The iShares Cup Extreme 40 Sailing Series confirmed for 2008

21.09.07

The first season of the iShares Cup Extreme 40 Sailing Series was deemed a great success by sailors, sponsors and the public and is now set to get bigger and better in 2008. The 2007 circuit brought crash-and-burn racing to the doorstep of the public, providing great entertainment and top-level sport to select destinations around Europe. Subject to final agreements being concluded, OC Events, the circuit owner, with the support of title partner iShares, is to take the European series to the four existing countries of the UK, France, Germany and Holland, and add two new venues in Italy and Switzerland. Bids from cities in these six countries are now being invited by OC Events.

With nine Extreme 40 boats already in existence, TornadoSport, builders of the 40-ft catamarans has strong interest for up to another six new builds and the teams from 2007 have already expressed their desire to compete again. The mix of top class adrenaline-pumping racing, with excellent VIP hospitality has proven to be a compelling attraction for sponsors and sailors alike.

2007 saw the Extreme 40s tackle the different challenges of racing on lake, sea and canal, in light, gusty and big breeze conditions. “You really can’t get closer inshore racing than we have seen at the iShares Cup, in particular Amsterdam” Rick Andrews, Head of Marketing, iShares Europe enthused. “The tight courses have given us some thrilling racing and fantastic client hospitality opportunities. We can’t wait to start again and look forward to growing the series.”

2007 iShares Cup Extreme 40 Sailing Series in review…

iShares Cup, Munich 25-27 May
The series kicked off with six boats making the trip to Lake Starnberg, Munich for a light wind event. Under the eyes of some 20,000 spectators Basilica made an early impression on the circuit, stealing victory from French team Volvo Ocean Race on the final day of the series. Despite the light conditions the teams saluted the crowd by flying their hulls in formation.

iShares Cup, Marseille 7-9 July
The Vieux Port in the heart of Marseille was the next stop on the Extreme 40 calendar where Groupama, skippered by Franck Cammas, posted a late entry bringing the fleet to seven boats in total. The French team had a bold start to the series but were unable to stifle Basilica who went home with another event trophy. Tommy Hilfiger dressed to impress in Marseille showing up for guest sailing in full suits while, BT had the first near cartwheel of the series on the final day of racing in 18 knots and rough seas.

iShares Cup at Skandia Cowes Week 3-5 August
The Extreme 40 fleet increased yet again with eight boats – the biggest fleet to date – entertaining the Skandia Cowes Week crowds. With no Extreme 40 experience, double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson led her team JPMorgan Asset Management to an impressive third on the event podium with BT finally getting a podium slot to finish in second overall. Once again Basilica showed their dominance and took another event win, stepping closer to the series title.

iShares Cup, Amsterdam 14-16 September
Held on canal waters in the centre of Amsterdam, the final iShares Cup event proved to be an awesome sight with eight boats racing on a small, confined course. Two near capsizes and several smashes between boats kept the crowds who had gathered to support home favourites Holmatro, on their toes. In additional to scoring races, teams also took part in night sailing after the boats were craned over a bridge in the afternoon. Once again Basilica, who were met with a very strong challenge from Holmatro, took honours, taking a clean sweep of the series and finally securing the iShares Cup Extreme 40 Sailing Series trophy.

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