RC44 Class Association announces new partnership

by RC44 Class Association on 12 Feb 2015 For the 2015 RC44 Championship Tour the RC44 Class Association is proud to announce their partnership with luxury watch brand HYT as official timekeeper.

HYT create exclusive hybrid mechanical timepieces for watch connoisseurs. Their unique hydro-mechanical watches push the boundaries of watch innovation and design, harnessing the ancient technology of clepsydras or water clocks to overcome gravity and indicate the time with a liquid in a mechanical wristwatch.

As their first venture into the world of international yacht racing, HYT will be creating a limited edition series of watches specifically designed for the RC44 Class Association. Reflecting the nature of the Class, the watches will be the pinnacle of innovative engineering, high-tech materials, and beautiful design.

On Thursday 12th February RC44 Class Manager, Bertrand Favre, met with Chief Executive Officer of HYT, Vincent Perriard, to finalise the partnership and welcome HYT to the Class.

Vincent Perriard explains, 'We felt the most natural way to further grow our brand would be through the full immersion of our 'fluid DNA' which is why we've joined with RC44 - a successful sailing championship and perfect partner for a niche brand like ours. We share the same passion for embracing fluids, cutting-edge technology and for challenging and breaking all limits!'

The sophisticated hydro-mechanical watch, complete with pistons, forces liquid through a capillary beneath the domed sapphire crystal to display the hours with fluorescent fluid, rather than traditional hands. The unique design results in a production line of only around 450 luxury watches a year.

Founder of the RC44 Class Association and five times America's Cup winner Russell Coutts adds, 'Partnering with the prestigious Swiss watch company HYT is an exciting step for the RC44 Class and a fantastic complement which contributes to reinforce and strengthen both companies defining spirit - high performance, design and effortless style. This partnership will continue to build the RC44 Class brand as it continues to grow.'

The ninth edition of the RC44 Championship Tour will make its debut in Malta's renowned capital Valletta, City of the Knights from the 25 to 29 March. The Class will go on to tour some of the finest sailing venues in Europe including a debut for Porto Cervo, Italy and the Swedish Island of Marstrand. Before the RC44 World Championship in rolling Atlantic swell of Cascais, Portugal.

To finish off the season, the fleet will then make their winter migration to Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands for the final event of the season in the turquoise waters of the central Caribbean Sea.
2015 Championship Tour Schedule:

25 – 29 March - RC44 Valletta Cup, Malta
17 – 21 June – Audi Porto Cervo Cup, Italy
28 July – 1 August – RC44 Marstrand Cup, Sweden
30 September – 4 October – RC44 Cascais World Championship, Portugal
25 – 29 November – RC44 Virgin Gorda Cup, British Virgin Islands

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