The Artemis Ocean Racing team have announced their plans to build a new state of the art Open 60 for the 2008 Vendée Globe for skipper Jonny Malbon.

Apparently the plans are well underway at Rogers Yacht Design Ltd and the new boat is scheduled to be launched next January – 10 months before the start of the race.

According to Artemis Ocean Racing Team an extensive tank testing schedule is due to start shortly and the results will then be analyzed alongside CFD and weather routing data.

In the meantime the team – headed by Jonny Malbon – has an extensive programme planned for the season culminating in the double-handed Transat Jaques Vabre race in November.

Other events planned in the current Artemis Ocean Racing Open 60 include Antigua Sailing Week, the Calais Round Britain Race, Round the Island Race, Cowes – Dinard – St Malo Race, Skandia Cowes Week and the Fastnet Race.

The boat is currently in Antigua undergoing a mini re-fit/service. The teams says that there’s nothing major to do because she was in a great state following the Route du Rhum but there’s the general tidying up to do including sorting out the sail wardrobe.

Malbon commented: “? the work on the boat is progressing really well. It is a very exiting time for Artemis Ocean Racing and I can’t wait to get out there and start racing.”

Malbon skippered Artemis Ocean Racing to victory in the Round Britain and Ireland race last year. His co-skipper for the double-handed events will be announced shortly.