As the sun dawns over the tranquil waves, hundreds of sailors onboard their sailing vessels set shore to mark the 37^th anniversary of the celebrated International Rolex Regatta. Rolex the foremost name in creating the finest watches has been involved with the spot of sailing fro many decades now and has constantly been trying to elevate the sport as well as augment the opportunities available for the skilled sailors. The International Rolex Regatta is regarded as the most competitive and challenging regattas of the Caribbean and is known for its flawless execution of the race. As one of the most professionally managed regattas of all time, the international Rolex Regatta sponsored by Rolex draws increasing numbers of skilled sailors each year. Presented in collaboration with the St. Thomas Yacht Club, the International Rolex Regatta attracts numerous world title holders and many spectators. Every year the increasing level of competition and participation takes this event to a whole new level.
The final challenge of the event was preceded by a reggae music festival and a food fest at the Yacht Haven Grande and was attended by hordes of people, including the sailors. The spectacular setting of the incredible racing event is regarded as the most coveted racing event in the entire Caribbean region. Slicing through the bluish waters of paradise the sailors make their way around the cuts and cays of the tiny islands and head towards the finish line to lay claim to the top honors of the International Rolex Regatta. The competitive racing event holds regattas in six different classes that include Spinnaker Racing, Spinnaker Racing/Cruising, Non-Spinnaker Racing and one each for One-Design IC 24s and Beach Cats classes. Attracting over 60 teams from all over Europe and the United States, a number of skilled sailors compete in the varied classes and bring with them increased skill levels each year.

In the spinnaker category, Dave West onboard his Melges 32 Jurakan, representing the Royal British Virgin Islands Yacht Club sailed ahead to victory. Sailing on his 32 feet long yacht with a 55 feet high mast, Dave West finally clinched the title in his third attempt at the International Rolex Regatta. Performing remarkably well Dave West and his crew edged past the other competitors to gain the lead and ended up with a total of three first place finishes. A combination of a determined vision and unsurpassed passion to win led the Dave West team to victory. However the unparalleled level of skill of the team mates onboard the 32 feet long yacht was integral to winning the event. Rigorous practicing sessions along with newer techniques and a high level of adaptability played a vital role in the performance of the Royal British Virgin Islands Yacht Club team. The winners of each category were presented with memorial Rolex Submariners that featured a special green bezel along with a unique black dial, to mark the 50th anniversary of this timepiece that had made its debut way back in 1953.

The power of the wind in the sails that propels the boat across the vastness of the oceans has eternally captured the imagination of the human race. Over the years the passion has developed into a regatta that witnesses men and women competing to win the title of the best sailor. The world leader in creating the most intricately crafted watches, Rolex has been able to understand the significance of human ambition. In honour of the capacity of the spirit and the grit of the human mind to go beyond the realms of the ordinary, Rolex supports a number of sailing events across the this vast planet. In America Rolex has collaborated with the US Sailing Association for more than two decades now and has assisted them in creating a number of internationally recognized regattas.

Rolex partners the New York Yacht Club in numerous endeavours that are related to the sport of sailing. The New York Yacht Club has throughout its history been involved in creating and organizing events that not only aim to display talent and provide ample opportunity but also organize activities that are aimed at developing the less fortunate. Rolex began a partnership with the New York Yacht Club in 1994 and from then onwards has provided its unwavering support in holding the prestigious New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup. Rolex Testimonee Gary Jobson who is the winner of an Emmy Ward will be producing the day’s regatta which will air online as well as on ESPN2 as a part of a 30 minute television program called the ‘New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup presented by Rolex’. To be held from the 15 to the 19 of September at Newport, this unique event brings together the most illustrious racing teams from premier yacht clubs across the world.

