McDonald signs Dingo

New crewman for Ericsson VOR 70

The Ericsson Racing Team has today named highly experienced New Zealander David Peter Rolfe as a crewmember of Ericsson's entry in the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-06.

David 'Dingo' Rolfe is a highly respected and experienced sailor whose experience and personality will add to the strength of the Ericsson Racing Team.

Neal McDonald, skipper of Ericsson's entry, says Rolfe's varied experience made him a natural choice for the crew. "Dingo is a man who has sailed in just about every position on these types of boats - bowman, trimmer and helmsman. Add to that his vast sail making experience and he is a must-have guy for this type of race," McDonald says.

McDonald, a veteran of four round-the-world races, and Steve Hayles, as navigator, will lead the Ericsson crew. The brand new Volvo Open 70 racing boat was launched on 30 June and Rolfe and the rest of the crew have been training on the water since then.

"I respect Neal and the team he has put together and was lucky enough to be offered a position on this project," Rolfe says.

Rolfe has competed in the last two Volvo Ocean Races and is really looking forward to the challenge of racing the new Volvo Ocean 70s. "In the VO 60 you are on the edge 10 percent of the race - these things will be more like 60 percent, so hold on," says Rolfe.

"The team is now based in Vigo, Spain, and we are very pleased with how the team is coming together and how preparations are progressing," says Dusyant Patel, Operating Officer of Ericsson Racing Team.