MARINA DEL REY, CA – (February 17, 2000) – At an event today that attracted a crowd of Southern California adventure enthusiasts, Around Alone 1998-1999 competitor Brad Van Liew introduced Alan Andrews, President of Alan Andrews Yacht Design, Inc. to lead an innovative American design effort for Van Liew’s newest ocean racing venture, Mission America.

"I have chosen Alan Andrews Yacht Design to spearhead the Mission America design based on their proven ability to incorporate high performance sailing characteristics with solid state-of-the-art engineering," said Van Liew. "We will work closely to acknowledge the vast accomplishments of Open-60 design in Europe, refining existing innovations and discovering new ways to attain competitive advantage."

State-of the-art CAD systems will be utilized to generate hull shapes and produce working drawings and patterns. Velocity prediction programs will be accomplished with in-house programs and consultants will provide CFD appendage and FEA structural analysis. Andrews will utilize design team resources including composites engineering specialist Dirk Kramers, Inc., to ensure design innovation and optimization is supported by exceptional engineering.

	Key objectives for the Open-60 are minimizing weight, exploring design innovations that will bring competitive advantage, and retaining a strong commitment to safety. The Mission America Open-60 will be put to the test in crewed and solo open-class regattas including Sir Chay Blyth’s new L’Atlantique Challenge, The Gold Race, and Around Alone 2002-2003. Competing against a fleet of the world’s best sailors, Van Liew and team will    represent the U.S.A. in international regattas from 2001-2003.
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