In the thick of summer, fleets are set to jostle for position in Sydney Harbour to prepare for the most spectacular sailing event of the year. Yes, the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is nearly upon us yet again.
Whether you’re lucky enough to visit the harbour on Boxing Day or plan to watch the live broadcast from afar, the prestigious race day is always a great excuse to celebrate.
Pop a bottle of Champagne, bring out your best jewels, and dust off your ‘yacht club’ attire. To truly get in the sailing spirit, luxury jewellery brand FRED is the best place to start.
The jewellery house designs pieces for its iconic Force 10 collection that encapsulate the founding family’s connection to the sea and passion for sports. And this year in the lead up to the race, FRED is collaborating with the Smuggler racing team.
From dressing the team in Force 10 jewels to hosting a series of events—including an exclusive spectator event in Sydney’s Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and a finish line event in Hobart—the alliance speaks to a shared passion for the high seas.
Shine Bright
“When a man of the sea becomes a jeweller, he transforms a nautical rope into a gold or steel bracelet.”
Henry Samuel, the eldest son of Fred Samuel (the founder of FRED), was a sailing champion and the creator of the Force 10 line. In 1966, he came up with the idea of braiding steel sailing cables and fixing both ends with gold rivets to create a bracelet. At first, it was a simple gift for his wife’s birthday. But soon after it became the first piece in the luxurious collection.
Now, the modern collection comprises bracelets, rings, necklaces and earrings in a variety of metals, from the aforementioned steel to yellow gold and platinum. Crafted in distinct curved silhouettes, the pieces are adorned in a dizzying variety of gemstones (including sapphires, rubies, pearls and diamonds) and are unisex by design.
Raise The Sails
In sailing terms, Force 10 means ‘storm force’ and indicates very challenging and treacherous weather conditions. “We have experienced these conditions before in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race,” says Smuggler’s skipper, Sebastian Bohm.
“When the weather gets to that level you need to be focused and come together as a team to push through the storm to the other side and to the finish line,” he adds.
As such, Force 10 is also a symbol for strength, bravery, and courageousness—all things the Smuggler racing team possess in spades aboard their Formula 1 race yacht.
“The FRED Force 10 collection is a beautiful spirit that uncovers the heart of sport and sailing through collection of sailing-focused jewellery pieces,” Bohm says. “They convey a sense of strength and determination while still being delicate and stunning. The synergy with the yacht pieces, such as the shackles and winches, is something I’ve never seen before but really love.”
“FRED is a strong brand with a deep connection to water and yacht racing, and with their support, it will allow us to try to achieve that extra one percent needed to win the race,” Bohm adds.
Shop the FRED Force 10 Collection
Brought to you by FRED.
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