Big name out of the closet

As John Kostecki signs with the Ericsson Volvo Ocean Race team

The Ericsson Racing Team has today announced American John Kostecki as the 11th crewmember on board Ericsson's entry in the Volvo Ocean Race 2005/06. Winner of the 2001/02 Volvo Ocean Race as skipper on board illbruck, Kostecki is one of the world's top sailors. An Olympic silver medallist (1988) and 10-time world champion in a range of one-design classes, he has also been involved in four America's Cup campaigns as tactician. He joins the already strong Ericsson Racing Team as tactician for the inshore races and brings the number of campaigns that the team has under its belt to an impressive total of 25.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pa., USA, Kostecki has lived most of his life in Marin County, California. He is a highly regarded yachtsman whose international sailing reputation escalated when he skippered illbruck to victory in the Volvo Ocean Race. Having recently departed from the BMW Oracle Racing America's Cup, he joins the Ericsson Racing Team for an exciting new challenge with skipper Neal McDonald and his crew.

"I am really happy to join the Ericsson Racing Team," Kostecki said. "It has a proven winning management team, a highly experienced skipper and a sailing team which can win the Volvo Ocean Race. The new Ericsson VO 70 has been designed by Farr Yacht Design in Annapolis, Maryland. It is at the forefront of design and technology and should be an exciting and challenging boat to race around the world."

The hydraulic keel rams on the boat, which are integral to the functioning of the innovative canting keels, were made in Ohio and most of the sails were built in Nevada, where Kostecki now lives.

Ericsson skipper McDonald commented, "John will be a great asset to the Ericsson team. With the experience of two Whitbread / Volvo Ocean Races and four America's Cup campaigns, he has a proven track record in both inshore and ocean racing. The inshore races count for nearly 22% of the overall results and so his talent and knowledge will be invaluable to the team."

Kostecki also will play an integral role in the team's preparation, training and development throughout the race.