And another

Ericsson announce another crewman for Neal McDonald's Volvo Ocean Race campaign

The Ericsson Racing Team has today named Tom Braidwood as crewmember of Ericsson's entry in the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-06.

Tom Braidwood is a highly respected and experienced sailor from Sydney, Australia and he is really looking forward to taking part in the Volvo Ocean Race with the Ericsson Racing Team this time around. He sailed the last race as part of Gunnar Krantz' Team SEB.

"The Volvo Ocean Race is a tough event. But I love the team environment and getting stuck into racing with a few boys that are just as excited about getting the job done as you are. I sailed with Neal in the 1995 America's Cup and worked with him as a shore crew on Silk Cut in the Whitbread Around the World 1997-1998. I have a lot of respect for him and his ability to keep a team together and feel that this is a huge strength for this project. The new boats will be pretty fast and I think this Volvo Ocean Race is going to be spectacular," says Braidwood.

"Tommy is a great bowman with no fear and bags of experience. The first time I sailed with Tommy was 10 years ago in the America's Cup and I have kept close tabs on his sailing career since then and it's a great pleasure to get him on board," says Neal McDonald.

Braidwood is right now in the process of finishing building a new super maxi in Sydney and is really looking forward to get out on the water to start training with the Ericsson Racing Team.

"In the last race I got to steer over the line into Sydney with all my family and friends out on the water to see us in. It was the best feeling and I am sure that Melbourne will put on a big welcome this time, and I hope to have a few friends and family there again. It
will be a great buzz," says Tom Braidwood.

Ericsson, the brand new Volvo Open 70 racing boat was launched Thursday June 30 and the crew will start their training this week.

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