Mr Grant launched the event at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron today, where he was joined by Extreme Sailing skippers Leigh McMillan and Jerome Clerc.

Known as ‘stadium sailing’, the Extreme Sailing Series brings high speed sailing close to the foreshore, putting the audience front of house as high-tech Extreme 40 catamarans tackle short courses during stages around the world, known as ‘Acts’.

“The NSW Government is pleased to support this major international sporting competition, which will provide a fantastic experience for spectators from Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 December,” Mr Grant said.

“The Sydney Act of the Extreme Sailing Series is expected to generate about $4 million in visitor expenditure for the NSW economy.

“The best spectator vantage point will be Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, where boats will pass within metres of the shore. Other vantage points include the Sydney Opera House foreshore and Farm Cove.

“As the finale of the series, the Sydney Act will also include the presentation of the 2014 Champions trophies.”

2008 Olympic Gold Medallist and Extreme Sailing competitor Nathan Wilmot said Sydney Harbour was the perfect location for such an important event.

“It’s really great to be racing in Sydney. This is my home city, but I don’t think it will give us too much advantage. The course is a tight and tricky one, but has such a spectacular backdrop. It is the best stretch of water that you can sail on in the world,” Mr Wilmot said.

For further information about the Extreme Sailing Series visit: http://www.sydney.com/events/extreme-sailing-series-sydney

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