Bermuda recently announced its entry in the Volvo Ocean Race, and its sponsor, Tyco International Ltd. The new Volvo 60, Tyco, is now complete and ready to sail and has been officially unveiled at its christening last weekend.

The Right Reverend Ewen Ratteray, Anglican Bishop of Bermuda, blessed the boat and offered a prayer of protection to the team at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. More than 100 people attended the celebration, which included a traditional champagne christening by the Premier of Bermuda, Jennifer Smith. Presiding over Sunday’s ceremonies was L. Dennis Kozlowski, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tyco International Ltd.

A race between the Tyco boat and the team’s training boat preceded the christening on Saturday. Participating in the race with Team Tyco were His Excellency Governor Thorold Masefield of Bermuda and other dignitaries.

“Tyco is proud to fly the Bermuda flag over our entry in the Volvo Ocean Race,” according to Kozlowski. “This gruelling race is a test of skill, teamwork and global reach – three attributes that reflect the character of Tyco International, Ltd.”

The tradition of boat christenings goes back hundreds of years, according to Kevin Shoebridge, skipper of Team Tyco. “We sailors are a superstitious lot, so no matter the size, whether it’s a row boat or an aircraft carrier, a ship is always blessed before it goes into the water,” he said.

The 60-foot yacht was constructed by Eric Goetz in Bristol, Rhode Island. Goetz specializes in high-tech racing yachts, and is a leader in the world-race, boat-building market.

Team Tyco will be training at its spring camp in West Palm Beach, Florida, for the rest of April. In May, the team moves to Europe for additional training and equipment testing.

For more information, log onto the Team Tyco Web site at www.teamtyco.com 

Picture credit: Volvo Ocean Race/Team Tyco