Extreme 40 Sailing Series 2011 Muscat

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20.02.2011
Williams makes Extreme debut in Oman
Team GAC Pindar embarks on 2011 race calendar

Team GAC Pindar embarked on its first event of the 2011 race calendar today, with leading British sailor, Ian Williams, set to take on both the Extreme Sailing Series(tm) and World Match Racing Tour.

Foto: Team Gäbler

The season opener of the Extreme Sailing Series, got underway at The Wave, Muscat in Oman and marked Team GAC Pindar's twice previous ISAF World Match Racing Champion, Ian Williams' Extreme 40 debut. Williams heads a four-man crew, including experienced America's Cup sailors Jono Macbeth, Gilberto Nobili and Brad Webb.

The team arrived in Oman earlier this month, where Williams undertook some intensive catamaran training on an F18 (18ft catamaran), before stepping up to the team's thrilling Extreme 40 (40ft catamaran). Speaking from Muscat he said: 'It's been a fantastic few weeks and I've learnt loads. High-speed fleet racing on these incredible boats is quite different from the one-on-one match racing I'm used to. I spent the first few days training with Adam Piggott who has been great and the whole team, in particular our Shore Captain, Olly Smith, has been working really hard to get ready for the first event. It's going to be a steep learning curve, but for now our goal is to go out and enjoy it and try and improve with every race."

Now in its fifth season, the 2011 Extreme Sailing Series season promises to be the most competitive yet, with a total of 11 teams set to take part in the nine-event global series. The international line-up includes World Champions, Ocean Racing record holders, Olympians and America's Cup sailors, represented by crew members from 15 different nations. Defending Champions Oman Sail will be bidding for a hat-trick of titles, having lifted the trophy for the last two years. Reigning champion, Oman Sail's 'The Wave, Muscat' took the lead after Day 1, skippered by Torvar Mirsky, who is also making his debut on the Extreme circuit this week.

Team GAC Pindar, which entered two events on the 2010 Extreme circuit in Sète and Cowes has committed to a full 2011 season. The partnership combines Team Pindar's 30-year sailing heritage with Dubai-based global logistics provider, GAC. Alongside the Extreme Sailing Series, Team GAC Pindar is also set to compete on the World Match Racing Tour, where Williams will be striving for a third World Match Racing title.

Team Principal of Team GAC Pindar, Andrew Pindar commented: "It's set to be an action-packed year, including an exciting new challenge for Ian on the Extreme 40's. The 18-event global race calendar spans seventeen different countries, offering key marketing opportunities and extensive exposure for both the team and GAC brand. Ian has already proved he's got what it takes to be a Double World Champion - we wish him and all the crew a great season."

Act 1 of the Extreme Sailing Series includes two days of open-water racing, followed by the closer 'stadium' races, in front of the shore side crowds from 22-24 Feb. The event coincides with the Muscat Festival, celebrating Oman's traditional arts, culture and heritage.

To follow the racing, please visit www.extremesailingseries.com

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Extreme Sailing Series(tm) Schedule 2011
Act 1: 22-24 February, Muscat, Oman (20-21 'open-water' racing*) Act 2: 15-17 April, China (13-14 'open-water' racing) Act 3: 27-29 May, Istanbul, Turkey (25-26 'open-water' racing) Act 4: 30 June-4 July, Boston, USA (all days public event) Act 5: 6-12 August, Cowes, UK (all days public event) Act 6: 16-18 September, Trapani, Italy (14-15 'open-water' racing) Act 7: 30 September-2 October, Nice, France (28-29 'open-water' racing) Act 8: 12-16 October, Almeria, Spain (all days public event) Act 9: 9-11 December, Singapore (7-8 'open-water' racing)
2011 Teams & Skippers:
Team Name Nat. Skipper Name Nat. Alinghi SUI Tanguy Cariou FRA Artemis Racing SWE Terry Hutchinson USA Emirates Team New Zealand NZL Dean Barker NZL Groupe Edmond de Rothschild FRA Pierre Pennec FRA Luna Rossa ITA Max Sirena ITA Niceforyou ITA Alberto Barovier ITA Oman Air Masirah OMA Sidney Gavignet FRA Red Bull Extreme Sailing AUT Roman Hagara AUT Team Extreme GER Roland Gaebler GER Team GAC Pindar GBR Ian Williams GBR The Wave, Muscat OMA Torvar Mirsky AUS

Team Pindar is one of the world's leading independent sailing teams. Since the company's first ever sports sponsorship of The North Sea Yacht Race in 1980, Pindar has become one of the most established names in sailing. Team Pindar has supported sailing campaigns across every level, ranging from grass roots and local community projects through to match racing and global offshore events at the very pinnacle of the sport. Ambassadors past and present include Pete Goss, Hilary Lister, Hannah Mills, Brian Thompson, Emma Richards, Jo Royle, Mike Sanderson, and Ian Williams.
www.gac.com / www.teampindar.com