Another top lineup in Muscat to kick off the 6th Extreme Sailing Series

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With the sixth edition of the Extreme Sailing Series™ kicking off in just five weeks in Muscat, Oman, a top quality team lineup has been announced from the Dusseldorf Boat Show.

An impressive set of sailors from all over the globe with an extraordinary set of CVs including skippers Ernesto Bertarelli (SUI), Ian Williams (GBR), Roman Hagara (AUT), Pierre Pennec (FRA) and Morgan Larson (USA) and a host of strong commercial brands, will set out on their quest to win the Extreme Sailing Series. Eight pro teams, meeting the objective of organisers OC ThirdPole for 2012, will be on the starting grid in Muscat on 28 February.

Seven of the teams on the start line in Muscat are returning teams – Alinghi, Oman Air, The Wave Muscat, Red Bull Sailing Team, Groupe Edmond de Rothschild, ZouLou and GAC Pindar have competed in one or more seasons already. “It is a very positive indication of the sporting integrity and commercial value of the circuit to see so many of the highly competitive and high-profile teams sign-up again for 2012,” said Mark Turner, Executive Chairman of OC ThirdPole, the organising company and creators of the Extreme Sailing Series.“Going into our sixth year, the level of competition will step up yet another gear, and we can expect the racing to once again be incredibly tight with Act winners only known in the closing minutes at each venue. As organisers, our mission will be to also continue to increase the commercial return for all the stakeholders, and whilst ensuring the very best racing, develop further the fan entertainment package and media value which already stepped up markedly in 2011.”

The Swiss team of Alinghi return again for a third season (winners in 2008) after finishing in 5th place overall last year, but this time there will be a new man at the helm. Ernesto Bertarelli will be both skipper and helmsman in his first full season of Extreme 40 competition.

Five weeks and counting – the 2012 Extreme 40 battle will commence…

Team / nationality / skipper /nationality

Alinghi SUI / Ernesto Bertarelli SUI
GAC Pindar GBR / Ian Williams GBR
Groupe Edmond de Rothschild FRA / Pierre Pennec FRA
Oman Air OMA / Morgan Larson USA
Red Bull Sailing Team AUT / Roman Hagara AUT
The Wave, Muscat OMA / Leigh McMillan GBR
ZouLou FRA / Erik Maris FRA
8th team TBA early Feb