Extreme Sailing Series Coming to USA and Mexico

(October 10, 2016) – The Extreme Sailing Series™, the world’s leading Stadium Racing series, will return to the Americas for the first time in six years with the reveal of its 2017 schedule.

After a hugely successful transition to foiling catamarans in 2016 – with the introduction of the super-fast and super-exciting GC32s – the Extreme Sailing Series is now adding two new venues to its roster for its 11th season.

Alongside existing host venues of Muscat, Qingdao, Madeira, Hamburg and Cardiff, the Series is now set to visit San Diego in California and Los Cabos in Mexico.

“We are thrilled to be heading back to the United States and to Mexico for the first time after a long absence from the Americas,” said Andy Tourell, Event Director of the Extreme Sailing Series. “I have no doubt that both San Diego, which has a long sailing tradition, and Los Cabos – which is a great sailing destination in its own right – will quickly establish themselves as among the classic venues on our circuit.”

In San Diego the Race Village and all the other elements of the Extreme Sailing Series set-up – including the VIP area and the pontoons – will be based at Harbor Island, and the racing action will take place just five metres from the shore. More details here.

Joseph Terzi, President & CEO San Diego Tourism Authority commented: “We would like to acknowledge the key collaboration between San Diego Tourism Authority, SEA San Diego, San Diego Tourism Marketing District, San Diego Sports Alliance, and Port of San Diego, in capitalizing on the opportunity granted from OC Sport to host part of next year’s Extreme Sailing Series.”

Talking about the stadium venue, Terzi continued: “We look forward to having the highest level of sailing take place on the world class San Diego Bay. Our bay’s natural stadium style setting will offer enhanced competition and an unforgettable spectator experience.

“Our region boasts not only a near perfect year-round climate, great facilities, world-class beaches and attractions, but also sensational dining and premier hotels. We are confident San Diego will provide a top notch experience for everyone involved in the 2017 Extreme Sailing Series,” Terzi concluded.

For the first time ever the Series will head to Mexico and Los Cabos for the grand finale of the 2017 season. Located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, the venue is known as ‘Land’s End’.

Action at Extreme Sailing Series Lisbon.

Rodrigo Esponda, General Director of Tourism of Los Cabos Trust commented on the regions appeal to tourists: “We are very excited to welcome the Extreme Sailing Series for the first time ever in Los Cabos next year. Los Cabos is the perfect place to enjoy our fantastic hospitality, hotel and gastronomic offerings, adventure tours and wonderful natural spaces.”

The addition of new venues comes as the Extreme Sailing Series continues to evolve its racing format with increasing emphasis in 2017 on both the proven Stadium Racing concept combined with larger racecourses that show off the power and speed of the GC32s to best effect.

“A combination of new destinations alongside some of the proven venues will allow us to introduce a more diverse racing format and also expand the number of boats,” explained Race Director John Craig, who is anticipating between eight and 10 team entries for 2017.

The 2017 Extreme Sailing Series will start in Muscat, Oman, a country with a rich maritime heritage. Then it will be time to return to the Chinese Olympic sailing city of Qingdao which will be followed by Madeira Islands in Portugal following a successful debut this year.

Next is a European venue that is still to be announced, before the thrills of racing on the River Elbe in Hamburg in Germany. Cardiff in Wales returns before two brand new venues of San Diego and Los Cabos.

The 2017 season will again feature a full grid of professional and brand-backed sponsored teams racing a fleet of foiling GC32 catamarans, “flying” in front of thousands of spectators at venues all over the world.

2017 Extreme Sailing Series™ calendar
March 8-11 – Muscat, Oman
April 28-May 1 – Qingdao, China
June 29-July 2 – Madeira Islands, Portugal
July 20-23 – Europe
August 10-13 – Hamburg, Germany
August 25-28 – Cardiff, UK
October 19-22 – San Diego, USA
Nov 30-Dec 3 – Los Cabos, Mexico

Entries for the 2017 Extreme Sailing Series are now open and the provisional Notice of Race is available. For more information:
entries@extremesailingseries.com – http://www.extremesailingseries.com

Source: ESS