Pelle Norberg - a madforsailing interview

Bob Fisher meets the man behind the Team SEB campaign for the Volvo Ocean Race

It must be an effort to get them all together because the budget must be quite big these days?
PN: Most of the projects have a turnover of around US$15-20 millions. That’s the sportive side of it and on top of that our partners spend a lot of money on internal activities with the race.

And that’s not part of the budget that they have committed to the project and paid to Global Team?

PN: We have to believe that the product that we are offering them gives them all sorts of opportunities for other activities that are not arranged by us. These they pay for in addition to what they have paid to be a partner in the Team SEB project. It can amount to 20-40 percent on top of what they have already paid.

Those opportunities are quite limitless, aren’t they?

PN: It is simply a matter of imagination. It’s unlimited.

What overall effect, other than giving a sense of security, do you think you have in giving Gurra and the crew the weapons to win?

PN: It is good for the sailing and racing department to have a place where they can come and get the support they need, not only from the shore and technical teams. We often have philosophical discussions on how to tackle problems. We are building a culture where all the different parts can feel comfortable with each other. If Gurra and the crew didn’t have this foundation, it would be tougher for them to compete.

There are just under five months to go to the start, is there anything still troubling you?

PN: I feel comfortable with the situation. There is a little more sails work to do, we have to test more sails but things are all in place. There are two more crew to choose. We have a training camp set up in Gothenburg and everyone is heading for the same goal. My gut feeling is that it is all under control.

see the boat on page 3...