The high-performance sailing competition Extreme Sailing Series will be making its debut in San Diego next month. This marks the first time the Series returned to U.S. shores in six years.
The competition, which is coming to Harbor Island Oct. 19-22, pits some of the world’s best sailors against each other on identical GC32 hydro-foiling catamarans, as they compete on tactical courses just feet from the shore.
“San Diego is an ideal city to join the impressive list of venues for this world-class event,” San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer said a press conference Wednesday welcoming the competition to town.
San Diego has played host to a number of signature sailing events before, such as the America’s Cup, World Championships and the Olympic Trials.
The Series promises a spectator experience unlike anything local sailing enthusiasts and sports fans have ever seen. The last time the Series was in the U.S. was in Boston 2011. It is scheduled to come back to San Diego again in 2018.
“We are thrilled to be heading back to the United States for the first time after a long absence,” Extreme Sailing Series events director Andy Tourell said. “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 final leg of the 2017 season will take place in Los Cabos, Mexico Nov. 30 through Dec. 3. The Series is free to the public, but there are VIP packages available for the Foiling Club and Extreme Club.