Extreme Sailing Series Europe - open for official entries

08/02/2010

The Notice of Race for the 2010 Extreme Sailing Series Europe has been issued, effectively opening the official entry period for the European series - closing date for entries is midnight on 15th March. Having seen more than 200,000 spectators entertained by the ten international skippers and their crews on the dynamic Extreme 40s in 2009, the award-winning circuit promises ponce again to deliver a top-level sailing series across six European destinations and an ever-growing entertainment package on water as well as on land for the general public.

International top level teams
Six existing teams from Europe and the Middle East have already expressed strong commitment to rejoin the circuit for 2010, with several new teams anticipated to step-up to the start line in May 2010. The expectation and objective is once again to have 8 to 10 international, top level teams. OC Events, organiser of the circuit since its inception in 2007, is planning an official launch week commencing 15 May 2010 when the teams and their skippers will be presented officially for the first time.

Iconic locations across Europe
The 2010 series will be a five, possibly six event series, racing in iconic venues and cities in locations including the UK, France, Germany and Spain:

• Event 1: 27-30 May location tbc
  
• Exhibition Event: 19 June: J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race
  
• Event 2: 14-18 July or 31 July to 5 August UK
  
• Event 3: 26-29 August Germany
  
• Event 4: 9-12 September location tbc
  
• Event 5: 23-26 September location tbc
  
• Event 6: 9-12 October, Almería, Spain

Final venues will be announced one by one over the coming weeks.



iShare Cup Venice 2009
Physical challenge
The four day format of racing will remain unchanged, except that in 2010 the opening day's races on the 'Media Day' will count towards the overall score. At each event, the teams will have the opportunity to take part in 'corporate sailing' in the morning to entertain their VIP guests, while racing will take place in the afternoon. With up to eight races per afternoon, the events are extremely physical for the skippers and crews. Each race lasts approximately 15 minutes on the short, tight racecourses the series has become renowned for.

Breaking with tradition
However the Race Committee is currently looking at other options to challenge the teams. Tim Hancock, once again Principal Race Officer, commented, "We tested the strategy and tactics of the teams last year in some of the tightest racecourses I've ever seen, from the traditional windward-leeward, to downwind starts and triangular courses. This year we will also be exploring possibilities of speed runs, slalom-courses and other 'tradition-breaking' ideas. The high, professional standard of racing will never be compromised, but we also want to provide thrilling and easy to understand racing that will continue to entertain the crowds."

Source: extremesailingserieseurope.com


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