Sailing is about to get a lot sexier. This June and July, the Extreme Sailing Series comes to Boston Harbor, with Olympic sailors jockeying some of the fastest catamarans in the world (known as Extreme 40s) at speeds of up to 40 mph. The 40-foot-long boats each weigh as little as a Mini Cooper but have a sail area the size of a tennis court.
The international race is one of the highest-profile events in the sailing world and one of only four special events recognized by the International Sailing Federation, along with the Volvo Ocean Race, World Match Race Tour and the America’s Cup. This is the first time the race will be in the Americas. The series began in Muscat, Oman, in February and ends in Singapore in December, making a total of nine ports of call, with Boston fourth in line. Boston was chosen over three other prestigious US cities after the success of last year’s Volvo Ocean Race, says Fan Pier developer Joe Fallon, who, along with Mayor Menino, was instrumental in bringing both races to the Hub. On each race day, the 11 competing boats will run up to eight times along a short course that lasts just 15 minutes, accompanied by live commentary.
Though he claims not to be much of a sailor himself, Fallon owns boats that he enjoys taking out around Hyannis Port and Nantucket Sound. He first became electrified by the Extreme 40s after trying one off the coast of Spain. He loved the blur of speed and the fun of going up on one pontoon. “This is the future of sailing,” he says.
A few Bostonians will get to experience the same thrill Fallon did—each boat of four sailors will allow a fifth randomly chosen attendee to join the crew.
The race will coincide with the kickoff of the 30th anniversary of the Boston Harborfest, with events beginning on June 30 and concluding July 4. There will be children’s sailing events as well as a VIP hospitality tent. Spectators at the Race Village will get close-up views of the cats and their crews whizzing by, just yards from the edge of Fan Pier. The Extreme Sailing Series will be the city event of the summer. Visit bostoncommon-magazine.com to see a video of the Extreme 40s in action. extremesailingseries.com
