AkzoNobel announced its high performance hull coatings have been applied in the fleet of Extreme Sailing Series, held from May 1 to 3 in Qingdao for a stunning, high-speed racing show at sea.

This is part of a three-year partnership deal that AkzoNobel inked in 2014 with the international inshore stadium racing sailing series. AkzoNobel provides its Awlgrip yacht coatings that offer technical innovation, superior performance and aesthetics to the fleet of Extreme 40 high performance catamarans raced in the series.

"This sponsorship reflects our Human Cities initiative to energize and help people establishing closer emotional connect with the places they live and work," said Dr. LIN Liangqi, president of AkzoNobel China and managing director of Decorative Paints China and North Asia. He also said that their coating solutions are bringing greater experience and adding color to where people work, live and have leisure and enjoyment.

AkzoNobel is pleased to leverage the Extreme Sailing Series to showcase the amicable and livable urban environment of Qingdao to the world.

Dr. Ethan Hou, regional director at AkzoNobel SMU Specialty Coatings Asia, said that "with easy-to-use, fast-drying nature, Awlcraft SE, from the long line of Awlgrip high performance coatings, is the obvious choice for the Extreme 40 high performance catamarans used for this race."

The group's coatings can be made with a range of colours, including metallic, solid colours and pearl essence, bringing an eye-feasting impact to the game.

Staged in Qingdao International Sailing Center, which used AkzoNobel's protective coatings for better persistence of colour and lustre as well as long-term protection for steel surface, the pulsating Extreme Sailing Series features visually stunning, high-speed catamarans racing in small specially chosen circuits close to the shore, enabling spectators to follow the action in an easy way.

"The partnership between AkzoNobel and Extreme Sailing Series is a perfect fit. As one of the world's most exciting and stunning racing competitions, the Extreme Sailing Series is proud to offer a thrilling experience to its audience and visual impact for the sponsoring brands," said Charlie Carter, Extreme Sailing Series technical manager. "With the support from AkzoNobel, viewers enjoyed the spectacular racing at its best in Qingdao."

About AkzoNobel

AkzoNobel is a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals. With centuries of expertise, the company supplys industries and consumers worldwide with innovative products and sustainable technologies designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet.

Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, the company has approximately 47,000 employees in around 80 countries, with an commitment to make life more livable and cities more human. Its portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka.

Extreme Sailing Series?

Established in 2007, the Extreme Sailing Series is the original ‘stadium-style' racing circuit designed for spectators, delivering high-performance action close to shore. Attracting some of the world's very best sailors racing 40-feet multihulls on short courses, the global circuit spans Asia, the Middle East, Russia, Europe and Australia.