Waves & the Watchmaker 

OMEGA and the America’s Cup

 

Rich with history, innovation and prestige, the America’s Cup is one of the world’s oldest and most dramatic sporting events. The legendary sailing duel has been fiercely contested since 1851, and in all the years since then, has only been won by teams from four different countries. Adding its own precision and excellence, OMEGA’s association extends back to 1995, when the brand supported Team New Zealand, led by the legendary sailor Sir Peter Blake. The Kiwis’ victory that year paved the way for OMEGA to take the coveted role of Official Timekeeper in 2000, 2003 and 2021. Now, history is set to repeat. OMEGA is returning to the role in 2024 at the 37th edition of the great event.

 

 

 

From the Depths to the Deck 

Our Passion for the Sea 

 

OMEGA’s strong ocean heritage extends back to the early days of the brand. In 1932, long before its connection to sailing began, OMEGA created the first commercially available divers’ watch. Since then, OMEGA’s depth-defying timepieces have earned the trust of countless ocean explorers and professional divers, including those in the British Royal Navy, fields of science, and legends of the sea, such as Dame Ellen MacArthur, who broke the solo round-the-world record in 2005, as well as free diver Jacques Mayol and world famous conservationist Jacques Cousteau. It’s no surprise that OMEGA’s achievements beneath the waves would lead to a passion for sailing.

 

 

The Pinnacle of Sailing 

From the Late 19th Century to 2024 

 

The America’s Cup, first contested in 1851, predates the modern Olympic Games by 45 years. The coveted prize, affectionately dubbed the “Auld Mug” is the oldest trophy in international sport. For over 173 years, the 27-inch-high trophy fashioned from 134 ounces of Sterling Silver, has been the source of fierce international rivalries and spectacular duels. It takes many wins on the water to claim the prize – and famously ‘there is no second’ – either you win or you lose.

 

 

Precision under Sail 

OMEGA the Trusted Timekeeper 

 

The competitive crews can certainly place their trust in this year’s Official Timekeeper, given OMEGA’s reputation for split-second precision. In addition to delivering a flawless performance at the world famous regatta in 2000, 2003 and 2021, OMEGA has served as Official Timekeeper at almost every Olympic Games since 1932. Throughout the years, adventurous sailors have also relied on OMEGA’s high-precision marine chronometers for navigation, including French sailing legend Eric Tabarly, winner of the OSTAR east-west transatlantic race in 1964 and 1976. OMEGA’s robust and highly water-resistant Seamaster has proven its worth countless times since. Today, OMEGA’s strong nautical links include partnerships with top competitive sailors and sailing events.

 

 

Historical Trophy Modern Tech 

The Spirit Endures & the Boats Evolve

 

First offered as the ‘R.Y.S. £100 Cup’ on August 22, 1851, by the Royal Yacht Squadron of Great Britain for a race around the Isle of Wight, the trophy was renamed ‘America’s Cup’ as a tribute to the winning boat – America – a 93-foot (28-metre) schooner from New York. Today, schooners are classic yachts restored for their beauty and history. The latest AC75 monohull boats are in a different league. They literally fly! Unique features include T-wing hydrofoils mounted on port and starboard, a double-skinned battened mainsail and the absence of a keel.

 

 

OMEGA on Course

Following the Racing Action 

 

Before the ultimate clash on the waves, the America’s Cup crews competed in Preliminary Regattas, with the first taking place in Vilanova i La Geltrú in September 2023 and the second, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in November 2023. After the final Preliminary Regatta in Barcelona in August 2024 - it’s all on! The race for the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup begins. One of many compelling regattas taking place. The inaugural Puig Women’s America’s Cup makes its debut in 2024. A proud moment for the sailing world. What’s more, emerging young crews will get to prove their worth on the water in the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup.