Ericsson Racing Team names Neal McDonald as Volvo skipper

Ericsson Racing Team Navigator Steve Hayles, Skipper Neal McDonald and boat builder Jason Carrington for the Volvo Ocean Race 2005/6 © Rick Tomlinson / www.rick-tomlinson.com

The Ericsson Racing Team has today named Neal McDonald as skipper and Steve Hayles as navigator of Ericsson's entry in the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-06.

Neal McDonald is a veteran of four round-the-world races, finishing second as skipper in his last race, and has competed in both the America's Cup and the Admiral's Cup. McDonald has the experience and talent to skipper any boat competitively. He also has an engineering background.

Steve Hayles, also a veteran of the Volvo Ocean Race, will join McDonald on the Ericsson Racing Team. Hayles has participated in the Volvo Ocean Race three times and was a navigator in the 2001-02 race.

Dave Powys is taking on the important shore manager position. Powys has vast experience in boat management and sailed in the Whitbread Round the World Race maxi yachts Rothmans and Fortuna. Powys also took part in the America's Cup with Victory, Kookaburra and the Blue Arrow teams.

Ericsson, the world's leading telecommunications supplier, announced its entry in the Volvo Ocean Race on April 25. The Ericsson Racing Team is supported by Semcon as design and development partner.

"Ericsson's core values are professionalism, respect and perseverance; three qualities that are at the heart of a successful ocean racing team and qualities that I know lie at the heart of what Neal has delivered both as skipper and crew member throughout his career," said Dusyant Patel, Operating Officer of Ericsson Racing Team. "Neal and Steve give our challenge great strength and the prospect of being a real contender in the race."

Neal McDonald said, "It is great to be able to announce that I am skipper of the Ericsson Racing Team. The team is shaping up very well, both in terms of the people we are bringing on board, and the boat itself. I am really looking forward to getting out on the water and getting down to training with the team."

Richard Brisius, project manager and co-founder of Atlant Ocean Racing said, "Our team is strengthened even further with the addition of Neal and Steve. From design and construction to partners and crew we have been able to build a world-class team. Neal and Steve were both our first choices from the small exclusive group of potential skippers and navigators."

For updates on the Ericsson Racing Team's participation in the Volvo Ocean Race, please visit www.ericssonracingteam.com