Team GAC Pindar's Extreme 40. Image copyright Vincent Curutchet/ DPPI/ OC Events.
by Kate Brewer
Team GAC Pindar will join a total of nine world class entries for Round Two of the Extreme Sailing Series Europe during Cowes Week, from July 31-August 5. The British team, skippered by Australian all round yachtsman, Nick Moloney, will be looking to climb the standings as it competes in the second of five events on the 2010 calendar.
The fast-paced fleet racing will take place over two race courses - a longer course in the mornings, which is set to test the speed of the exciting 40 foot catamarans, followed by a shorter, more spectator friendly course, just off the race village at Egypt Point, each afternoon.
In keeping with the excitement on the water, race organisers Offshore Challenges, will this week be introducing a new form of onshore entertainment, called ‘Sailing Rocks’. Featuring island-based DJs, selected by BBC Radio 1/Bestival star Rob da Bank, visitors to the event will enjoy a series of live sets throughout the week.
Skipper, Nick Moloney, who boasts a rich and successful sailing career, including 2 America’s Cup campaigns and 12 individual World Sailing Speed Records will be joined on board by three other accomplished British sailors - Andy Walsh (helmsman), Olly Smith (bowman) and Hugh Styles (trimmer). A select handful of guests, will also be offered the unique experience of enjoying the action firsthand, as ‘5th Man’ passenger, alongside the crew.
Speaking from Cowes, Nick Moloney commented, “We are looking forward to getting back out on the water in Cowes. Sète was the first time we raced as a crew and was very much a learning curve, but we have managed to fit in some more training and we are improving all the time. Cowes is an incredible event – there’s always so much going on and there’s a great atmosphere. When the sun is shining, there’s nowhere better.”
In May, independent sailing company ‘Team Pindar’ joined forces with Dubai-based global logistics provider ‘GAC’, to enter a joint team in this year’s European Extreme Sailing Series. Together, the two brands are seeking to leverage the synergies from their combined strengths and networks to build brand awareness and generate business opportunities in the maritime arena.
Captain Peter Gronberg Managing Director of GAC (Bahrain) and joint Team Director commented, “We are looking forward to a busy and exciting week both on and off the water. Alongside Pindar, we will be hosting over 100 guests throughout the week. It is a fantastic corporate hospitality vehicle – what other sport allows your guests the chance to compete alongside world-class sportsmen in actual race conditions?”
The 2010 Extreme Sailing Series began on May 27 in Sète, France. After Cowes it will visit three other European destinations: Kiel (Germany), Trapani (Italy) and Almeria (Spain).
Teams competing alongside Team GAC Pindar in Cowes include current series leaders Groupe Edmond de Rothschild, defending Champions Oman Sail Masirah, Red Bull Extreme Sailing and Ecover Sailing Team.
Team GAC Pindar
Extreme Sailing Series Europe
