Official Supplier: SoftBank Team Names Harken
SoftBank Team Japan has selected Harken as an Official Supplier of technical equipment to its campaign for the 35th America’s Cup. Harken is responsible for supplying winches, pedestals, blocks, and key hydraulic components to the syndicate.
Dean Barker Skipper/CEO SoftBank Team Japan said, “Harken has been part of each of the Cup campaigns I’ve done. Their equipment is always at the cutting edge of technology and has never let me down. This time I’m sure it will be the same. They supply an array of high-tech sailing equipment and it’s that combination that makes Harken so attractive to us.”
Photo by Matt Knighton/SoftBank Team Japan
“We are pleased to be teaming with SoftBank Team Japan for the 2017 America’s Cup,” said Peter Harken, Chairman of the Board. ”
We supplied deck hardware to the Nippon Challenge for the 2000 Cup. It’s interesting to remember that they advanced to the semi-finals in every Louis Vuitton Cup elimination series in which they competed. After a 15-year absence, it’s great to have Japan back in the AC and to be working closely with the sailors in this outstanding new syndicate.”
The multi-national SoftBank Team Japan is led by America’s Cup skipper Dean Barker and General Manager and bowman Kazuhiko “Fuku” Sofuku. Harken is honored to be working with this talented and dedicated group.
The Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Qualifiers will be held from 5/26 – 6/3/17 in a round robin elimination series between the six challengers. The top challenger will meet the defending champions Oracle Team USA in the 35th America’s Cup match beginning on June 17, 2017. The races will be conducted in 48′ wing-masted foiling cats on Bermuda’s Great Sound.
