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Boston’s Fan Pier to Host First US Stopover for Global 2011 Extreme Sailing Series™

Mar 15, 2011

Boston’s Fan Pier to Host First US Stopover for Global 2011 Extreme Sailing Series™ during 30th Anniversary of Boston Harborfest, Nation’s Largest July 4th Celebration Boston, MA…The 2011 Extreme Sailing Series™ will be coming to Fan Pier, Boston to headline the 30th anniversary of Boston Harborfest, the largest Fourth of July celebration in the United States. For the first time in North America, Boston’s waterfront will showcase close combat racing on high-tech catamarans by some of the world’s best skippers. This 11-month global tour spans three continents with eleven top-class teams from eight nations. The circuit brings together sailors from fifteen different nationalities, including Olympians, America’s Cup winners, world champions and two-time Olympic Gold medalists, who race against each other on identical boats right in Boston Harbor. “Boston is proud to be the first U.S. city to host the 2011 Extreme Sailing Series™ to our waterfront for the city’s July 4th celebration—one of the largest  in the nation,” said Thomas M. Menino, Mayor, City of Boston. The dynamic stadium viewing at Fan Pier will bring spectators right at the Harbor’s edge to experience the action taking place on the water. The fast-paced and dynamic stadium racing will offer sailors and non-sailors alike the thrill and excitement of watching this hugely popular spectator sport –now available right here in Boston. Joseph Fallon, CEO and President of The Fallon Company said: “Fan Pier is the perfect place for spectators to experience this up close and personal extreme water sport. We plan to make this the most spectacular event in the circuit with fireworks, a race village filled with activities for families, on-site television coverage and a fun filled, five day event for Boston area residents and visitors.” About the Fleet The Extreme 40 fleet – super-light, super-fast catamarans, 40ft in length - will be racing from Fan Pier each afternoon, beginning June 30th – July 4, 2011. Weighing the same as a Mini Cooper (1,200kgs) and with a sail area the size of a tennis court, the Extreme 40 can race at speeds up to 45mph and ‘fly’ a hull in just 8 knots of wind. The colorful catamarans have a 62-foot mast and are raced by just four crew who are joined by a ‘5th’ man guest for each race – the 5th man could be a VIP guest, a journalist or a member of the public plucked from the crowd! Whoever it is, they will be racing right in the heart of the action. Each race lasts for just 10-15 minutes with live commentary, entertainment before, during and after the action, all within the natural stadium of Boston Harbor. New team entry for the 2011 circuit includes Paul Cayard’s Artemis Racing skippered by American Terry Hutchinson. "I am really looking forward to racing in Boston Harbor,” said Terry Hutchinson, Helmsman for Team Artemis Racing. “For me personally, it will be great to race in the U.S. as well as for our team, Artemis Racing.  I am sure that fans of all sports are going to be amazed by the Extreme Sailing Series and see these teams out on the water!" 2011 Calendar & Host Venues: Act 1: 22-24 February, Muscat, Oman Act 2: 15-17 April, China Act 3: 27-29 May, Istanbul, Turkey Act 4: 30 June – 4 July, Boston, USA – 30th Anniversary of Boston Harborfest Act 5: 6-12 August, Cowes, UK Act 6: 16-18 September, Trapani, Italy Act 7: 30 September – 2 October, Nice, France Act 8: 12-16 October, Almeria, Spain Act 9: 9-11 December, Singapore 2011 Confirmed Teams & Skippers:
Team Name Nat. Skipper Name Nat.
Alinghi SUI Tanguy Cariou FRA
Artemis Racing SWE Terry Hutchinson USA
Team New Zealand NZL Dean Barker NZL
Groupe Edmond de Rothschild FRA Pierre Pennec FRA
Niceforyou ITA Alberto Barovier ITA
Luna Rossa ITA Max Sirena ITA
Oman Air OMA Sidney Gavignet FRA
Red Bull Extreme Sailing AUT Roman Hagara AUT
Team Extreme EUR Roland Gaebler GER
Team GAC Pindar GBR Ian Williams GBR
The Wave, Muscat OMA Torvar Mirsky AUS
“What a wonderful gift to celebrate Harborfest’s 30th anniversary,” commented Susan Park, president of Boston Harborfest. “The Extreme Sailing Series at Fan Pier will truly be the highlight of our event this summer!” About Boston Harborfest Boston Harborfest, Inc. is a non-profit organization comprising over 40 cultural institutions and businesses whose primary interest is enhanced use and awareness of Boston’s waterfront and historic resources. Now in its 30th year, Harborfest is a six-day Fourth of July Festival that showcases the colonial and maritime heritage of the cradle of the American Revolution: the historic City of Boston. About Fan Pier Fan Pier is a 21-acre site on Boston’s waterfront spanning nine city blocks with over three million square feet of planned mixed-use development. Currently the luxury waterfront property is home to the internationally acclaimed Institute of Contemporary Art, famed Boston retailer LOUIS, Salon Mario Russo and restaurants including Sam’s and Strega Waterfront. Fan Pier’s first office building at ONE Marina Park is already occupied, and the destination includes a new public park, a Harbor Walk, and a state-of-the-art marina. When complete, Fan Pier will have a five-star hotel, luxury condominiums, additional offices, retail and restaurants. The Fallon Company is owner and developer. To download free editorial content, register for our online Media Server: http://media.ocgroup.com/login/ess For the most up-to-date information and schedule of events for the Extreme Sailing Series™ in Boston, visit www.facebook.com/ESSFanPier.

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Fan Pier South Boston Waterfront 

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