This years AAM Cowes Week did not seem quite the same without the exciting racing of the Extreme 40s.
Several members of the public have made comment to us saying how over the past few years they had enjoyed the walk to Egypt Point to watch the fast and furious racing of these boats. However, that is in the past and the Extreme Racing Series is about to spring into action in Cardiff Bay.
Nine Extreme 40s will race in Cardiff Bay from the 30th August for four days, with the event opening to the public on the 31st August.
Can Island sailor continue winning streak
After his success so far this year on the Extreme 40 circuit, and following his fascinating commentaries on the Olympic Sailing can Islander Leigh McMillan continue his winning streak?
The fleet has already raced stadium-style in Muscat, Qingdao, Istanbul and most recently on the magnificent Douro river in Porto, and one team has dominated so far. British Olympian Leigh McMillan and his team The Wave, Muscat have triumphed in all but one of the previous Acts but as Leigh commented, “It is getting harder to retain an advantage, especially with three other teams – the Austrian Red Bull Sailing Team, their stablemates Oman Air, and the French on Groupe Edmond de Rothschild.”
First Minister of Wales delighted
Welsh spectators and the visiting public are expected to turn out in their droves to watch the Extreme 40s as Cardiff Bay is transformed into an incredible stadium racecourse with viewing areas on all sides.
The First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones AM said: “I am delighted that the Welsh Government’s support has helped bring the Extreme Sailing Series to Cardiff Bay for the first time this summer.”
Olympic medalist wildcard entry
Olympic silver medalist and one half of the successful British 470 women’s duo Hannah Mills, will be flying the Welsh flag as part of Team Wales, a wildcard entry for Act 5 in Cardiff.
Team Wales will bring the tally of boats on the start line up to nine and Team Wales, with the valuable backing of high performance shaving brand King of Shaves, will be led by one of Wales’ most talented young sailors, Cardiff born Dave Evans, who at 26 years old will be the youngest competing skipper in the fleet.
The Extreme Sailing Series takes place as part of the annual Cardiff Festival, the UK’s biggest free outdoor festival.
