Two new sailors for Team Russia

[Source: Team Russia] Round the world yacht race veteran Michael Joubert (36) and young gun Ben Costello (29) will join Team Russia’s Volvo Open 70 Kosatka, competing in the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09. Both will take their places on the first leg leaving from Alicante on 11th October racing to Cape Town.

South African bowman Mike Joubert has a long record as a professional crewman including two Volvo Ocean Races on Movistar 2005-2006 and ASSA ABLOY in 2001-2002. He was also on Brunel Sunergy in the 1997-98 Whitbread Race. He has a rich history in racing records with three Fastnet Races and several seasons with maxi yachts under his belt.

Mike is married with three children, his most recent born earlier this month in Somerset West, South Africa. Skipper Andreas Hanakamp is delighted to have Mike on the team; “Without doubt Mike is one of the best bowman in the world. He fits very well with the team and is going to be a huge asset to us on the race.”

Ben Costello gets his call up as trimmer to take a spot in the first leg for the trip south to Cape Town. New Zealander Ben has raced maxi yachts for several years and has completed in prestigious races such as the Sydney-Hobart, Fastnet, Asian Circuit and Round North Island Race. He has worked in the sailing industry since he left school and is a graduate of the prestigious Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron youth scheme.

“Ben is a great character and a determined and dedicated member of the team. He’s just as good behind the wheel as trimming sails or running the pit. Flexibility is key on this race, we all have to do everything,” explains Hanakamp.