Spanish-flagged wildcard entry FNOB Impulse will join the six regular crews on the start line in Barcelona for the fourth Act of the 2017 Extreme Sailing Series™, from 20 – 23 July.

    Skipper and helm Jordi Xammar is joined by a full line-up of talented Spaniards, all of whom competed in the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup last month as part of Spanish Impulse by Iberostar, which placed sixth, and who collectively boast 12 World Championship titles.

    “It will be very special for us to compete on home waters in the Extreme Sailing Series, alongside such experienced sailors,” said Xammar, who was born in Barcelona.

    “This is a great opportunity that gives the project continuity, having just competed in the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup. This will be the highest-level regatta that we’ve ever raced in, against some of the most iconic names in professional sailing.

    “Our team is formed by the best young sailing talent in Spain. We’re all campaigning for the 2020 Olympic Games, so to race in Barcelona during the 25th anniversary of the 1992 Olympics, which took place before any of us were born, will be an inspiration,” added Xammar, who came 12th in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in the 470 class and is currently racing at the 470 World Championship in Greece.

    “We are delighted to welcome FNOB Impulse to compete in the Extreme Sailing Series as the event debuts in Barcelona, and we are particularly excited to have a local team made up of the best Spanish sailing talent,” said Extreme Sailing Series Event Director, Andy Tourell.

    “The Series offers the young team a logical progression from the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup, providing a high-performance professional platform on which it can compete against extremely experienced and accomplished sailors, honing the skills that it developed in Bermuda.”

    The Spanish syndicate is supported by the Act Host Venue Partner Fundació Navegació Oceànica de Barcelona (FNOB), as well as local Barcelona based companies; Panasonic, Pierre & Vacances, Factorenergía and Sequra.

    Xosé-Carlos Fernández, General Director of FNOB commented: “For the Fundació Navegació Oceànica de Barcelona it is a privilege to bring the Extreme Sailing Series home. As the Host Venue Partner to the Barcelona Act, we reinforce our original task started in 2004 to make Barcelona a benchmark in international sailing.

    “It is an honour to welcome a local team representing our foundation that includes some of the best talent from the country who have participated successfully in some of the most prestigious competitions around the world.

    “The Extreme Sailing Series will take place in Barcelona until 2020 at the same location where the Barcelona World Race starts every four years,” added Fernández.

    On mainsail trim is talented Laser sailor Joan Cardona. Also born in Barcelona, Cardona won silver in the Laser Under-19 World Championship in 2016, just one of many accomplishments in the class. Luis Bugallo, whose experience comes mainly from the cruising Platu25 class, competes as trimmer.

    Bowman Kevin Cabrera is also one of the top sailors in the Laser class, with multiple world, European and national podiums to his name. Florian Trittel, a three-time world champion in the pre-Olympic 29er class, rounds off the roster as foil trimmer and floater.

    The local syndicate will take to the water as part of the seven-strong international fleet from 20 – 23 July in Barcelona, with the GC32 Stadium Racing scheduled to start at 15:00 UTC+2.

    The free entry public Race Village will be located in front of the impressive structure of the W Barcelona hotel on the Plaça Rosa dels Vents in the Barceloneta neighbourhood and is open daily from 10:00 – 19:00 UTC+2, offering front row seats for the action along with other on shore entertainment.

    Fans can follow the racing remotely via the live blog from 15:00 – 18:00 UTC+2 on 20 and 21 July, and watch live on the official Facebook and YouTube channels from 15:00 – 18:00 UTC+2 on Saturday 22 and from 14:00 – 17:00 UTC+2 on Sunday 23 July.

    For full details of timings and more information about the event, visit the official website.

    FNOB Impulse (ESP) crew line-up for Act 4, Barcelona Skipper/helm: Jordi Xammar (ESP) Mainsail trimmer: Joan Cardona (ESP) Trimmer: Luis Bugallo (ESP) Bowman: Kevin Cabrera (ESP) Foil trimmer/floater: Florian Trittel (ESP)