Rolex partners the New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup three teams representing the most prestigious yachting clubs of United Kingdom will be participating. In a regatta that brings together 19 teams representing 14 counties that includes the teams from the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the Royal Thames Yacht Club, and the Royal Yacht Squadron. The teams will face each other off on board a NYYC Swan 42, which is a uniquely designed one-design racer/cruiser that was created specifically for this regatta by the New York Yacht Club in collaboration with Nautor’s Swan. This Corinthian regatta is indicative of the initial days of the premier sailing event America Cup.The Royal Ocean Racing Club team will be led by David Aisher, the past commodore of this club, while the Royal Thames Yacht Club team will be skippered by John Greenland and the Royal Yacht Squadron will be led by Oscar Strugstad.

These three teams from United Kingdom will be facing stiff competition at this premier regatta and will have to put in all necessary skill in order to finish in the top two. The New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup presented by Rolex is regarded to be a premier racing event that brings together the best from around the world. As the time for this eminent challenge draws to a close the world anxiously awaits the mighty sailor and his crew that have proved their capability and skill. Honouring the winners of this event, Rolex will present the skipper of the winning boat with a specially etched Rolex watch.

On the shores of water lies comfort and safety but beyond that lies glory, ambition and pride; intangible aspects that sailors will hope to attain as they set sail and go forth to the finish line.

Rolex is a name that is synonymous with style and status. When the journey of Rolex started almost a century ago no one would have imagined that a day would come when it would reach the pinnacle of glory and sit comfortably right at the top. But this did happen and it went beyond. It was not an easy task to do and the journey was anything but easy. In fact all along the path Rolex kept coming out with ideas and innovations that startled the world. Most of the features that we take for granted in the watches were at one point of time not a part of the watches. It goes to the credit of the Swiss watchmaker that something that started as exclusive feature of Rolex are now a part of all the watches all across the world. Rolex did the unimaginable and made it a part of the image that we have of watches now.

In its long list of unique and remarkable watches one watch that has the ability to stop many a heart beat is the Cellini Orchid. The watch with its looks, features and performance is able to stand tall even among the best of the best. It is an ideal example of the vision, philosophy, values, and everything that Rolex is known for. In fact it doesn’t come across as a surprise that Cellini Orchid is looked upon as a kind of style icon that other watchmakers try to emulate. It is an honour that Cellini Orchid shares with one of the most well known celebrities in the world, Victoria Beckham.

Victoria Beckham is one of the most visible faces on the UK newspapers, magazines and of course web. She is a popular singer and songwriter, successful fashion designer and businesswoman and to top it all wife of David Beckham. Born on the 17^th of April in 1974 in a well off business family, she always had the sparkle in her eyes. She seemed destined to the glory that is rare for all but is the most sought after nonetheless. She rose to fame in UK and all across the world when her all girls pop band Spice Girls hit the music scene. She was dubbed Posh Spice a name that did complete justice to her personality and the image that she carried. Her marriage to David Beckham and the accompanying fame didn’t come as much of a surprise for she always seemed to belong there. She has also been involved in fashion designing, writing, modelling and is an accomplished businesswoman. She has made herself one of the most impressive and loved individuals even among the elite of celebrities, a trait she shares with Cellini Orchid.

Taking a leaf out of the life of the greatest, Rolex has made Cellini Orchid a watch that goes beyond the traditional roles of a timepiece. It is a thing that defines status and class. It is something to be enjoyed and flaunted. The watch looks pretty and impressive in yellow gold and a dial that comes with white mother-or-pearl loaded with diamonds. The bezel looks beautiful with its brilliants and combined with the brilliants on the bracelet the watch is a sure shot winner. In the world of watches Cellini Orchid carries the same kind of enigma and popularity that is associated with Victoria Beckham in the world of entertainment.

If there is anyone who can really signify the true character of the Rolex Submariner 16613 Serti Dial, it has to be iconic English footballer David Beckham. Globally one of the most recognized faces in professional sports, Beckham’s popularity has also enabled him to enter other domains like apparel design and fashion. He has been an icon for the past decade and is the face of many brands globally. Rolex also has been a global force in wrist watches with a legion of loyalists behind it.
16613 Serti Dial will be the perfect wrist watch for a perfect footballer. With soccer being a fast paced game, the Rolex Submariner 16613 Serti Dial would set the tone for a dream alliance between one of the most charismatic footballers and one of the highest-selling watches.

