Sailing to the Extreme

Media Invite

(Daddy races)

The Extreme Sailing Series is back at Marina Bay this weekend, making it the first time that Singapore is hosting the opening leg - there are 8 legs in 8 countries in all - of the 2014 Series.

Never heard of it? It doesn't matter. All you have to know is that this is no ordinary sailing competition where sailors take hours and hours to complete one course. Far from it actually. In fact, the series prides itself in bringing the action to the spectators with Stadium Sailing where boats race ever so close to the audience!

So expect to see professional sailing teams pit against each other on identical Extreme 40 catamarans, on challenging, short yet tactical courses and close to shore to provide spectacular entertainment for the public.

So if you planning to bring the children down for a day out at Marina Bay, you will be glad to know that each race is only approximately 10 to 15 minutes long hence keeping the races compact, exciting and fun to watch!

Last year, I had the chance to experience the thrill of racing by joining in as a guest sailor on one of the Extreme 40 catamarans and it was such a stupendous experience. Having had a first-hand look at how the sailors deftly maneuvered the catamaran while constantly switching positions, I can tell you it is no easy feat to steer, let alone race, one of this babies.

The Extreme Sailing Series starts today, and last all the way to this Sunday (23 Feb 2014). Best of all, it is FREE to watch!

The free to enter public Race Village is located at The Promontory@Marina bay and will provide a host of entertainment throughout the day including live music, public bar and food stalls, a resident DJ, live commentary throughout the racing as well as a Kids Zone for children.

Yup, a Kids Zone just for children! It will feature activities for children including educational exhibits that explain the science of sailing. Children will also be able to learn how to tie various knots and find out more about the different parts of boats. There will be sampling stations throughout the Happy World of Haribo, which will also include a bouncy castle, paddle boat pool, face-painting booth and game stalls for a day of fun.

Here is a detailed schedule of activities to take note, with the real action of Stadium Racing highlighted in red:

Friday 21st February 2014
10.00 Public Race Village opens
10.00-12.30 Haribo Cup Youth Race & Haribo Try sailing followed by prize giving
13.00-14.00 49fxer exhibition
14.30-17.30 Extreme 40 racing window
17.30-19.00 The Aberdeen Challenge
19.00-19.30 The Aberdeen prize giving ceremony

Saturday 22nd February 2014
10.00 Public Race Village opens
10.00-12.30 Haribo Cup Youth Race & Haribo Try sailing followed by prize giving
12.30-13.00 2000m Dragon Boat racing
13.00-14.00 49fxer exhibition
14.20-14.30 Dragon Boat vs Team Aberdeen Singapore drag race
14.30-19.00 Extreme 40 racing window

Sunday 23rd February 2014
10.00 Public Race Village opens
10.00-12.30 Haribo Cup Youth Race & Haribo Try sailing followed by prize giving
13.00-14.00 49fxer exhibition
14.30-17.30 Extreme 40 racing window
18.00 49fxer sailors prize giving ceremony
18.15 Act 1, Singapore official prize giving ceremony

Useful Details:

Extreme Sailing Series 
Date: 21 - 23 February 2014 (Friday – Sunday)
Venue: The Promontory@Marina Bay
Time: Race Village opens from 10am, racing commences from 2.30pm
Website: http://www.extremesailingseries.com/
FREE Admission