The residents of Nice will soon be treated to a spectacle along the Promenade that surpasses the mere beauty of the landscape. The Extreme Sailing Series is coming to Nice, with Jean-Pierre Dick, the local competitor, in its wake.
From September 30 to October 2, the Extreme Sailing Series will take place in Nice. More specifically, in the Bay of Angels, where passersby will be able to admire these true “aircraft of the seas.”
“We are trying to reclaim an image similar to our past,” explained Christian Estrosi. Feeling nostalgic, he regretted that Nice was not on par with Brittany or Normandy in water sports.
Following the America’s Cup, Nice continues its reclamation of water sports on the world stage. Rémi Duchemin, president of DCThéopole, a company organizing various sporting events, thanked the city of Nice for its trust and commitment. “I am proud that such an international, iconic city is hosting the 7th stage of our competition, placing it alongside Boston and Istanbul,” he said.
Jean-Pierre Dick, winner of the Barcelona World Race this year (another race organized by DCThéopole), will be present. He will be racing in Nice for the first time in an official competition.
“No Need for Binoculars”
Members of the 11 crews (including 2 Italian, 2 French, and 2 Omani teams) hold a total of 97 world championship titles. “You can admire the race from a distance of 30 meters,” declared Gilles Chiori, the event’s technical director. This proximity convinced the mayor of Nice, in addition to the fact that there’s “no need for binoculars.” “Imagine yourself in tandem with Evans in a Tour de France stage,” enticing, isn’t it? Well, in these 12.5-meter-long boats, there will be space for a guest, the 5th man… or woman, who could be you! You just need to participate in the contest.
Events in Service of the City
These state-of-the-art catamarans, known as the Extreme 40s, will dock at the port or the Centenary Beach. Commentary in French will be broadcast during the race, and spectators will be able to hear feedback from the skippers to truly be at the heart of the race. They will also be given the same authority as officials to judge the winners, all from the beach. Stands, as well as a large tent, will be set up for spectators to fully enjoy the event, facing the green theater. Everything will be entirely free.
The industrial tool of event management is expected to be successful in Nice, according to Christian Estrosi. Although “the city’s participation amounts to €359,000,” whereas Trapani in Italy spent €410,000 for comparison, the expected returns will be significant: “better occupancy during an off-peak period, thousands of images of the city… and the promenade turning into the natural grandstand of a stadium.”
