Extreme Sailing Series Returns to USA

Promising a spectator experience and festival atmosphere unlike anything local sailing enthusiasts and sports fans have ever seen, the Extreme Sailing Series is set to make its debut next month in San Diego, CA.

Delivering high-performance action close to shore, and attracting some of the world’s very best sailors racing GC32 hydro-foiling catamarans on short courses in venues around the globe, the Extreme Sailing Series is coming to Harbor Island Oct. 19-22.

The Extreme Sailing Series comes to the U.S. for the first time since it was in Boston in 2011 and will return to San Diego again in 2018. The final Act of the 2017 season will take place in Los Cabos, Mexico Nov. 30 through Dec. 3.

“We are thrilled to be heading back to the United States for the first time after a long absence,” said Andy Tourell, Event Director of the Extreme Sailing Series. “I have no doubt that San Diego, which has a long sailing tradition, will quickly establish itself as one of the classic venues on our circuit, along with the likes of Barcelona, Spain; Hamburg, Germany and Cardiff, U.K.”

The penultimate Act of the season in San Diego will see two U.S.-flagged wildcard teams added to the lineup of international entries. Details of the American squads will be revealed in the coming weeks.

“Our city has extensive history with sailing along with the natural stadium environment of the Bay,” said Matt Reynolds, CEO of Extreme San Diego, the local organization bringing the Series to town. “As a lifelong sailor, I am pleased that the great fans in our community and sailing enthusiasts from around the country will have the privilege to experience the action and thrills of competitive stadium sailing up close.”

Boasting an original “stadium-style” racing circuit designed for spectators, the Extreme Sailing Series will take place during four days on Harbor Island and feature food and beer gardens, live music, family-friendly activities, a kid’s zone and much more in the free-to-enter Race Village.

The Series also offers a unique VIP experience, with the opportunity for guests to get on board the GC32s during racing. Additionally, Oct. 20 will be Military Appreciation Day, in which members of the armed forces are offered free admission for themselves and a guest to the VIP Foiling tent with a valid military ID.

Event details – Scoreboard – Facebook – YouTube

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 – Barcelona, Spain
August 10-13 – Hamburg, Germany
August 25-28 – Cardiff, UK
October 19-22 – San Diego, USA
Nov 30-Dec 3 – Los Cabos, Mexico

Background: The Extreme Sailing Series is in its eleventh season, with this year’s eight event tour travelling through Middle East, Asia, Europe and the Americas. The platform used is the one design foiling GC32 catamaran, with the format highlighting ‘stadium’ short-course racing in front of the public.

Source: Nuffer, Smith, Tucker