San Diego, presented by SAP

18 October - 21 October 2018

With the racing taking place just five metres from the shore of Harbor Island, the man-made peninsula located close to Downtown San Diego, the Series will return to the city for the penultimate Act of the season. Enjoying a very temperate climate, the Californian city of San Diego sees consistent breezes, making it a popular sailing spot for California and the rest of the west coast.

What time zone do I need to set my watch to? UTC-7

What will the weather be like? Expect glorious sunshine with little chance of rain.

What should I see and do while I’m there? Balboa Park is far more than just a park and is one of San Diego’s greatest assets. The 1,200 acres is decorated with beautiful buildings and water features and with 17 museums and cultural centres, there is plenty to see and do. For a true taste of the Californian lifestyle head to Mission and Pacific Beaches. Visit one of the many hire shops and join the constant stream of skateboarders, in-line skaters, joggers and cyclists along the boardwalk or pick a spot on the beach and relax to the sound of crashing waves.

What traditional delicacies should I try? Although not the most nutritious snack, the California burrito is part of the San Diego experience. This take on a Mexican classic consists of carne asada, cheese, sour cream and French fries, rolled in a flour tortilla.

Any interesting facts? Located in San Diego, 32nd Street Naval Station is the largest United States Navy base and the top employer in the city. When watching the racing keep an eye out for military jets and helicopters taking off from the runway in the background.


On-water activities

Element Sports Kite Boarding Invitational
The event will host the Element Sports Kite Boarding Invitational, bringing top riders from around the world to Harbor Island. Fast action hydrofoil racing will take place each day before the GC32 Stadium Racing starts. Don’t miss your chance to see a killer day on the water showcasing some of the world’s best athletes. Watch them take off from our free-to-enter Harbor Island race village or see them launch from Shelter Island!

O’pen BIC Racing
The O’pen BICs have been chosen to display modern youth sailing in front of the Grand Stands immediately preceding the Extreme Sailing Series™ GC32 racing, October 20 & 21, in San Diego. Spectators will enjoy an Extreme O’pen BIC “Un-Regatta” within boat lengths of the Harbor Island shoreline and the free Race Village.

Registration is now open to 40 junior sailors under age 17. Both Under 17 and Under 13 age groups will be performing. No prior O’pen BIC expertise is required. For NOR, registration, accommodations, and charter boat information, go to https://sandiegoextremesailing.com/open-bics-zone/

Go Sea Quest
Experience the thrill and adrenaline rush of the amazing fighter jet inspired semi-submersible watercraft. Why paddle or sail when you can jet? Why skim the surface when you can dive, breach, jump and roll? Find out more at Go Sea Quest now.

San Diego Bay Adventures
The San Diego Bay is full of amazing sights, attractions, and restaurants. San Diego Bay Adventures provides Jet Ski Rentals & Tours as well as Paddle Boarding and Kayaks that are perfect for any visitor or local San Diegan. Find out more at San Diego Bay Adventures now.


In the Race Village
This FREE event includes a mix of thrilling on-the-water entertainment and a huge range of on-shore activities. Open to the public, there will be a Race Village that will host family activities, beer gardens, food, live music, yoga and more fun activities.

Stop by to see our amazing exhibitors:

uWannaCuppa
Welk Resorts
Momenti Spirits
Tacos La Mezcla
KIND Snacks
Highfield Boats
ICON aircraft
The Rush Coffee
Eat Your Heart Out
Street Chef California

US Sailing Education Zone
Not to be missed in the Race Village will be the US Sailing Education Zone. This is part of the US Sailing Reach Initiative for STEM education. Stop by and learn more about the sport of sailing and how to implement STEM through sailing.

The Education Zone is open to public from:
Thursday/Friday: 2:00pm - 5:30pm
Saturday/Sunday: 11:30am - 6:30pm

Private tours for schools and sailing groups can be arranged by emailing dana@extremesandiego.com

Primo Wind EnergiPlant
Primo Wind will be bringing their EnergiPlant to the Extreme Sailing Series San Diego Race Village this October. The EnergiPlant will act as a wifi hotspot and USB charging point within the public Race Village so that you can ‘plug in to nature’ whilst watching the racing. Fully self-charging, the EnergiPlant doesn’t require any electrical connection or trenching. Find out more about the EnergiPlant, here.

Event Schedule

Thursday 18 October

  • *Soft Race Village opening
  • 10:00-11:30
    On-water activities - Go SeaQuest & ICON Aircraft
  • 11:30-13:30
    Element Sports Kite Boarding Invitational
  • 14:00-17:00
    GC32 Stadium Racing
  • 14:00-18:30
    US Sailing Education Zone open
  • 17:00-18:00
    Check out a GC32 up close in the Technical Area
  • 17:00-18:30
    Element Sports Kite Boarding Invitational

Friday 19 October

  • 10:00
    Race Village opens
  • 10:00-11:30
    On-water activities - Go SeaQuest & ICON Aircraft
  • 11:30-13:30
    Element Sports Kite Boarding Invitational
  • 12:00
    Beer Garden opens
  • 14:00-17:00
    GC32 Stadium Racing
  • 14:00-18:30
    US Sailing Education Zone open
  • 17:00-18:00
    Check out a GC32 up close in the Technical Area
  • 17:00-18:30
    Element Sports Kite Boarding Invitational
  • 17:30-18:00
    Chat with Champions, presented by Element Sports Group, on the main stage
  • 19:00
    Beer Garden and Race Village close

