11 Dec 2014
For the first time ever for the grand finale of the 2014 season, the Extreme Sailing Series is coming exclusively to Sydney Harbour. Taking place from 11 – 14 December, some of the very best professional sailing teams in the world, including the Australian flagged squad of GAC Pinda, will compete against each other to win the coveted Extreme Sailing Series trophy.
The concept of Extreme 40 is to bring sailing to the public with an incredibly exciting, challenging and tactical course close enough to the shore to provide spectacular entertainment for those onshore.
Weighing no more than a Mini Cooper, the Extreme 40 catamarans are assembled in just a few hours and can reach speeds of 30 knots. The generous sail area allows the Extreme 40s to sail incredibly fast, which provides an exhilarating experience for spectators.
Sydney local, Olympic gold medallist and Skipper of catamaran GAC Pinda, Nathan Wilmot, said “It is really great to be racing in Sydney. I reckon it is the best stretch of water that you can sail on in the world. Although this is my home city, I don't think it will give us too much advantage The race course is a pretty tight and tricky one, but has such a spectacular back drop. I'm really looking forward to the local crowd coming along to cheer us on.”
For those looking to get out on Sydney Harbour themselves, here are some of the best water activities to experience in Sydney ahead of the big race:
1. Stand-Up Paddleboarding Ball, Manly
SUPBALL is a game that will push your limits and make you laugh like never before. SUPBALL is a combination of netball, water polo, lacrosse and rugby, played on stand up paddle boards. Taking SUPping to a whole new level, this unique game can be played by all. www.manlykayakcentre.com.au
2. Sydney Harbour Kayak Tours, Sydney
Explore Sydney Harbour by kayak, taking in some of the famous sites around the domain with stunning views across to Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Depending on the wind direction you may end up at a secluded beach where you can relax and enjoy refreshments before heading back to the starting point.
3. Scuba Diving, Chowder Bay
Learn how to scuba dive at Plunge Diving, the only PADI dive centre located on the water in Sydney. From here there are a number of programs that will have you diving in the open water in under three days. Specialising in PADI Open Water courses you'll be certified to dive 18 metres and is the first step to exploring the underwater world
http://www.plungediving.com.au/
4. Learn to Sail, Rushcutters Bay
No matter what your prior sailing experience, Pacific Sailing School has an introductory to sailing lesson that is designed for everyone, aged from 12 to 80. You'll start with a safety briefing and will be steering from day one, exploring Sydney Harbour. You'll learn the basics such as rigging a yacht, safety equipment, location and steering on all points of sail plus a good understanding on knots, rules of the road and wind direction.
http://www.pacificsailingschool.com.au/
5. Oz Jet boating, Circular Quay
See the iconic sights of Sydney Harbour zipping aboard high-speed red shark jet boats. You'll come face-to-face with stunning sights of Sydney, including the Sydney Opera House, Clark and Shark Island, Taronga Zoo and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Plus there are all the thrilling elements to the rides – spins, slides, power-break stops and fish-tails making it an amazing experience.
For more information on Extreme Sailing Series visit www.extremesailingseries.com
For more information on Sydney go to www.sydney.com
To access the image library and download images go to images.destinationnsw.com.au
Media Contacts:
Nadine Ghanem, Destination NSW
Email: nadine.ghanem@dnsw.com.au
Tel: 02 9931 1135 Mob: 0477 753 833
Laura Kelly, Destination NSW
Email: laura.kelly@dnsw.com.au
Tel: 02 9931 1164 Mob: 0411 777 676
