Posted on: Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Honolulu's Lewis will sail around the world

Advertiser Staff

Honolulu's Andrew Lewis earned one of two U.S. spots in the 2005-06 Volvo Ocean Race, considered one of the fastest and most intense races in sailing.

Lewis, 23, an ASSETS graduate, and George Peet, 24, of Newport, R.I., were chosen for Team ABN AMRO during final crew selection in Portimao, Portugal, from March 15 to 24.

The series of races will start from Spain in November and finish in the summer of 2006.

"It's still sinking in," said Lewis, who was one of more than 1,800 sailors vying for a spot on Team ABN AMRO. "I have a lot to sort out when I get home. This is a big change in my life."

Lewis and Peet proved to be the most skillful after facing a battery of physical and mental tests including their expertise in sailing, life-saving techniques and fishing.

Two sailors from the Netherlands, two from Brazil and two from Australia were also chosen to join Lewis and Peet.

The eight sailors will make up the international crew to man ABN AMRO's second boat, a one-of-a-kind vessel featuring young professional sailors between the ages of 21 and 30 who have yet to sail around the world, but have extensive sailing experience. They will be accompanied by four experienced sailors.

A team of professionals will make up the crew on the first boat. For more information, go to www.abnamro.com.