Stitching a Grand Coalition

Born in Leytonstone, London, a young David Beckham always knew the goal that he wanted to accomplish: playing Soccer professionally. His parents were fanatical fans of Manchester United and hence his liking for the club was inevitable. He played football near Ridgeway Park, California and would often tell his teachers at school that he would grow up to become a professional footballer one day, a dream towards which he kept striving. Rolex has been serving its buyers untiringly for many decades. The new Rolex Submariner 16613 Serti Dial is the newest edition to the legendary brand that believes in helping people lead a fast life, a characteristic that can also be applied to the way soccer is played.

With numerous awards to his credit, David Beckham embodies the spirit of Rolex. The PFA Young Player of the Year Award, BBC Sports Personality of the Year, the ESPY Award for Best Male Soccer Player (Twice), and inclusion in the English Football Hall of Fame are some of the laurels that have been bestowed upon Beckham. Rolex has also been the recipient of numerous awards for outstanding achievement in the domain of manufacturing timeless wrist watches. The Rolex Submariner 16613 Serti Dial epitomizes that. Both Beckham and Rolex are iconic and complement each other very well.

Within days of humiliating England in the Stanford Super Series showdown and earning $1 million dollars (about £675,000 pounds) each, three young West Indies players were seen in an Antigua jeweler’s buying Rolex watches for £21,000 apiece. Daren Powell, the West Indies fast bowler, whose 79 wickets were costing him 46 runs each at the start of the first Test against England at Sabina Park, was not hiding his wealth. He swept into his modest cricket club in Kingston in a brand new Chevrolet Avalanche, which probably set him back about £28,000. The players tend to be coy about their finances. Still, there is no doubt that Stanford Super Series victory has been a life-changing experience, especially for the younger players such as Andre Fletcher, who was planning to build a house for his mother in Grenada, Darren Sammy, from St Lucia, and Kieron Pollard, from Trinidad. Before helping their families and changing their lives at home, the thought of an expensive Rolex watch sounded pretty good to these young Cricket stars.

Luckily, after buying their Rolex watches, they will have enough cash to take care of themselves for a very long time. After all, no matter who you are, a million dollars is still a million dollars. “K.P. (Kevin Pietersen, the captain of the English cricket team) told me that he didn’t really need the money, but we need it and we really wanted it,â€� Darren Powell said. The players can now enjoy their cricket without any financial pressures. As former captain Vivian Richards said: “When you’ve just won a million dollars, that should set you up for some time.â€� Of course, who wouldn’t want a million dollars and a Rolex watch? Rolex watches are popularly considered status symbols & Rolex is the largest single luxury watch brand by far, producing about 2,000 watches per day. Business Week ranks Rolex #71 on its 2008 annual list of the100 most valuable global brands, top among all watchmakers. A question that must be asked: Do you need a million dollars to own a luxury Rolex watch? Do you have to be a star cricket player or a celebrity to have a Rolex watch on your wrist?

Without a doubt, the answer to both of those question is no! At Melrose Jewelers, you can find an extremely luxurious Rolex Submariner with a custom black diamond dial with 8 round and 2 baguette cut diamonds set in 18k white gold for less than a third of the price the Cricket players paid for their watches. The Men’s SS Rolex Submariner is the quintessential sportsman’s watch. As a sporty version of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust, it also highlights a classic Oyster band and the patented Rolex movement inside the watch. For less than half the cost, you can buy a Rolex Day Date Super Presidential that has an 18k yellow gold bezel with 40 round cut diamonds. With a rare blue diamond dial, this watch is nothing less than a horological masterpiece that would make anyone the center-of-attention wherever they go. It does not matter what kind of Rolex watches the West Indian cricket players bought at the expensive jewelers. In terms of quality and affordability, they could not compare to the stunning Rolex watches offered at a reasonable price by Melrose Jewelers.

