The Rolex Giraglia is one of the most cherished events in the sailing calendar, presenting a rigorous test of skill on stunning Mediterranean waters. Competition is always intense but imbued with an overriding sense of camaraderie. The regatta’s principal contest, a 241-nautical mile offshore race, usually gets underway in France but in 2021 exceptionally started and finished in Italy. A fleet of 138 yachts, ranging from professionally crewed Maxi monohulls to smaller Corinthian yachts, set off from Sanremo for Genoa via the famous Giraglia rock and its lighthouse. French entrant Imagine was overall winner, with the 30-metre (100-foot) Arca SGR claiming line honours as fastest finisher. Since 1998, Rolex has partnered this unique race organized by the Yacht Club Italiano as part of its enduring relationship with yachting.