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Volvo Ocean Race – A big splash for Ken Read + how you can help

by Sail-World.com on 16 May 2015
Ken Read - Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 Team Brunel Photos
On Sunday, after the start of the of the seventh leg of the Volvo Ocean Race in Newport, the famous American sailor Ken Read will jump into the water from Team Brunel. During a leg start, every Volvo Ocean Race team has one so-called Jump Seat.

Ken Read – who is CEO of the famous sail-making company North Sails – is a well-known figure in the international sailing world. For instance, he skippered two America’s Cup campaigns for the American sailing legend Dennis Conner, was skipper of Puma Ocean Racing in the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race and also of Puma Ocean Racing in the 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race.

Before jumping from the Dutch boat, Ken Read will be giving a live commentary on the race for the official television broadcast by the Volvo Ocean Race organisation. Because the water temperature in Narragansett Bay is about eight degrees Celsius, Read will jump overboard wearing a survival suit.

The fleet is expected to reach Lisbon around 25 May. The twelfth edition of the former Whitbread Round the World Race comprises nine legs and one so-called pit-stop in Scheveningen. The fleet of six VO65 boats will cross the finish line in Gothenburg, Sweden, at the end of June after covering approximately 38,739 nautical miles.

Here's how you can donate to Sailors for the Sea to get North Sails President Ken Read to jump off Volvo Ocean Race boat Team Brunel at Leg 7 start on Sunday in Newport, RI.

In ancient times, salt was more precious than gold, we think Kenny is worth his salt, but the Volvo Ocean Race veteran claims the water in Narragansett Bay is too cold! Help us convince him he needs to get wet for a good cause. Every dollar raised will get him one step closer to jumping overboard during the Volvo Ocean Race leg 7 start in Newport, RI on Sunday, May 17th.

Your contribution will support Sailors for the Sea's No Trash. No Trail. No Trace. campaign that activates boaters to protect the ocean we all love!

Fund-raising goal: $5,000. North Sails and Team Brunel will match all donations!

How to donate: visit: www.crowdrise.com/jumpkennyjump

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