Rolex have issued a Calendar Announcement for 2011 detailing the dates and locations of the Rolex U.S. and Caribbean Sailing Events during 2011. The sailing events include the Rolex Miami OCR in Miami, Florida, the International Rolex Regatta in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, New York Yacht Club 157th Annual Regatta in Newport, the Block Island Race Week, Rhode Island, Rolex International Women’s Keelboat in New York, Rolex Big Boat Series in San Francisco, California, New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup, Rhode Island, and the Rolex Osprey Cup, in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Rolex Miami OCR
When: January 22-29, 2011
Where: Miami, Florida
Rolex Miami OCR returns to Biscayne Bay in its 22nd edition of running. The regatta is the North American highlight on the winter circuit for the world’s top Olympic and Paralympic class competitors. The US SAILING’s Rolex Miami OCR was founded as the Miami Olympic Class Regatta in 1990 and promoted elite-level sailing during the winter months among Canadian and U.S. Olympic Hopefuls. Now the classic event has become a mainstay on the sailing schedules of athletes around the world.
International Rolex Regatta
When: March 25-27, 2011
Where: St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Highlighting the Caribbean racing calendar with its unique blend of island-style hospitality, competition and camaraderie, the St. Thomas Yacht Club’s International Rolex Regatta will celebrate its 38th year in 2011. Rolex has been a partner since the very beginning. The event features IRC, CSA (Caribbean Sailing Association) handicap racing as well as one-design racing in a beautiful setting. One of the highlights is the race from Cowpet Bay to Charlotte Amalie Harbour and back, which offers competitors a great view of St. Thomas’ beautiful capital.
New York Yacht Club 157th Annual Regatta presented by Rolex
When: June 10-12, 2011
Where: Newport, Rhode Island
In odd-numbered years, this historic event follows the Annapolis to Newport Race and precedes Block Island Race Week presented by Rolex, traditionally attracting many of the competing yachts. It consists of a two-day weekend series, and all eligible yachts may enter a separately-scored Around-the-Island Race on Friday. The weekend series is part of the US-IRC Gulf Stream Series, as well as the first leg of the 2011 New York Yacht Club Classic Series. Entry is open to yachts with a minimum LOA of 25 feet in IRC, Classics, 12 Metres or One-Design classes, and new for 2011 is a new Cruiser-Racer division on “navigator” courses.
Block Island Race Week presented by Rolex
When: June 19-24, 2011
Where: Block Island, Rhode Island
With over 44 years of tradition behind it, the Storm Trysail Club’s biennial Block Island Race Week presented by Rolex, has grown into one of the most popular sailing race weeks in America. For the 24th edition, 150 entries are expected and will divide into three fleets racing on three different courses. The event includes IRC and PHRF handicap, and one-design racing.
Rolex International Women’s Keelboat
When: August 27- September 1, 2011
Where: Rochester, New York
In 1985, Rolex supported US SAILING in establishing a women’s international keelboat championship. Over thirteen editions the biennial Rolex International Women’s Keelboat Championship has hosted over 2,500 of the world’s best female sailors. It has helped alter the course of women’s sailing and is universally recognized as the pinnacle of competitive keelboat racing for women. In 2011, for the second consecutive time, the Rochester Yacht Club will host the regatta.
Rolex Big Boat Series
When: September 8-11, 2011
Where: San Francisco, California
Established in 1964, the Rolex Big Boat Series takes place annually on San Francisco Bay. In 2005, Rolex became title sponsor of this prestigious regatta, which comprises extremely competitive one-design and handicap racing. Widely recognized as one of the most important sailing events in the USA, this grand-prix racing regatta attracts top competitors and boats from across the USA and abroad.
New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup presented by Rolex
When: September 10-17, 2011
Where: Newport, Rhode Island
The first edition of this biennial event, hosted by the New York Yacht Club in 2009, proved a huge success: international Corinthian competition between yacht clubs was long overdue. The 2011 event promises to repeat the excitement, with a fleet that includes the top six finishers from the previous event, ten invited international clubs and three American yacht clubs determined by a qualification series. The Invitational Cup is raced in one-design NYYC Swan 42s, which are identically tuned and equipped with supplied sails. Racing is over five days on Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound.
Rolex Osprey Cup
When: October 4 – 8, 2011
Where: St. Petersburg, Florida
In 1996, the Rolex Osprey Cup was created to expand opportunities for women sailors to compete in match racing. Now, with the approaching debut of women’s match racing at the 2012 Olympic Games, this event continues to provide a venue where aspiring Olympians can refine tactical skills, boat handling and teamwork. This annual regatta began its title sponsorship with Rolex in 2000 and returns to the waters of Tampa Bay this October, welcoming women sailors from all over the world.
