Swiss luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer has teamed up with high-performance racing yacht FlyingNikka in a drive for boundary-pushing innovations
Lately, TAG Heuer has made headlines through its connection with the automotive world—from the collaborative TAG Heuer x Posche timepieces to the ongoing celebration of the Carrera collection’s 60th anniversary. Earlier this month, however, the La Chaux-de-Fonds-based watchmaker has unveiled a new partnership on the high seas: TAG Heuer has joined forces with FlyingNikka, a high-performance and super-innovative racing yacht.
Of course, TAG Heuer is no stranger to sailing races, having been named official timekeeper at sailing events as far back as in 1888. The brand has been a constant presence at the America’s Cup (the world’s oldest international sporting trophy) and has worked closely with Team Oracle (two-time champions of the aforementioned regatta). And now, it’s back in the sailing world to once again push the boundaries of innovation and performance on the open ocean.
“We are proud to be back in the sailing universe, partnering with Mills Design’s FlyingNikka, a yacht representing the pinnacle of sailing technology,” says TAG Heuer CEO Frédéric Arnault. “TAG Heuer is a brand that shares the values of avant-garde spirit, speed, and cutting-edge design with FlyingNikka. We believe that this collaboration will enable us to push our racing boundaries further and to work on additional innovations.”
FlyingNikka itself is considered one of the most advanced yachts of this decade, as the vessel is practically brimming with technological and engineering innovations. Designed by Mark Mills, a renowned naval architect, FlyingNikka features a carbon fiber composite hull, 3D composite sails, advanced hydrofoils which allows it to “fly” over the water at speeds of up to 40 knots along with advanced electronic control systems.
The vessel is currently based in Punta Ala, Tuscany, and will compete in a number of prestigious races throughout the year, including the Regatta di Primavera in Portofino, the 151 Miglia Trofeo Cetilar in Livorno, the Rolex Giraglia regatta from St. Tropez to Genoa and the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo. During these races, FlyingNikka will appear with the TAG Heuer logo on its hull and sails. The yacht’s crew members, meanwhile, will wear TAG Heuer-branded apparel and, most interestingly, TAG Heuer Aquaracer Solargraph watches.
“TAG Heuer is the perfect partner for FlyingNikka,” says Roberto Lacorte, owner and skipper of FlyingNikka. “Its commitment to innovation and precision mirrors our own, and we are excited to work together to further innovate on what we thought was possible in sailing.”
The partnership between TAG Heuer and FlyingNikka is certainly an exciting development, as it reasserts the watch brand’s passion for sailing and will undoubtedly herald a wave of innovation. And, perhaps, a collaborative Aquaracer model might also be in the works…
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