Bristol-based Goetz Custom Boats has been chosen by Puma to build the sports apparel company’s racing yacht for the 2008-2009 Volvo Ocean Race.

Goetz was chosen for its reputation in building winning boats for the America’s Cup, Admiral’s Cup and Maxi Worlds, Puma said in a news release.

“Our sailing team has been through an arduous process choosing the two primary businesses that we believe will create the fastest Volvo 70 in 2008 and 2009,” said Ken Read of Newport, who will skipper the yacht.

Puma also announced that Botin Carkeek of Santander, Spain, will design the yacht.

“I am thoroughly confident that Botin Carkeek and Goetz Custom Boats are the right companies to give our sailing team the fastest ride around the planet,” Read said.

The Volvo race – considered the “Mount Everest” of sailing – takes nine months to trace a 39,000-plus-mile route. It includes 11 stops, in ports on four continents.

The race is to begin October 2008 in Alicante, Spain.