Please select your home edition
Edition
Barton Marine 2019 728x90

Big breeze test for Extreme Sailing Series fleet in Qingdao finale

by Extreme Sailing Series™ on 1 May 2017
Oman Air - 2017 Extreme Sailing Series™ Extreme Sailing Series
After three days of light winds in Qingdao a new weather front has arrived, bringing with it breeze of up to 20 knots to guarantee a thrilling final-day showdown to Act 2.

The big blow promises a festival of foiling with the seven international teams expected to hit speeds of up to 30 knots around Qingdao’s stadium racecourse in Fushan Bay.

With May 1 marking Labour Day around the world, Qingdao’s shore is expected to be packed with people enjoying the holiday.

But you don’t have to be in Qingdao to experience the thrill of the Act 2 finale - Extreme Sailing Series fans around the globe can tune in to the action live on our Facebook and YouTube channels from 14:00 local time (UTC+8).

Whether in Qingdao or watching online, fans are in for a real show says Race Director John Craig, who’s tasked with running the best possible racing in Qingdao’s notoriously tricky weather conditions.

“The forecasts haven’t rung true over the last five days, but that’s Qingdao for you,” Craig said.

“Thankfully the wind that arrived late yesterday with the new weather front has stuck around and it’s looking like today is going to be one of those classic days.

“When the boats started foiling yesterday we could hear the noise from the crowd from the committee boat, so it’s great to know we’re going to be able to put on a real show today.

“We’re going to see some amazing racing, that’s for sure.”

Swiss crew Alinghi currently top the Act 2 leaderboard with a four-point buffer on British outfit Land Rover BAR Academy. NZ Extreme Sailing Team complete the podium six points adrift of the top spot.

Racing starts at 14:00 local time (UTC+8) and will run until 17:00. Join us for all the action from Qingdao!
North Sails Loft 57 PodcastVaikobi 2024 DecemberZhik 2024 December

Related Articles

Offshore Special Regulations Lighting Guide
Released by Exposure Marine ahead of the Rolex Fastnet Race Exposure Marine has launched a dedicated Offshore Special Regulations Lighting Guide to support sailing enthusiasts and offshore racers—particularly those preparing for this year's Rolex Fastnet Race.
Posted today at 11:00 am
Zhik expands Danish Sailing Team partnership
Continuing for another four years as Official Technical Apparel Supplier Zhik, global leader in high-performance water wear, is proud to announce its partnership with the Danish Sailing Team will continue for another four years, as Official Technical Apparel Supplier through to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Posted today at 9:52 am
Biotherm set for The Ocean Race Europe
Paul Meilhat assembles a team of winners for the event A little over three months after securing 5th place in the Vendée Globe, Paul Meilhat is preparing to set sail for new horizons.
Posted today at 9:42 am
Paul Whiting: Tribute to top designer
A tribute is being held for one of New Zealand's leading designers, Paul Whiting. The Paul Whiting Tribute is being held at the Ponsonby Cruising Club on Thursday May 15 2025. The Whiting designed and built "Taranui 3" (the plug for the Whiting 47) and the mighty "Magic Bus" will be on display right outside the club.
Posted today at 1:05 am
Excellent condition at Sailing League Championship
Ethan Doyle and San Francisco Yacht Club Team qualify for finals in Kiel, Germany St. Francis YC hosted the second year of the US Sailing League West Coast Championship, an offshoot of the SAILING Champions League, an international high-level club vs. club fleet racing circuit that's been held in Europe and Australia since 2014.
Posted today at 12:12 am
New Maxi Edmond de Rothschild gears towards flight
The future 32-metre giant is gradually taking shape, a day at a time In December 2023, Ariane de Rothschild officially announced the start of construction for a new oceanic maxi-trimaran designed to venture ever further along the path towards offshore flight initiated by her predecessor, Gitana 17.
Posted on 5 May
iQFOiL Youth & Junior International Games Preview
Over 200 athletes from 23 nations gather at Lake Garda following a high-level Coppa Italia opener The international iQFOiL Class is surging into the 2025 season with record participation and growing global engagement.
Posted on 5 May
2025 Yachting Cup at San Diego YC overall
Awarding 7 class winners along with the overall award to J/24 Wharf Rat Day 2 of SDYC's Yachting Cup started with a bit of rain and overcast coastal skies. The race management team was concerned about the forecast conditions - specifically the sea state, which built as a result of an overnight offshore front.
Posted on 5 May
The Stop-Start SailGP Season So Far
Season 5 of SailGP has already had more than its fair share of drama and excitement Season 5 of SailGP has already had more than its fair share of drama and excitement, and is currently on pause ahead of the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix, which is set to take place on 7th & 8th June.
Posted on 5 May
An evening honouring the Vendée Globe heroes
On Saturday, May 10, Les Sables d'Olonne will once again come alive to celebrate On Saturday, May 10, Les Sables d'Olonne will once again come alive to celebrate the epic journey of the Vendée Globe and pay tribute to the skippers of the 2024 edition, during a spectacular evening filled with emotion and festivity.
Posted on 5 May