Rolex Watch U.S.A. extends support of US Sailing

by Jan Harley on 27 Nov 2012 US Sailing and Rolex Watch U.S.A. have announced that the iconic watch brand will extend its support of sailing’s national governing body through the renewal of its long-standing sponsorship. While continuing its position as the organization’s official timepiece and title sponsor of US Sailing’s Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Awards, Rolex will further its support of US Sailing by becoming a patron of its Afterguard and Medalist programs.

The Afterguard is US Sailing’s highest level donor program, with a mission of leadership, integrity and advancement for the sport of sailing in the United States. Afterguard donations fund restricted projects of mutual interest between donor and the organization as well as unrestricted gifts to support operations. The Medalist Program supports the Olympic Sailing Program whose mission is providing a path to Olympic and Paralympic pre-eminence for the sailors of the United States.

Rolex has long viewed US Sailing’s role as critical to the development of the sport in the U.S.A., and this new era in the relationship not only builds on the partnership that the two organizations have forged over three decades, but also continues the encouragement and promotion of excellence while highlighting the rich traditions of sport.

'We are honored that Rolex is our longest standing partner, supporting US Sailing for over 30 years,' said US Sailing Executive Director Jack Gierhart. 'Our friends at Rolex have been, and continue to be, instrumental in the development of sailing in the U.S. While times change and strategies evolve, Rolex's commitment to the sport and our organization has only strengthened over time. We are grateful for that as we work to promote excellence, integrity, and opportunity in US Sailing website