In May the fleet returns to China’s ‘Olympic Sailing City’ Qingdao for the third consecutive year. Considered China’s premier sailing destination and surrounded on three sides by the Yellow Sea, Qingdao boasts first class facilities at its International Sailing Centre ensuring the Olympic legacy is still very much alive in this sprawling metropolis.

Orgainsed in association with the Qingdao Yachting Association, the Extreme 40 fleet will fight for the ‘Doublestar Cup’ over four days of intense competition. The Extreme Sailing Series Race Village will be located in Fushan Bay, home of the Olympic Village in 2008, giving spectators first hand access to all the action as the Extreme 40 fleet race inside the bay every day of the event.

To view information on Act 3, Qingdao in Chinese click here.

 Extreme 40s competing in 2012 © Lloyd Images

Race Village & Activities
The free to enter public Race Village is located at Fushan Bay, home of the 2008 Olympic Village, where the Extreme 40 fleet will race inside the bay, providing the perfect viewing platform for "Stadium Racing" for the Extreme Sailing Series.    

The public Race Village will provide a host of entertainment throughout the day including a resident DJ, live commentary in Chinese and English throughout the racing as well as a zone dedicated to children. The on-water entertainment will be complemented by the main warm up act, the NeilPryde Windsurf Racing Series, Optimist racing and Jet ski exhibitions.

Race Village Map

Weekly Schedule*:
Thursday 2 May (Official media day)
10.00 Official press conference at QDYA HQ
10.00-11.30 Optimist racing
13.30-16.30 Extreme 40 open water racing
17.30 Opening ceremony at the VIP Extreme Club

Friday 3 May
10.00-11.30 Optimist racing
11.30-12.30 Jet Ski exhibition
14.00-17.00 Extreme 40 stadium racing
17.00-17.30 Jet Ski exhibition

Saturday 4 May
10.00-11.30 Optimist racing
11.30-14.00 NeilPryde Windsurf Racing Series
14.00-17.00 Extreme 40 stadium racing
17.00-17.30 NeilPryde Windsurf Racing Series final
17.30-18.00 Jet Ski exhibition

Sunday 5 May
10.00-11.30 Optimist racing
11.30-13.30 NeilPryde Windsurf Racing Series
14.00-17.00 Extreme 40 stadium racing
17.00-17.30 NeilPryde Windsurf Racing Series final
17.30 Act 3 Prize giving

*Please note that times/activities might vary.

About Qingdao, China:

Originally opened to tourism in 1984 the city now attracts 15 million visitors a year and is the fourth largest manufacturing port in the country. Framed by miles of golden sandy beaches, a warm climate combined with steady winds that make it a perfect racing location.

Qingdao is a city steeped in China's 20th century history. Now a tourism hotspot in China, the sprawling city has a population of 7.5 million and a vibrant economy. The Downtown skyline can rival that of any major city with an impressive array of cultures, cuisines and lively nightlife. Tsingtao, the most popular beer in China operates their headquarters and main brewery in Qingdao. The brewery is open to visitors who can take a tour around the oldest working brewery in China, whilst the brewery can be observed in action and guests can enjoy the beer tasting afterwards.

A Chinese Fan Show as part of the entertainment in the 2012 race village © Lloyd Images