Extreme Series @San Diego 2017: Harbor Island, October 19-22

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 20, 2017 – 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 is coming to Harbor Island Oct. 19-22.

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer was joined by local government and tourism officials at a news conference at Coasterra restaurant on Wednesday to welcome the Series to town. Faulconer spoke about why San Diego is an ideal host for the Series.
“San Diego is an ideal city to join the impressive list of venues for this world-class event,” Faulconer said. “Our region boasts not only a near perfect year-round climate, endless beaches and attractions, but also premier dining and hotels. We look forward to welcoming people from around the world to beautiful San Diego.”

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 Series pits some of the world’s best sailors against each other on identical GC32 catamarans, as they compete on tactical courses just feet from the shore. 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.

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.”

Joe Terzi, President & CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority, welcomed the Extreme Sailing Series to town and acknowledged the collaboration required to bring such a prestigious event to America’s Finest City.

“On behalf of San Diego and our thriving, distinguished sailing community, we are honored to host the Extreme Sailing Series in San Diego next month,” Terzi said. “We look forward to having the highest level of sailing take place on the world class San Diego Bay. I would also like to acknowledge the key collaboration between San Diego Tourism Authority, SEA San Diego, San Diego Tourism Marketing District, San Diego Sports Alliance and the Port of San Diego in capitalizing on the opportunity to host this one-of-a-kind event.”

Robert “Dukie” Valderrama, Chair, Board of Port Commissioners, welcomed the Series on behalf of the Port of San Diego and highlighted San Diego Bay as a perfect setting for spectator sailing.
“Our bay’s natural stadium style setting will offer an outstanding competitive environment and an unforgettable spectator experience,” he said. “This event was an important investment for the Port because it is a great activity that will draw people to the waterfront and offer an experience that is truly unique to San Diego.”