Rolex Brand Ambassador Jeev Milkha Singh presented golfer Gagan Verma with the top amateur award at the first-ever Rolex awards ceremony. Jeev Milkha Singh was the first Indian golfer to become a member of the European Tour. India’s top professional, he has been the highest ranked Indian golfer in the world, becoming the first to break into the top 100 in October 2006. As a new Rolex Brand Ambassador Jeev gave away the first series of awards on February 4, 2009 in New Delhi. Jeev represents what Rolex considers the height of excellence and professionalism. Overall, Amateur golf in India is set to get the much-needed boost with Rolex signing a five-year deal with the Indian Golf Union (IGU). Rolex, the leading watch manufacturer, replaces Omega as the official timekeeper for the Indian Open. Rolex has agreed to give $200,000 annually for the next five years to the IGU to promote junior amateur golfers.

Gagan Verma was given the award as the Top Amateur Athlete at the Rolex ceremony because of his excellent performance in 2008. In Bangalore over the summer, Gagan Verma clinched his first ever amateur title by winning the LG- Eagelton amateur golf tournament played at the resort near Bidadi on Friday. Gagan won by a stroke, beating Vikram Rana, who needed an eagle on the final hole to take the match into a play-off. Rana managed only a birdie, not enough, and Gagan held on by the narrowest of margins. The final round of that tournament was truly exciting, boding well for the future of golf in India and abroad.

Beyond the top amateur award for Gagan Verma, Rolex Brand Ambassador Jeev Milkha Singh presented Rolex Awards to Rashid Khan (most outstanding junior) and Chikkarangappa (top junior). Rashid Khan, the rising star on the national amateur tour, was feted with the most outstanding junior golfer award. Rashid, in his rookie year, has won three back-to-back titles. He has shown a lot of promise through his junior days, having done well both in India and internationally. Rashid’s compatriot Chikkaranagappa was crowned the top junior, with the Bangalore lad winning the Eastern India Championship. The awards were also given to Gauri Monga and young Gurbani Singh, who is fresh from her victory at the All India Ladies Amateur championship. Rolex has joined with the Indian Golf Union (IGU), and it has become the Official Timekeeper for amateur and professional Golf in India, supporting excellence through awards and sponsorship. Jeev said: “The awards will go a long way in motivating and creating a zeal amongst the youngsters to give their best. There is no doubt that the Amateur Tour is the breeding ground for our future champions.�

Grey’s Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey is fielding his own Grand-Am series racing team this year in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Following in the footsteps of the late Paul Newman, Hollywood heartthrob Patrick Dempsey has become an actor turned sports car racer by acquiring the team formally known as Hyper Sport. The Grand-Am team will compete against the finest drivers in the world in the No. 16 under the Dempsey Racing banner.

Although Dempsey attempted to compete in the race last year, he had a frightening mishap exiting pit road during the trials. Dempsey is prepared, however, for the challenges this time around, as he explains: “”Last year, I didn’t really have an understanding. Certainly, getting out the pits was my first realization. Every time I go out, I’m much slower and careful.” In his second trip, Dempsey feels like he is making progress on the twist and turns of the 3.56-mile road course: “I’m really pleased with this morning and where I was last year and where I am this year,” Dempsey said. “I hope that continues on.”

In the race, Dempsey has teamed up with the Avon Walk For Breast Cancer, and he will be promoting breast cancer awareness. The Dempsey Racing team will add a touch of pink to the Rolex 24 by adding a swathe of bright pink down the centre of the car as it competes in the GT class of the Grand-Am Rolex Series opener. When asked about the pink swathe in such a manly sport, Dempsey laughed: “Real men can wear pink. All of us at Dempsey Racing are proud to partner with the Avon Foundation in its fight against breast cancer. I am so proud to support the cause, which raises funds that directly save lives,” Dempsey continued, “While two very different types of endurance events, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and sports car racing have the common tie of the mental and physical stamina required to achieve success.

