PORTLAND – The first American sailor to complete the Vendee Globe solo round-the-world race announced plans Tuesday to build a new vessel in Maine to compete in the next race in 2008.

Bruce Schwab, who has made Portland his adopted home, said the new racing yacht will be designed next year, with construction beginning in the summer.

Operating on a shoestring budget, Schwab came in ninth place in the European dominated-Vendee Globe last February, setting a U.S. record at 109 days, 19 hours, 58 minutes and 57 seconds. He said he has plans for an even better performance in 2008.

“With either me or an up-and-coming American sailor at the helm, we plan to earn a podium finish,” said Schwab.

Schwab’s announcement was made via speaker phone at a press conference at a Paris Boat Show, “Salon Nautique de Paris.”

The long-time resident of California now resides in Woolwich. His OceanPlanet Foundation’s offices are located at Portland Yacht Services, where he made refinements to the original wood-and-carbon fiber sloop dubbed Ocean Planet.

He now plans to build a new vessel, Ocean Planet II. And he hopes to expand upon the educational component of his activities.

Teachers and students used the Internet to follow the Vendee Globe and track Schwab’s sloop. The Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Science in Boothbay Harbor created Web-based classroom lessons based on the race.

Prior to Schwab, the only American to make a nonstop solo circumnavigation was Dodge Morgan of Harpswell, Maine, who did it in 1985-86 in 150 days.

Morgan is supporting Schwab’s efforts as a member of OceanPlanet Foundation board.

“Bruce has become the premiere American solo sailor of this age,” Morgan said. “It’s a thrill to see his mission evolve.”