Team Kan-Do, the Chesapeake Bay entry in the Volvo Ocean Race Round the World 2005-2006, announced today the selection of Farr Yacht Design and North Sails as their supplier partners for the boat design and sail development of their Volvo Ocean 70, the boat they will build for competing in the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR).

Based in Annapolis, both Farr Yacht Design and North Sails have strong records of success in the VOR, formerly known as the Whitbread Round the World Race. Farr Yacht Design is acknowledged as one of the top racing-yacht design teams in the world and has had the overall winning design in every race since 1985. North Sails is a world leader in sail making for high performance race boats and was the only sail provider for every boat that competed in the 2001-2002 VOR.

Team Kan-Do, also based in Annapolis, is America’s only announced entry in the VOR. Syndicate founders John Alden and Patrick Bischoff made the decision to work with the local boat design and sail making teams after fielding proposals from other groups around the world.

Alden said: “We are pleased to have two world class operations to work with right here in Annapolis. The performance of North Sails around the world and in the previous VOR as well as the design qualities of Farr and the recent victory of Virbac, their first canting keel Open 60, speaks for themselves.” Bischoff stated: “The initial efforts of Team Kan-Do will meld together the talent of Farr Yacht Design and North Sails, along with several of our global advisory board members so we can jump start the design process.”

Russell Bowler, President of Farr Yacht Design commented: “We are honored to be selected by the Kan-Do team to provide research and design services for their programme. We are thoroughly committed to producing the fastest VOR70 designs for the race and believe the decision to go with us is one they will not regret.”

Will Keyworth, Manager of North Sails Chesapeake said: “Working with Team Kan-Do is in keeping with the North Sails tradition of leading the way on sail design and development for new ocean racing boats. We are excited about our partnership with Team Kan-Do and expect to see innovative performance with our new sails for the Volvo 70.”

The Volvo Ocean Race starts on 12 November 2005 in Vigo, Galicia, Spain and ends in June 2006 in Northern Europe.