Extreme Sailing Series™ - Challenging sailing condition

by Lydia Haley on 15 Mar 2015 In Act 2 of the Extreme Sailing Series™ the waters off Muscat, Oman, provided challenging sailing conditions for the Extreme 40 fleet. Choppy seas and strong winds confounded even the most experienced crews, resulting in an unpredictable leader board at the end of each day’s racing, with The Wave, Muscat skippered by Leigh McMillian, ultimately seizing the title as champions of Act 2.

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As Series Main Partner to the Extreme Sailing Series™, Land Rover presented the Above and Beyond Award to relative newcomers, Team Turx powered by Kaya Ropes, co-skippered by Edhem Dirvana and Mitch Booth. The team posted six podium positions, one race win and were the third highest point scoring team on the final day. Land Rover’s Global Brand Ambassador, Hannah White, commented, 'It’s been a tough venue for the teams, who have been buffeted by strong winds and waves of up to three metres. Showing grit, determination and strength of mind, Team Turx powered by Kaya Ropes was also revealed by SAP Sailing Analytics to be the fastest starting and upwind boat of the Act on average – they’re certainly ones to watch.'

Taking place alongside the Extreme Sailing Series™ in Muscat, was Oman’s introduction to Land Rover’s new Discovery Sport, the world’s most versatile and capable premium compact SUV. The exclusive Almouj Golf Club, venue for the Series, hosted the launch during which Land Rover presented Oman Sail, winners of last year’s global Land Rover Above and Beyond Award, with the keys to their vehicle.

Receiving the prize on behalf of the winning team, David Graham, CEO of Oman Sail, commented, 'I am extremely proud to accept the keys to this Discovery Sport on behalf of both our racing teams, The Wave, Muscat and Oman Air. It’s the ideal vehicle to support the work we do at our sailing club. The expertise, determination and commitment of all members of the team, from the sailors to the shore crew, has been truly inspirational. I have no doubt that their actions on the water will continue to set a fantastic example to budding Omani sailors everywhere.'

The fleet now heads to Qingdao, China for Act 3 of the Extreme Sailing Series™ where it will be racing at the same site as the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

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Extreme Sailing Series™ 2015 Host Venues:

Act 1: Singapore, 5-8 February
Act 2: Muscat, Oman 11-14 March
Act 3: Qingdao, China 30 April -3 May
Act 4: Cardiff, UK 18-21 June
Act 5: Hamburg, Germany 23-26 July
Act 6: Saint Petersburg, Russia 20-23 August
Act 7: Istanbul, Turkey 1-4 October
Act 8: Australia 10-13 December

Extreme Sailing Series™ 2015 Teams and skippers:

Team / Skipper

• GAC Pindar (AUS/GBR) – Seve Jarvin (AUS) / Ian Williams (GBR)
• Gazprom Team Russia (RUS) - Igor Lisovenko (RUS)
• Lino Sonego Team Italia (ITA)- Lorenzo Bressani (ITA)
• Oman Air (OMA) – Stevie Morrison (GBR)
• Red Bull Sailing Team (AUT) – Roman Hagara (AUT)
• SAP Extreme Sailing Team (DEN) – Jes Gram-Hansen (DEN) / Rasmus Kostner (DEN)
• TeamTurx powered by Kaya Ropes (TUR) - Edhem Dirvana (TUR)
• The Wave, Muscat (OMA) – Leigh McMillan (GBR)