Torben Grael to skipper Ericsson Racing Team

[Source: Ericsson Racing Team] This was announced during a press conference at the TP52 regatta currently underway in Puerto Calero, Lanzarote, where the team’s training base for the northern hemisphere winter is situated.

”I look forward to do the race again and I am happy to join the very strong Ericsson Racing Team that seem to have a great team in place including designers, builders, shore and of course sailing crew,” said Torben Grael.

With five Olympic medals, a third place in the latest Volvo Ocean Race and three America’s cup campaigns under his belt, 47 year-old Torben Grael is one of the world’s most respected sailors of today. Torben’s success on the water has made him one of the most well known and respected athletes in his home country as well as overseas.

“With Torben onboard our campaign will become even stronger. We have a great platform with an already strong team in place that can now focus on the year leading up to the start in Spain in October 2008,” said Brad Jackson, who alongside Stu Bannatyne, is watch captain on the international crew.

Since John Kostecki left the campaign for family reasons in August Richard Brisius, managing director at Ericsson Racing Team, has been looking for his successor.

“Torben brings experience and world class track record,” said Brisius. “He joins a very strong team who are working at full speed in all aspects of the campaign. Together with our experienced watch captains, Stu Bannatyne and Brad Jackson, the international crew is almost complete and Torben will continue to build on the strong set up already established.”

The campaign will continue its high pace and with the Torben Grael as the new skipper now in place everyone can focus forward on the twelve months leading up to the start of leg 1.

A number of international journalists were attending the press conference in Puerto Calero and in Brazil Ericsson’s representatives hosted a press and staff get together and got special greetings from Torben in their common native language.

Torben Grael helms the Ericsson VO70 boat for the first time. Puerto Calero, 18 October 2007. Photo copyright Nico Martinez

Torben Grael (center) to skipper the Ericsson Volvo Ocean Race team. Puerto Calero, 18 October 2007. Photo copyright Nico Martinez