With that juxtaposition in mind, a special contest for top fundraisers of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer will be unveiled during the Rolex 24.” Like Rolex, the sponsor of the 24-hour racing event, Patrick Dempsey has showed himself to be nothing less than a class act. By carrying on the tradition of Paul Newman, Patrick Dempsey manages to connect the Grand-Am Rolex Series with philanthropy, doing his best to help others as he pursues his car racing dreams.

Racing superstar Danica Patrick has joined a long list of motorsports superstars that have signed up to compete in the 47th anniversary Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 24-25, 2009. The grueling 24-hour race demands the very best from the competitors if they are not only trying to win, but also even finish. As a trailblazer, Danica Patrick last season became the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race. Although she failed to finish the Rolex 24 in 2006, she is back after taking a year off and ready to go for the blue ribbon. With natural talent and instinctive daring, Danica has the inner qualities necessary to win. If only Danica had a Rolex on her wrist before the race, she might see how the precision timepiece reflects the qualities she tries to achieve on the speedway.

If Danica Patrick could be given a lead on a Rolex watch to acquire, which Rolex ladies watch should she get to aid her in her cause? Although many of the professional men’s Rolex watches like the GMT Master II or the Daytona would do just fine, Danica needs a watch that reflects her style and class both on the raceway and on the red carpet. Melrose Jewelers happens to have a watch in stock that would meet Danica’s needs. The Ladies 2T Rolex Datejust is a spectacular watch showcasing the stunning Submariner Blue Diamond Dial. Its Oyster bracelet offers a modern appearance and is quite eye-catching with the combination of glossy Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold, reflecting Danica’s balance between professional sports and fashion. Lastly, the .7ct Beadset Diamond Bezel set in 18k White Gold surrounds the magnificent dial and adds to the already glamorous appearance of this masterpiece. Such an incredible watch matches the blue colors of racing while offering the professional perfection of a Rolex. With the added diamond, it provides the glamour that a star like Danica Patrick not only needs, but also demands.

Danica competed in the Rolex 24 in 2006, but the team finished 50th after a mechanical breakdown. “I had such a good time,� said Patrick of her 2006 Rolex 24 start. “So many drivers come together for this event. Of course everyone wants to win and do well. But there’s such camaraderie at this. I’m just really grateful to come back to this team again. To be with a group of drivers like this, we have a great chance at winning this race.� Danica Patrick, who races with Andretti-Green Racing in the IndyCar Series, will spend this weekend’s test getting familiar with the Daytona Prototype again. She has plenty of memories from her lone 2006 start.

“There wasn’t a ton of running so it was hard to get a real feel of how the rhythm of the race goes and how it goes through the night and into the next day,� Danica said of her 2006 Rolex 24 experience, which cut short due to mechanical failures. “I’ll definitely be asking questions as we go along about that. I remember what it feels in the car and how it was around here and I think that will be able to carry over but also the car has improved too.� Hopefully, both the racing car and Danica’s team have improved because she deserves the opportunity to win the Rolex 24 and receive a Rolex watch as the prize for such a victory. Danica Patrick is a class act, and she would look perfect with a Rolex on her wrist.

A question that must be asked is whether the famous and infamous Hollywood star Lindsay Lohan has more Rolex watches or more love affairs with both men and women? There is little question amid the multitude of voices in today’s popular culture that Lindsay Lohan is a talented performer. Recently, however, Lohan’s most dramatic and eye-catching performances have taken place in her so-called private life. Her supposed committed gay relationship with Samantha Ronson went nuclear in the Miami airport over the New Year holiday with the two young women viciously screaming at each other. The Los Angeles Times reported hysterics and drama to the point where a flight attendant on American Airlines asked if they would like to disembark. Later, after they arrived and returned to their home in the Hollywood Hills, neighbors reported more screaming and glasses shattering. It is lucky Lindsay was not wearing her Rolex Daytona because the luxury watch would make quite a projectile weapon if thrown and not worn.

