Chiefs acquired Mahomes from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for the tenth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Before the draft (and even before they signed their first contract), other NFL players would wear timepieces that cost tens of thousands of dollars, but Mahomes opted for something more affordable. It looks to be a rather basic fashion chronograph.

2. Rolex Yacht-Master II

Patrick Mahomes’ impressive collection of timepieces has been enhanced with the addition of the Rolex Yacht-Master II 44mm. This watch captures the essence of maritime exploration with its robust and athletic design. With its robust stainless steel construction and regatta chronograph feature, the Yacht-Master II enables sailors to accurately time important race starts. The watch’s overall look is enlivened by the eye-catching blue ceramic bezel featuring engraved numerals. Reflecting Mahomes’ active personality both on and off the field, the Yacht-Master II’s bigger 44mm case size makes a bold statement on his wrist.

3. Rolex GMT-Master Batman 12670BLNR

The unique black and blue bezel of this venerable timepiece, which is evocative of the superhero’s color scheme, earned it the title of “Batman.” The robust Oystersteel construction of the GMT-Master Batman blends excellent functionality with a stylish design. Because of its dual-time zone capability, which enables Mahomes to simultaneously watch two different time zones, it is a helpful addition to his nomadic lifestyle.

USA Today via Reuters

May 11, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes II looks on during the first half of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder during game three of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

4. Rolex Yach-Master 40 – 1266655

With a sleek black dial with contrasting white hour markers and hands, the Rolex Yacht-Master 4o is an elegant example of how sportiness and beauty can coexist

This gorgeous watch is the perfect example of how sportiness and beauty can coexist. The Yacht-Master 40 exudes luxury and is fashioned in stunning Everose gold. For optimal legibility, it has a sleek black dial with contrasting white hour markers and hands. This clock’s robust Oyster housing and Triplock crown ensure that it will withstand the rigors of the open sea. When Mahomes is not on the field, the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 – 126655 elevates his wrist and perfectly captures his taste in high-end timepieces.

5. Rolex Daytona Rainbow

Still, the crown jewel—a watch that exudes comedy and elegance—is without a doubt the most recent addition to Mahomes’ already exceptional collection. The Rolex Rainbow Daytona is about to arrive. The striking and expertly fitted rainbow-colored bezel of this amazing clock beautifully contrasts with the black lacquer display. For watch collectors, its exceptional design and limited availability make it an extremely sought-after item. With the Rainbow Daytona, Mahomes has really upped his watch line and captured the spirit of exclusivity and elegance.

6. Two-tone Rolex Daytona

Since becoming the starting quarterback for the Chiefs and collecting awards as an exceptional player, Mahomes has been spotted sporting stunning timepieces, many of which are from the renowned Rolex brand. 16523, the two-tone Rolex Daytona, was a noteworthy early sighting. This model is distinguished from previous versions, including the two-tone Daytona Ref. 116503, by its solid gold subdial rings as opposed to their line-style counterparts. It is believed to be the Zenith Daytona. Even though the black dial, two-tone Rolex Daytona Ref. 16523 has been discontinued, it can still get up to $21,000 on the secondary market due to its strong demand.

7. Rolex Day-Date Platinum 228396

In addition to his amazing watch, Mahomes looked stunning in a baby blue suit when he arrived at State Farm Stadium in Arizona ahead of the big game. He was wearing the legendary Rolex Day-Date Ref. 228396TBR-0030, a platinum masterpiece featuring a stunning baby blue dial and a diamond-set bezel. It is called a “price on request” piece since Rolex does not formally disclose the selling price of this model. At present, it is being sold for approximately $150,000 on the secondary market. Mahomes’ enormous $503 million contract is a clear indication of the luxury he has earned.

Mar 17, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes II cheers during the second half of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

8. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra

Patrick Mahomes possesses an exceptional assortment of Rolex watches in addition to a stunning Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m Co-Axial Chronometer GMT 43mm. This exceptional watch strikes the perfect mix of sportiness and refinement. The Aqua Terra is a well-constructed timepiece featuring a sleek blue dial reminiscent of the ocean’s depths and a stainless steel housing.

The GMT feature makes it simple for Mahomes to keep track of various time zones, which makes it a perfect partner for his nomadic existence. The accuracy and dependability of the Co-Axial Chronometer movement are guaranteed. With its flexible design and superb performance, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m Co-Axial Chronometer GMT 43mm is a tribute to Mahomes’ remarkable taste and appreciation for horological knowledge.

9. Cartier Santos

At the Met Gala, Patrick Mahomes, who is well-known for his passion for Rolex watches, stunned onlookers by donning a skeletonized replica of Cartier’s fabled Santos watch. One of Cartier’s most well-known designs, the Santos, skillfully blends sophistication and modernity. Its exposed movement and odd square form provide for a captivating visual experience. Accompanied by his spouse Brittany Matthews, Mahomes showcased his impeccable taste by choosing this unique and striking rendition of the Santos. This audacious choice demonstrates his resolve to adopt novel styles and push the boundaries of fashion—even when it comes to high-end watches.

Patrick Mahomes’ impressive watch collection not only reflects his discerning taste but also embodies the artistry and precision of luxury Swiss craftsmanship. With iconic pieces from Rolex, Omega, and Cartier, each watch tells a story of innovation and timeless style. Mahomes’ collection is a testament to his appreciation for excellence in horology.

EssentiallySports is a digital-first sports media house that surfaces the best stories on America's favorite sports celebrities with a fan's perspective to 30+ M average monthly readers.

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