Extreme Sailing Series Europe: Trapani, Sicily, Chosen As Italian Venue For 2010 Extreme Sailing Series Europe

Trapani, on the west coast of Sicily (Italy), will be one of the new venues for the 2010 Extreme Sailing Series Europe. As the award-winning Extreme Sailing Series enters its fourth year, the announcement of Trapani as a new host venue demonstrates the continued attraction of this exciting sailing formula to European venues. The event will take place in the very heart of the port of Trapani, right in front of the public and VIPs and just metres from the shops, bars and restaurants of the town


Extreme 40s racing downwind. Image copyright Th. Martinez/Sea & Co/OC Events.

by Emily Caroe

The Extreme Sailing Series circuit provides spectacular on-water action close to shore, as well as a shore-side public entertainment package: "To confirm Trapani as a new destination for the Extreme Sailing Series circuit, is another great development," said Gilles Chiorri, Race Director of OC Events, the organising company. "Trapani became well known to the sailing world when it hosted Acts 8 and 9 of the Louis Vuitton Cup series in 2005 and left a lasting impression as the city opened its arms to the sailing world with thousands of public supporting the event. We are looking forward to bringing the Extreme Sailing Series to this location and hope that we will be welcomed with the same enthusiasm and support that was clearly demonstrated in 2005," concluded Chiorri.

The Extreme Sailing Series Trapani event will be the penultimate event to the 2010 circuit over 23-26 September ahead of the final event that will, once again, be hosted in Almeria, Spain, over 9-12 October following their 5-year commitment to the circuit in 2009. The Provincia Regionale di Trapani has committed to an initial two-year agreement and will provide financial, logistical and operational support as Host Venue Partner. The President of Provincia Regionale di Trapani, Mr. Girolamo Turano commented: "2010 will be a great year for Trapani as we host top nautical events including the Garibaldi Tall Ships regatta in April and the Extreme Sailing Series in September. We have followed the success of the Extreme Sailing circuit over the past three years and are delighted to be hosting the penultimate round in 2010 - the beautiful waters and strong winds will no doubt provide an excellent situation for the top international teams, racing right in the heart of our harbour: perfect for spectators."


Trapani. Image copyright Th. Martinez/Sea & Co.

Included in the logistical and operational support package are technical area and moorings for the Extreme 40 fleet, a race village with public attractions, Media Centre and VIP Lounge by the Piazza Garibaldi, race management and media boats, discounted accommodation for the teams, marketing and promotional support and personnel.

The Extreme Sailing Series is recognised as providing a high return on investment (ROI), the Spanish host venue of Almeria carried out an Economic Impact Report in 2009 confirming that the event had generated 2.7m Euros of return on their investment. Over 75,000 spectators attended the Spanish event in 2009, boosting the combined audience to over 200,000 spectators in 2009. A total of 15,000 tourists visited the city over the period of the 2009 Almeria event, 92% because of the event and 80% of visitors expressed their intention to return. Hotel occupancy was up by 19.2% compared to the same period in 2008.


Extreme 40s racing in Almeria. Image copyright Th. Martinez/Sea & Co/OC Events.

The circuit, then known as the iShares Cup, won the European Sponsorship Award's Best Business to Business Sponsorship in 2008 and was short-listed for the Sports Industry Association's best Sponsorship of a Sports Event. The 2009 European series delivered in excess of 5.9m Euros of media value, a 40% increase on 2008, and the Extreme Sailing Series Europe circuit is watched by thousands of viewers around the world thanks to a TV series produced by host broadcasters Sunset&Vine|APP.

Trapani is the capital of the Province of Trapani and attracts thousands of tourists to marvel at the medieval architecture of the old town. The city is still an important fishing port and the Extreme Sailing Series Trapani event will be based in the harbour, with the Extreme 40s racing just metres off the harbour wall.

The Extreme Sailing Series continues to go from strength to strength having just concluded the inaugural Extreme Sailing Series Asia circuit in Hong Kong, Singapore and Muscat (Oman), the focus now switches to the European series. The Extreme Sailing Series Europe circuit will take in five venues across the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy with ongoing discussions in the final stages for a possible sixth event. With the announcement today of Trapani as the Italian host venue, the remaining 4 venues will be announced over the coming weeks.


Extreme 40s racing off Cowes in 2009. Image copyright Anne Hinton. All rights reserved.

Eight to ten teams including a fascinating cross section of the world's best sailors - Olympians, America's Cup sailors and World Champions - are expected to compete in the 2010 European series which continues to see the top sailors in the sport battling it out for victory. The 40-foot catamarans are confined to short and sharp race courses - the risk of collision or capsize is ever present and over the past four years this circuit has delivered some of the most dramatic inshore sailing footage ever seen.

Extreme Sailing Series Europe