- Lino Sonego Team Italia put in an explosive performance after mid‑season crew changes propel them to second place, earning the team, helmed by Arnaud Psarofaghis, Land Rover's Above and Beyond Award
- The Wave, Muscat takes the top spot overall, their fourth Act win of the 2015 season
- Following a flying start that put them at the top of the leader board at the end of the first day's racing, Land Rover sponsored Red Bull Sailing Team secures third place on the podium
24 August, 2015, Saint Petersburg, Russia: Saint Petersburg delivered spectacular racing for the teams as they competed in 30 races in the Land Rover partnered Extreme Sailing Series™ in the shadow of St Paul and St Peter fortress. Clear blue skies, beautiful sunshine and light winds provided the thousands of spectators who lined the shore with perfect viewing conditions as they gathered in their masses to watch the eight strong Extreme 40 fleet in action on the River Neva.
Swiss sailing star Arnaud Psarofaghis's performance as helm of Lino Sonego Team Italia has not only helped steer the Italian team to their first podium position in the 2015 Extreme Sailing Series™, but also won them the coveted Land Rover Above and Beyond Award. Land Rover Brand Ambassador Hannah White commented, "Lino Sonego truly deserve this Award for their outstanding and transformative performance despite the unpredictable and challenging conditions experienced here in Saint Petersburg."
Under the guidance of Skipper Enrico Zennaro, Psarofaghis, the 2014 Swiss Sailor of the Year, helmed the crew to five wins and 14 podium positions over four days of racing.
The Land Rover Above and Beyond Award is presented to the team or individual who has demonstrated outstanding determination, skill, teamwork and composure. Lino Sonego Team Italia's breakthrough marks a dramatic change of fortune for the Italian team, who have languished at the bottom of the leaderboard so far this season, never reaching higher than seventh position as they struggled to master the Stadium Racecourses that are unique to the Extreme Sailing Series™ circuit.
With double Olympic champion Roman Hagara back from injury, Land Rover sponsored Red Bull Sailing Team delivered another podium position, keeping them in contention for the overall Series trophy, which will be presented in Sydney in December.
The Wave, Muscat championed again, their fourth Act win of the season, putting them on 57 points, eight ahead of Red Bull Sailing Team with SAP Sailing Team in third just one point behind.
The Stadium Racing Series now moves to Istanbul, Turkey, from 1‑4 October before the season finale in Sydney, Australia from 10‑13 December when the overall Extreme Sailing Series™ Champion of 2015 will be crowned.
For more information please visit www.landrover.com/experiences/news/adventure‑competition‑winner.html.
ENDS
