The Fundació per la Navegació Oceànica (FNO) has announced a major partnership with Estrella Damm for the Barcelona World Race, the new two-up, non-stop around the planet race starting 11 November 2007 and part of the IMOCA Ocean Racing World Championship circuit. This is the first official sponsor of the race to be announced.

The agreement with Estrella Damm fits the framework of the social commitment that the beer company has always had with the city of Barcelona, making it one of the city’s most recognisable symbols for drink production and distribution. It also corresponds to the values of innovation and originality of the company and all its brands, and above all fits with the objective of continuously linking the Estrella Damm brand with world-class international events – in 1992 Estrella Damm became the first beer company to sponsor the Olympic Games hosted by Barcelona city.

The Barcelona World Race already has five high class entries so far, with an international skipper list that between them already have over 26 round the world’s under their belt – from both the crewed Volvo Ocean Race and Vendée Globe solo disciplines. Up to ten top teams are expected on the start line on 11 November 2007 in Barcelona.

Entries so far
Jean-Pierre Dick (FRA) and Damian Foxall (IRE) / Paprec Virbac
Vincent Riou (FRA) and Sébastien Josse (FRA) / PRB
Dominique Wavre (SUI) and Michèle Paret (FRA) / Temenos
Alex Thomson (GBR) and Andrew Cape (AUS) / Hugo Boss
Jérémie Beyou (FRA) and N.C / Delta Dore