Auckland, New Zealand – March 4, 2002 –OneWorld Challenge, the Seattle-based challenger for the 2003 America’s Cup, Christened and launched its’ first International America’s Cup Class (IACC) boat, USA 65, today. USA 65 was Christened at the OneWorld base along the Viaduct Harbor in the presence of the OneWorld Team and their families. Wine for the Christening was provided by OneWorld sponsor, Chateau Ste Michelle.

Although the hull and appendages were cloaked from view, portions of the organic two-toned blue hull designed by the award winning Seattle-based graphic design firm, Hornall Anderson Design Works (www.hadw.com) were in view.

USA 65 was designed by leading America’s Cup designers; Laurie Davidson, Bruce Nelson, Phil Kaiko and their 29-member design team including representatives from Ford and SAIC. USA 65 was built by the OneWorld boat building team led by America’s Cup veteran, Peter Sowman, at Janicki Marine in Sedro Wooly, Washington, USA.

“Today is an important day for the OneWorld Challenge. The christening of USA 65 is a great opportunity for us to reflect on the last two years that we’ve worked together. USA 65 holds great promise and is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our entire team,” said OneWorld Challenge CEO Gary Wright.

About OneWorld

In May of 2000, the Seattle Yacht Club and telecommunications investor Craig McCaw launched the OneWorld Challenge campaign for the America’s Cup, to be held in Auckland New Zealand in 2003. OneWorld assembled a world-class team of designers, boat builders and sailors from around the globe, many of whom were already America’s Cup winners, Olympic medallists and world champions. The OneWorld mission is to win the 31st America’s Cup in the name of the health of our planet. The syndicate will use its profile to draw the World’s attention to a broader environmental message, the health of the planet and its oceans. Underwriters of OneWorld at this point include Craig McCaw, Paul Allen’s TechTV, SAIC, and Lincoln vehicles. More information is available at: www.oneworldchallenge.com

Contact:

Bob Ratliffe
Executive Director –
US phone: 425-766-8686
NZ phone: 011-64-21-797-070
bob.ratliffe@oneworldchallenge.net