Saturday 20 October - Military Appreciation Day

  • 10:00
    Race Village opens
  • 10:00-11:30
    On-water activities - Go SeaQuest & ICON Aircraft
  • 11:30
    US Sailing Education Zone open
  • 11:30-13:30
    Element Sports Kite Boarding Invitational
  • 12:00
    Beer Garden opens
  • 12:15-13:15
    O'pen BICs pre-game Unregatta
  • 13:20
    Opening ceremony - Color Guard, Vocalist & San Diego Bay Adventures display
  • 14:00-17:00
    GC32 Stadium Racing
  • 17:00-18:00
    Check out a GC32 up close in the Technical Area
  • 17:00-18:30
    Element Sports Kite Boarding Invitational
  • 19:00
    Beer Garden and Race Village close

Sunday 21 October

  • 10:00
    Race Village opens
  • 10:00-11:30
    On-water activities - Go SeaQuest & ICON Aircraft
  • 11:30
    US Sailing Education Zone open
  • 11:30-13:30
    Element Sports Kite Boarding Invitational
  • 12:00
    Beer Garden opens
  • 12:15-13:15
    O'pen BICs pre-game Unregatta
  • 13:30
    San Diego Bay Adventures display
  • 14:00-17:00
    GC32 Stadium Racing
  • 17:30
    O'pen BICs prize giving ceremony at the main stage
  • 17:35
    Element Sports Kite Boarding Invitational prize giving ceremony at the main stage
  • 17:45
    GC32 prize giving at the main stage
  • 19:00
    Beer Garden and Race Village close

Where to watch

Where can I watch the racing? Head for Harbor Island Park where you can get an uninterrupted view of the racing all the way along the waterfront.

How to get there

FROM SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: Out of airport, follow signs to Harbor Island Drive. On Harbor Island Drive turn right and head towards the Hilton Hotel - the event site is directly opposite. This is approx a five minute drive.

FROM THE NORTH: Take Interstate 5 South to the San Diego Airport/Sassafras Street exit. Upon leaving Interstate 5, you will be traveling on Kettner. Turn right onto Laurel Street. The road will fork. Take right fork, which will merge into Harbor Drive. Follow Harbor Drive to Harbor Island Drive. Left onto Harbor Island Drive, and veer to the right. The event site is located opposite the Hilton Hotel near the west end of the Island.

FROM THE SOUTH: Take Interstate 5 North to the Hawthorn Street exit. Turn right onto Harbor Drive. Follow Harbor Drive to Harbor Island Drive. Turn left onto Harbor Island Drive and veer to the right. The event site is located opposite the Hilton Hotel near the west end of the Island.

Venue Map

Get 10% off VIP Packages!

Get 10% off of VIP Packages if you book at one of the participating hotels listed below within the event dates October 17-22.

To redeem this offer simply email a copy of your hotel booking to guestexperience@extremesailingseries.com.

Hotels

See below a list of recommended hotels close to the Harbor Island event site.

Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside logo

Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside
4875 N. Harbor Drive | San Diego, CA | 92106

Located near the marinas and walkways of the scenic San Diego Bay, Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside is just a five minute drive from the free-to-enter Race Village on Harbor Island. *Participating hotel

Book Now
Hilton San Diego Airport logo

Hilton San Diego Airport
1960 Harbor Island Drive | San Diego, CA | 92101

A unique Harbor Island, San Diego waterfront hotel, this hotel not only boasts scenic views of the marina and downtown San Diego skyline but will also have a bird's eye view of the Extreme Sailing Series racing this October. *Participating hotel

Book Now
Courtyard Marriott San Diego Airport Hotel at Liberty Station logo

Courtyard Marriott San Diego Airport Hotel at Liberty Station
2592 Laning Road | San Diego, CA | 92106

Nestled next to the waterfront and adjacent to a beautiful 46 acre park with a dozen restaurants in walking distance, including the popular Liberty Public Market, this hotel is perfectly located to enjoy not only the event but the local San Diego vibes. *Participating hotel

Book Now
SpringHill Suites San Diego Downtown / Bayfront logo

SpringHill Suites San Diego Downtown / Bayfront
900 Bayfront Court | San Diego, CA | 92101

Just a seven minute drive from both the International Airport and the free-to-enter public Race Village on Harbor Island, Springhill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront is perfectly located with bay views for Extreme Sailing Series fans. *Participating hotel

Book Now
Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina  logo

Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina
2051 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106

The Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina is a 10 minute drive to the Stadium Racing action taking place in Harbor Island from October 18-21. *Participating hotel

Book Now
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina logo

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
1380 Harbor Island Drive | San Diego, CA | 92101

With panoramic views of downtown San Diego skyline and the bay, Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is perfectly located at the entrance to Harbor Island and just a five minute walk to all the Extreme Sailing Series action.

Book Now
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego  logo

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA 92101

This iconic hotel features 1,628 guestrooms with stunning Pacific Ocean and city views and is conveniently located steps from some of San Diego’s biggest attractions. Enjoy premium amenities including 2 rooftop pools, 8 onsite dining options and more at this Grand escape.

Book Now
Extreme Sailing Series Partners