As the event in Cardiff, UK, draws to a close, the Extreme Sailing Series™ fleet of hydro-foiling GC32 catamarans will speed towards San Diego, USA, for the next incredible sailing showdown on the Californian coastline.
Heading Stateside for four days of high octane racing, the GC32 speed machines will command the waters off Harbor Island from 18-21 October, in an event presented by SAP.
“It’s going to be beautiful in San Diego,” enthused Adam Minoprio, helm for SAP Extreme Sailing Team, winners of last year’s San Diego Act and the overall 2017 series. “We’re really looking forward to it. Last year we had some fantastic racing and we’re looking forward to returning.”
Cardiff has been a tough pill to swallow for Danish-flagged SAP Extreme Sailing Team. Heading into the all important double-points final race just one point behind their Swiss counterparts Alinghi, their hopes of an Act win were shattered when they were penalised for being over the starting line early (OCS). Although relegated to the back of the fleet for much of the race, they finished the Act on the Cardiff podium in second – once again behind their Swiss rivals, who took their fourth Act win of the season.
SAP Extreme Sailing Team did, however, win the Zhik Speed Machine Trophy for reaching the Act’s top speed of 34.3 knots, an insight provided by SAP.
It was another podium clocked for Phil Robertson and his crew too. Team Oman Air took an impressive six top-three finishes on day four, including pole position in the double-points last race.
“It was a great way to finish the event,” enthused skipper and helm Robertson. “It would have been nice to climb another spot, but we’re definitely improving Act by Act.”
Cardiff delivered every season over the course of the UK long holiday weekend. From glorious sunshine to strong winds and torrential rain, the talented sailors were pushed to the limit as they navigated the tricky course in ever-changing weather conditions.
“San Diego will be a completely different event in terms of weather,” said US sailor Red Bull Sailing Team bowman, Dan Morris, who has raced and lived in California. “It’ll be warm, sunny and stable. Not that Cardiff hasn’t been fun, but San Diego is going to be unreal.”
San Diego, presented by SAP, is the penultimate Act of the 2018 season. With only two points separating the two top teams, the Extreme Sailing Series US Act promises to be a tough match for the elite level GC32 fleet, and an action-packed spectacle for the Series’ global audience.
For more information on the Extreme Sailing Series, please visit the official event website.
