Extreme Sailing Series - Spectacular racing
by Land Rover Sailing on 22 Jun 2015
Red Bull - 2015 Extreme Sailing Series Lloyd Images
As the only UK stopover of the global Extreme Sailing Series™, Cardiff saw some of the most exciting and skillful racing so far this year. Tens of thousands of spectators turned out to witness the excitement as it unfolded on Cardiff Bay’s compact stadium racecourse. The eight-strong fleet battled to keep control in gusts of up to 30 knots, using all their strength and skill to avoid collisions and capsizes.
The contest to win the fourth Act in this year’s Series was hard fought between The Wave, Muscat, SAP Extreme Sailing Team, GAC Pindar and Red Bull Sailing Team, with the Omani team ultimately seizing first place after 32 grueling races over four days.
Land Rover sponsored Red Bull Sailing Team posted an impressive second place overall with ten race wins, more than any other team, and seven podium finishes. The SAP Sailing Analytics also revealed that the Austrian team was the fastest boat in the fleet. Mentored by double Olympic gold medallists, Roman Hagara and Hans Peter Steinacher, the young rising stars of the professional sailing world thrilled onlookers as they recovered from a near capsize, to go on and win the first race on the final day of the competition.
GAC Pindar, with a refreshed crew, posted their best Act result this year finishing fourth overall, and were presented with the Land Rover Above and Beyond Award by Land Rover Global Brand Experience Director, Mark Cameron, who commented:
“The conditions were incredibly challenging for all the teams who really needed to dig deep to keep the Extreme 40s under control. The crowds were treated to edge-of-your-seat excitement and some of the best sailing the series has seen. GAC Pindar showed real determination and teamwork as they raced together for the first time and as such are worthy winners of the Land Rover Above and Beyond Award.”
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