New crew for Nice

Extreme Sailing Series fires up again in Trapani

The Mediterranean is the focus for the Extreme Mailing Series over the next couple of weeks, with racing resuming tomorrow in Trapani on the island of Sicily quickly followed by the next event in Nice.

Today in Nice, Christian Estrosi, Deputy Mayor of Nice and President of Nice Côte d’Azur welcomed the Extreme Sailing Series circuit to his town for the first time: “We are very happy to welcome an event of such importance with such a peculiar concept. Sailing so close to the public will allow to transform the Promenade des Anglais in a true natural stage and to offer a great show to those new in sailing and the fans.”

At the same time IMOCA 60 offshore racer, Jean-Pierre Dick, confirmed he will race an Extreme 40 team under the colours of his home town. On board with Dick will be his Transat Jacques Vabre co-skipper, Jérémie Beyou, who recently won the 2011 Solitaire du Figaro for the second time, plus Billy Besson and Arnaud Jarlegant.

However, all eyes for now are on Trapani as the teams prepare to racing their 40ft catamaran in temperatures of over 30°C. The latest forecast from official weather providers to the Extreme Sailing Series, WetterWelt, reveal a frustratingly light and variable few days ahead.

Today Girolano Turano, President of Province of Trapani, welcomed all teams to Trapani and said: “Trapani continues with its international promotion through significant events such as the Extreme Sailing Series, one of the top international sailing circuits. We hope that all visitors and tourists enjoy the competition in the next few days”.

The crew lists for the Trapani event have been published today. Artemis Racing skipper Terry Hutchinson has confirmed his team will not be competing at the event due to the pressures of the build of their first AC72 and the America’s Cup World Series event in Plymouth. The team had fully intended to compete in Trapani and it was a difficult decision for Hutchinson to make at the 11th hour – Artemis Racing’s container was already unloaded on the dockside in Trapani and the team’s logistics in place – but, ultimately, a practical one: “We will, of course, be back for all the remaining events this year, and eager to climb back up the leaderboard."

Crew Lists:

Alinghi
Skipper/Tactician: Tanguy Cariou (FRA) / Helm: Yann Guichard (FRA) / Trimmer: Nils Frei (SUI) / Bowman: Yves Detrey (SUI)
 

Emirates Team New Zealand
Skipper/Helm: Adam Beashel (AUS) / Tactician: Jeremy Lomas (NZL) / Trimmer: Richard Meacham (NZL) / Bowman: Rob Waddell (NZL)

Groupe Edmond de Rothschild
Skipper/Helm: Pierre Pennec (FRA) / Traveler: Christophe Espagnon (FRA) / Trimmer: Thierry Fouchier (FRA) / Bowman: Hervé Cunningham (FRA)

Luna Rossa
Skipper/Tactician: Max Sirena (ITA) / Helm: Paul Campbell-James (GBR) / Trimmer: Alister Richardson (GBR) / Bowman: Manuel Modena (ITA)

Niceforyou
Skipper/Helm: Alberto Barovier (ITA) / Tactician: Stefano Rizzi (ITA) / Trimmer: Lorenzo Mazza (ITA) / Bowman: Simone de Mari (ITA)

Oman Air
Skipper/Helm: Ben Ainslie (GBR) / Tactician: Kinley Fowler (NZL) / Trimmer: David Carr (GBR) / Bowman: Nasser Al Mashari (OMA)

Red Bull Extreme Sailing
Skipper/Helm: Roman Hagara (AUT) / Tactician: Hans Peter Steinacher (AUT) Trimmer: Matt Adams (GBR) / Bowman: Craig Monk (GBR)

Team Extreme, ‘Sailing Seacily’
Skipper/Tactician: Sebbe Godefroid / Helm: Patrick Demesmaeker (BEL) / (BEL) / Trimmer: Jan Coppens (BEL) / Bowman: Vince Thery (BEL)

Team GAC Pindar
Skipper/Helm: Ian Williams (GBR) / Tactician: Pierluigi De Felice (ITA) / Trimmer: Andrew Walsh (GBR) / Bowman: Ed Smyth (NZL)

The Wave, Muscat
Skipper/Helm: Leigh McMillan (GBR) / Tactician: Kyle Langford (AUS) / Trimmer: Nick Hutton (GBR) / Bowman: Khamis Al Anbouri (OMA)