The shipowner and puppet Erik Maris returns with the same crew on board the Zoulou

Team Oman Air, one of the most veteran and successful squads in the Extreme Sailing Series, becomes the first Omani team in the history of the GC32 Racing Tour... Erik Maris' third ranked in 2018, Zoulou returns to compete in an international fleet that already has confirmed teams from Europe, America, Oceania and the Middle East.

After finishing the last GC32 season in the Extreme Sailing Series, Team Oman Air supported by EFG Private Bank Monaco has confirmed its jump to the GC32 Racing Tour 2019. This is the first Omani team in the history of a circuit that this year reaffirms its international status with squads from Europe, America, Oceania and the Middle East. Since its arrival in the universe of the flying catamarans, Team Oman Air has remained among the best of the Extreme Sailing Series (third absolute in 2017, second in 2016, fourth in 2015, seventh in 2014 and champion in 2012), a status that it aspires to maintain in its premiere on the GC32 Racing Tour.

27 / 03 / 2019: A dozen of the Flying GC32 will participate in the Racing Tour 2019

Last year, the Argo of the American Jason Carroll was raised with the title owner- driver of the GC32 Racing Tour

The unification of the GC32 fleet under a single circuit offers very good prospects for the 2019 season; for in the absence of two months for the start of the GC32 Racing Tour, two teams have confirmed their participation in a competition that hopes to bring together at least a dozen participants, including several of the past Extreme Sailing Series and new squads such as the Swiss Black Star Sailing Team.

The list of entries will again combine an impressive representation of the world's best regatists with Olympic palmarés, Volvo Ocean Race and America's Cup, led by professional and amateur shipowners. For shipowners who dare to tempt their own ships, the GC32 represents a rare opportunity to experience the sensations of flying over state-of-the-art foils, sailing at speeds above 30 knots with a fully reliable and contrasted boat facing its sixth season in competition.

These shipowners will compete with professional crews, choosing both the absolute title of each event and the circuit, and that of the specific classification owner-driver (armador-timonel). The GC32 Racing Tour 2019 will visit five headquarters in Italy, France, Spain and a fourth country to announce.

Switzerland has a long tradition in the GC32 universe by hand of teams such as Alinghi, Realteam or Team Tilt. The list is increased this year with the debut of a new aspirant who has already confirmed his participation: Black Star Sailing Team. Led by the former catamaran regatist Clase- A Christian Zuerrer, it is supported by a circuit veteran, the Star Olympic and ex-timonel of Armin Strom Sailing Team, Flavio Marazzi.

Programme GC32 Racing Tour 2019
22-26 May: GC32 Villaimius Cup / Villaimius, Sardinia, Italy
26-30 June: GC32 World Championship / Lagos, Portugal
July 31 - August 4: 38 Copa del Rey MAPHRE / Palma de Mallorca, Spain
11-15 September: GC32 Riva Cup / Riva del Garda, Italy
6-10 November: To be confirmed