Team Oman Air defeats Alinghi to win Extreme Sailing Series

SAN DIEGO —The final day of racing at the Extreme Sailing Series in San Diego featured a thrilling competition to the finish as Team Oman Air edged out Alinghi to claim the international regatta, Oct. 21.

Spectators took in the tight competition from Harbor Island, where they witnessed teams representing Oman and Switzerland duel it out for a finish of the ages.

Team Oman Air reportedly trailed Alinghi most of the series. Alinghi attempted to keep its lead with a few maneuvers during Race 20, which was the fifth of six races on the final day of racing.

But Team Oman Air eventually overtook Alinghi, ultimately finishing Race 20 behind only the British team.

Alinghi and Team Oman Air faced off in the final, double points race. Team Oman Air managed to finish ahead of Alinghi yet again, securing its place atop the leader board. It was Team Oman Air’s first win since August 2017.

The Swiss team still leads the series overall, with one more competition to go in 208. However the San Diego chapter of the 2019 Extreme Sailing Series is officially over.

Oman Air finished the San Diego event with 12 points, followed by Alinghi at 11, SAP Extreme Sailing Team at 10, Red Bull Sailing Team at 9, INEOS Rebels UK at 8 and Team Mexico at 7.

The overall standings is as follows:

• Alinghi (68)
• SAP Extreme Sailing Team (65)
• Oman Air (63)
• INEOS Rebels UK (54)
• Red Bull Sailing Team (50)
• Team Mexico (42).

The Extreme Sailing Series heads to Los Cabos, where teams will compete against each other, Nov. 29-Dec. 2.

Photo: Extreme Sailing Series