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Fotogalerie Kiel 29.-31.08.2008
27.03.2008
iShares Cup 2008: More boats, more venues and more action!
The 2008 circuit for the iShares Cup Extreme 40 Sailing Series has been unveiled with the events continuing to focus on high-octane, competitive close-quarter racing, accessible to the viewing public whilst providing an unforgettable VIP experience. If 2007 got pulses racing in the inaugural iShares Cup, 2008 looks set to create even more of a buzz both on and off the water.
The investments made by the sponsors, organisers, boat owners and sailors in 2007 have paid off - five new boats have been constructed bringing the total fleet size to 14 - and three America's Cup teams now own Extreme 40s. The deadline for entries is midnight on 31st March but it is anticipated that 10 or more of the teams will be signing up for the 2008 iShares Cup. The sailors from the world of the America's Cup, Olympics and offshore racing will certainly raise the bar this season as the iShares Cup tours across five European countries.
"The inaugural circuit in 2007 was a great first step, but we believe 2008 is going to see this circuit really come into its own," said Gilles Chiorri, Director of OC Events who organise the iShares Cup series.
"We want to build on the success of the sometimes unconventional, restricted, short course racing we saw in cities like Amsterdam. Racing on the canal produced some of the best action that we have ever seen within the sport of sailing. Being so close to land the spectators and VIPs really got to interact with the crew and experience the event at its best. The sailors also had a full-on experience needing to rely on their physical fitness, teamwork and quick reactions to keep ahead and on top of the competition. This season we're aiming to provide more of the same format of racing and we have been working hard to line up a great set of venues," concluded Chiorri.
The first iShares Cup event will take place from 30 May-1 June at a new venue with a stunning mountain backdrop - Lake Lugano, situated in south-east Switzerland on the Swiss/Italian border. The Extreme 40s will then head to France for round 2 over 13-15 June. The exact venue is close to being confirmed with the choice of a city centre location or a coastal venue.
The iShares Cup will then return to the UK's Skandia Cowes Week over the first weekend of 2-4 August - an incredible venue with great sea breezes and copious amounts of tide to add extra spice, as well as a perfect platform for extended corporate hospitality after the racing. Then it's back on the road to Germany for the penultimate event on 29-31 August; OC Events are in the final stages of securing the venue.
The finale to the 2008 iShares Cup will return to Amsterdam from 19-21 September, an exceptional destination that will once again see the iShares Cup Extreme 40 Sailing Series reach an exciting climax on the IJhaven canal.
iShares, title partner of the Extreme 40 Sailing Series, are equally excited about the forthcoming season and the great VIP hospitality platform it provides: "As we expand our business in Europe, the addition of three new venues on the 2008 calendar will help us further showcase this cutting-edge sponsorship to our key audience," explains Dan Kiddle, head of iShares Sponsorship, Europe.
The Extreme 40 class made an instant impact from its initial appearance in 2005/06 with five boats in action. In 2007 up to nine lightweight carbon Extreme 40s took to the water to compete for the iShares Cup, providing the class with a structure in which to grow and perform at a level unseen before. Entering 2008 the Extreme 40 class is on a roll: "We have built four new boats which means there are now 14 Extreme 40s in circulation" said Herbert Dercksen of TornadoSports, manufacturers of the boats. "The purchase of Extreme 40s by America's Cup syndicates Alinghi and BMW Oracle has drawn unprecedented attention to the class and there is now a palpable buzz around the Extreme 40s going into 2008," concluded Derksen.
Teams have until 31st March to officially enter the 2008 iShares Cup - so not long before all the contenders for the iShares Cup will be revealed!
iShares Cup Extreme 40 Sailing Series 2008:
Valencia, Preraces: 16-18 May
Switzerland, Lugano: 30 May-1 June
France, Hyeres: 13-15 June
UK at Skandia Cowes Week: 2-4 August
Germany, venue tbc: 29-31 August
Netherlands, Amsterdam: 19-21 September
www.iSharesCup.com
21.09.2008 - Alinghi wins iShares Cup 2008
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Alinghi ist Gesamtsieger des iShares Cup 2008
Foto: Jose Delgado/Alinghi
Segelsportzentrum Hyeres
Foto: Pierrick Contin DPPI/OC Events
Traumkulisse in Lugano
Foto: Vincent Curutchet/DPPI/OC Events
Kenterungen in Hyeres
Foto: Pierrick Contin DPPI/OC Events
Oman Sail schmückt sich mit Staatswappen
Foto: Mark Lloyd/Sail Oman
iShares unter der Golden Gate Bridge
Foto: www.isharescup.com
iShares an der Tower Bridge
Foto: Vincent Curutchet/DPPI/OC Events
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