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Planning for the iShares Cup 2008 is in top gear with the calendar now in place, the Extreme 40s are set to race at venues across five European territories - Switzerland, France, UK, Germany and the Netherlands.
The 2008 iShares Cup Sailing Series is set to visit Hyères, the legendary French sailing venue, on 13-15 June.
The iShares Cup, which takes place in Extreme 40 catamarans, is a multi-stage sailing circuit which visits five fantastic venues around Europe — each chosen for their superb sailing, excellent spectator viewing, and stunning locations. Hyères is now confirmed as the second city on the circuit, and has been selected for its combination of the famous Mistral wind and warm Mediterranean waters, making perfect sailing conditions. iShares Cup competitors can look forward to some high-octane, high-speed racing at Hyères in the powerful Extreme 40s, meanwhile spectators and visitors can enjoy watching the action from the elegant French Riviera town’s palm-lined waterfront.
‘Hyères won the final selection thanks to the town’s great experience in holding sailing events, and the quality of the sailing area. The French iShares Cup 2008 venue will be very exciting with windy and sunny conditions that will make the races exceptional,’ explained Gilles Chiorri, OC Events Director.
Hyères is home to the massive annual French Olympic Sailing Week, as well as a host of other top quality yachting events — this year the town will welcome the finale of the Tour de France a la Voile, a multi-stage yacht race.
Organisers OC Events have also welcomed Musto to the circuit as Official Clothing Supplier. Famous for its contribution to world-class yachting, from the Olympics to round the globe racing, Musto brings a unique heritage to the 2008 iShares Cup Series.
Several crews participating in the spectacle will be wearing Musto MPX Race kit which, being highly breathable and lightweight, is perfect for the latest iShares Cup venue of Hyères. Nigel Musto commented on the announcement: ‘This classic Mediterranean location is perfect to demonstrate the performance of our latest MPX Race range. The high temperatures, coupled with the demands made on the crew by high activity racing action on the Extreme 40 cats puts a premium on fully effective, breathable clothing. It’s a technical field in which we excel.’
Musto join a family of high quality partners in the iShares Cup circuit, featuring Champagne G.H. Mumm and Omega Watches. Organisers OC Events still have an opportunity available to become the circuit’s Principal Partner, alongside the Title Partner iShares, the world’s number one provider of Exchange Traded Funds.
The 2008 iShares Cup kicks off in the mountain city of Lugano, racing on the beautiful lake on the Swiss-Italian border over 30 May-1 June, before moving on to the French leg of the circuit at Hyères. It then heads to Britain on 2-4 August to race during Skandia Cowes Week – one of the biggest regattas in the world, held on the Solent. The fourth event on the circuit will be held in Germany from 29-31 August, before the iShares Cup concludes in Amsterdam as the Extreme 40s return to the scene of last year’s dramatic finale, racing right in the centre of the Dutch city over 19-21 September.
With just a few weeks to go before the first iShares Cup Sailing Series event, title sponsors iShares have been putting in some practice on their Extreme 40 in a unique race on San Francisco Bay - held in aid of a very good cause.
iShares — part of Barclays Global Investors (BGI) — hosted the ‘iShares Extreme Bridge to Bridge Challenge’, an invitational sailing race from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge in San Francisco Bay. Prominent figures from US sports, business, entertainment and politics were invited to compete and raise money to send young American athletes to the Olympic Games.
The Challenge was held to raise awareness for the St. Francis Yacht Club Foundation, which provides grants to young Olympic competitors and hopefuls, junior sailors, underprivileged children, disabled sailors and sea-oriented education scholarships. A benefit raised $10,000 for the charity, by auctioning off the chance to take part in the race alongside Olympic gold medalist Johnny Moseley and round the world sailor Nick Moloney, who sailed onboard the iShares Extreme 40 catamaran.
“Barclays Global Investors created iShares Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) to be an innovative investment alternative to help investors achieve their financial goals and has resulted in iShares being the largest provider of ETFs in the United States,” said Lee Kranefuss, CEO of iShares at BGI. “Likewise, this Foundation is about investing in the future of our young athletes, providing them opportunities to excel in their sport. We’re delighted to partner with the St. Francis Yacht Club and their Foundation, as they have demonstrated a total commitment to fundraising on behalf of future Olympians.”
Olympian Jonny Moseley added. “This Foundation has been instrumental in helping the Olympic dream for so many athletes throughout the country. It takes incredible resources to train for and attend the Olympic Games, and I look forward to doing my part to support the next generation of aspiring Olympians.”
