Economics of Extreme Sailing San Diego

The Extreme Sailing Series™, the world’s leading Stadium Racing series, will return to the USA for what promises to be another action-packed event on October 18-21, 2018. Last year was the first time the international series competed in San Diego and it was very well received by the community – both in visibility for San Diego but also significant economics that flowed into the local economy.

“San Diego and sailing go hand-in-hand so we’re excited to have the Extreme Sailing Series return to America’s Finest City,” said Kevin L. Faulconer, San Diego Mayor. “This must-see event will bring competitors and fans from around the world for high-speed racing just a few feet from our shores, providing thrills for our residents and an economic boost for our city.”

A study conducted by San Diego State University Center for Hospitality and Tourism Research following last year’s event shows impressive numbers for a first time event. The San Diego event had a $2.5 million total impact on the region. To put the financial significance further into perspective, in 2017, the media value generated for the San Diego event alone was over $30.8 million as analyzed by the independent media group Nielsen Sports. This result was triple the initial expectation presented to the community.

“The media data we’ve seen from the 2017 San Diego Act shows some of the most impressive results to have come out of the Extreme Sailing Series,” Scott Over, Commercial Director at OC Sport which manages the series. “San Diego has become one of the most successful Acts on the circuit, with figures skyrocketing across the board – from TV audiences to broadcast hours and media value.

“San Diego now plays a pivotal role in the growth of the Extreme Sailing Series, offering an outstanding platform for quality of racing, commercial opportunities, community and audience engagement and of course, affording the Series with a venue that can successfully attract a global audience.”

The San Diego event will feature a free “Race Village” and many other elements as part of the Extreme Sailing Series set-up, including the US Sailing Education Zone and the Extreme Club VIP area where you can ride as a Guest Sailor on a GC32 during a race. It will again be based at Harbor Island with the racing action taking place just meters from the shore.

The 2018 San Diego event will again feature a Kiteboard Invitational with the top talent in the world and a full grid of professional and brand-backed sponsored teams racing a fleet of foiling GC32 catamarans, “flying” in front of thousands of spectators.

The Extreme Sailing Series season is already underway, making stops in Asia and Europe before returning to San Diego. The Extreme Sailing Series finishes up their 2018 season in late November in Los Cabos, Mexico.

“We look forward to building on the success of year one and we are confident the event will continue to grow in attendance, media value and hotel room nights,” said Matt Reynolds, CEO of Extreme San Diego. “Last year’s collective investment set the foundation for growing an event that can one day be a San Diego premier event.”

Series details – Event information – Scoreboard – Facebook

2018 Extreme Sailing Series™ calendar
March 14-17 – Act 1 – Muscat, Oman
May 24-27 – GC32 World Championship, Lake Garda, Italy
June 14-17 – Act 3 – Barcelona, Spain
July 5-8 – Act 4 – Cascais, Portugal
August 24-27 – Act 5 – Cardiff, UK
October 18-21 – Act 6 – San Diego, USA
November 29-December 2 – Act 7, Los Cabos, Mexico

Background: The Extreme Sailing Series is in its twelfth season, with this year’s eight event tour travelling through Middle East, 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: ESS