If Lindsay Lohan actually used her Rolex Daytona as a weapon, it most likely would have survived the impact. Rolex professional watches are known for their strength and endurance, even a gold and jeweled watch like Lindsay’s Daytona. Still, if Lindsay Lohan managed to actually damage her Rolex Daytona, she would have several more Rolex watches to choose from in her own personal collection. Lindsay Lohan tends to prefer wearing oversized Men’s Rolexes in both stainless steel and yellow gold. Yes, Lindsay is known for going through relationships these days faster than she checks in and out of rehabs. Beginning with Ronson, these relationships now include both women and men, which should continue in the future. Since Lindsay has been photographed in the past wearing more than one Rolex at a time and as many as three, there is no question that she loves the fashion and power that a Rolex watch represents in the popular culture. So does she have more Rolex watches than relationships, and is she willing to sacrifice her Rolex watches as projectile weapons whenever she breaks up with a lover?

Okay, more than a touch of irony is expressed in that last question. Hopefully, Lindsay will see the quality and precision reflected in each Rolex watch, and then attempt to mirror that quality and precision in her own life. In 2009, it is time for the talented performer to shift her performances away from her private life and return the drama and talent to her professional career. Lindsay Lohan’s love of Rolex watches reveals her inherent taste and respect for true quality. Now Lindsay has to learn to respect and love herself.

Is there any athlete in the world whose endurance and strength of character reflect the quality of a Rolex watch than seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong? A Rolex connoisseur with a preference for both the Rolex GMT Master II and the stainless steel Rolex Daytona, Armstrong has overcome testicular cancer not only to return to cycling, but also to embrace fatherhood again. Before Christmas, Armstrong happily announced to the press that his beautiful girlfriend Anna Hansen is pregnant. Armstrong told the Associated Press, “Anna and I are thrilled to confirm that we are expecting in June. We are very much looking forward to what 2009 brings on many fronts.� A Program Manager for First Descents, Anna Hansen loves nothing more than being outdoors on her mountain bike. As ideal as Armstrong’s connection is with Rolex watches, his relationship with Hansen appears to be an rare example of perfection.

After being diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996 that had spread to his lungs and brain, Lance Armstrong was given less than a 50% chance of survival by his doctors. Facing the challenge of his disease with the endurance and fortitude of a Rolex watch, Armstrong survived surgery and several brutal cycles of chemotherapy. Armstrong and his former wife Kristin had three children using in vitro fertilization with sperm he had banked before his chemotherapy. Amazingly, Armstrong returned to win the Tour De France seven straight times until he retired in 2005. Astounding the world once again, Armstrong announced in 2008 not only his return to competitive cycling, but also the coming arrival of a new child through the means of a natural conception. After relationships with Sheryl Crow and Kate Hudson, Armstrong has found happiness with Hansen. The question now is whether he can find the fortitude to win an eight Tour de France in 2009.

Although Armstrong often wears a stainless steel Rolex Daytona, his favorite Rolex watch always has been the Rolex GMT Master II.The 50th anniversary edition of the GMT Master II was revealed at BaselWorld 2006. This new model features a number of technical enhancements, such as Rolex’s patented Parachrom hairspring as well as a larger Triplock crown. The new model also has several cosmetic improvements such as larger hands and a new bezel made of an extremely hard ceramic material, which greatly resists damage and discoloration.

With his decision to enter the Giro d’Italia and return to competitive cycling, Lance Armstrong received a warm reception from the Italian cycling community. Perhaps nobody in Italy has a closer bond with Armstrong than Ivan Basso, who still recalls how the American took time away from the pursuit of his 2004 Tour de France victory to help Basso’s mother fight cancer. Rolex always has been a company that has shown a balance between technical genius and philanthropy. Lance Armstrong truly reflects the best of Rolex in both his personal and professional lives.