The iShares Cup Extreme 40 Sailing Series is coming to Skandia Cowes Week, this summer, running over three days from the 3-5 August.

The iShares Cup comprises four premier regattas and showcases some of the world’s most exciting racing at Europe’s leading sailing venues. Seven high-performance 40-foot catamarans, armed with a team of Olympians and ocean racers, will do battle on race courses set as close to the shore as possible, providing continuous high-octane action for spectators.

Following the three days of iShares Cup racing, Skandia Cowes Week spectators will also have the added bonus of some exhibition sailing as the Extreme 40s put on a sailing display every day from the 7-9 August in front of The Green, West Cowes.

During Skandia Cowes Week, the Extreme 40 fleet will be based at the iShares race village at Shepards Wharf allowing the public to get close up to these twin-hull speed machines.

Picture: Ellen MacArthur sails one of the Extreme 40s under Tower Bridge last week