Promising a spectator experience and festival atmosphere unlike anything local sailing enthusiasts and sports fans have ever seen, the Extreme Sailing SeriesTM is set to make its debut in San Diego next month.
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, coming to Harbor Island Oct. 19-22, also just announced that an invitational kite foil racing series has been added to series for the first time, along with a $20,000 purse.
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.”
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.
Matt Reynolds, CEO of Extreme San Diego, the local organization bringing the Series to town, thanked event partners OC Sport, SEA San Diego, San Diego Tourism Authority, and the Port of San Diego.
“Our city has extensive history with sailing having hosted multiple signature events like the America’s Cup, World Championships and the Olympic Trials, along with the natural stadium environment of the Bay making San Diego an ideal location for this event,” Reynolds said. “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.”
The Extreme Sailing Series is free to the public and includes a mix of unique on-the-water entertainment and numerous on-shore activities. VIP packages in the Foiling Club and Extreme Club are also available. Friday, 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. For more event, ticket and parking information, visit sandiegoextremesailing.com.