Whitley, UK, February 08 2015 ‑  Singapore provided a stunning backdrop for the first Act in this year's Extreme Sailing Series partnered by Land Rover where nine teams battled it out in close quarters over four days of intensive racing.   The Red Bull Sailing Team, with their new Australian helm, Jason Waterhouse (one of the youngest sailors in the fleet at 23 years old) held their cool and stormed to a convincing win over second placed SAP Extreme Sailing Team and previous series winners, The Wave Muscat.

Red Bull Sailing Team Skipper Roman Hagara, a double Olympic Gold Medallist, was obviously delighted with his team's performance, "We are all thrilled, it is great. The young guys did a terrific job and I think all of our experience was very helpful.  As a team we kept everything together and it was perfect for us. This win showed us that we can do it. We didn't have as much luck in the last season but here everything went well for us. It's been a great start to the year and we look forward to Muscat in just a few weeks time."

In addition to taking the Act trophy back to Austria, Waterhouse was also recognised for the impact he has made on the racecourse, receiving the first Above and Beyond Award of the year from Land Rover Asia Pacific Managing Director, Russell Anderson who said: "Waterhouse was truly inspirational, demonstrating the grit and determination that led the Red Bull team to take first place.  He really does reflect the strength of mind and composure under pressure that we look for in an Above and Beyond Award winner."

It was a unanimous decision by the Above and Beyond Committee, made up of Land Rover Global Brand Ambassador Hannah White, Event Director Andy Tourrell, Race Director Phil Lawrence and the 2009 winning Skipper of the Extreme Sailing Series™, Pete Cumming.

Race Director, Phil Lawrence explained the Committee's decision. "Rarely do we see a new helm explode out of the starting blocks as Justin Waterhouse has demonstrated in Singapore. He's one of the youngest sailors on the circuit, and the consistent performance he has put in here, posting a podium finish in half of the races over the four days of combat, is impressive. The other teams are going to be keeping a close eye on him over the coming season."

As the first Act of the eight‑leg global tour drew to a close, Hannah White, Land Rover Global Brand Ambassador, commented, "I'm truly excited about the 2015 Series. It is so exciting to see new faces on the racecourse from double Olympic Gold Medallists to Youth World Champions, the breadth of talent is huge. Previously in the opening Acts of the year, the new sailors and teams have struggled to show form as they get used to this unique format of Stadium Racing, however I think we are going to see some upsets this year ‑ these new teams on the circuit have their sights set firmly on lifting the Series trophy at the end of the year in Australia.

"The Extreme Sailing Series will be the ultimate test of talent, teamwork and determination and I'm really looking forward to seeing how the year unfolds."

ENDS