Building work next door

New Ericsson VO70 to be constructed by their Stockholm HQ

The new Ericsson Volvo Open 70 yacht that will compete in the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race is to be built next to the company's offices in Kista, 10 kilometers north of Stockholm. The construction site will welcome Ericsson customers and employees, allowing perfect integration of the sailing project into the company's activities.

"As a team we have set high targets for our performance, both commercially and on the sports side", explains Richard Brisius, Managing Director for the Ericsson Racing Team. "Killian Bushe and his professional boat builders are setting up a state-of-the-art yard in Kista. This will provide us with the best possible build package and tools to reach our targets."

Ericsson will be constructed in a building that belongs to Klövern, a real estate company who will host the team office and the boat yard during the build phase. Their commitment to the Ericsson Racing Team is part of their activities to market Kista as an attractive area for business.

"We are happy to welcome Klövern into the team as our Official Yard Host. Without them it would not be possible to set up the yard in the midst of Kista and to have the ability to welcome customers and employees the way we want," continues Brisius.

Based in Ljungskile, Sweden, Killian Bushe has been building winning boats for over 30 years, producing many high quality racing yachts ranging in size from 40 to 85 feet. Among many successful projects is the Volvo 60 illbruck, which went on to win the 2001-02 Volvo Ocean Race with skipper John Kostecki.

More recent projects include the construction of Team ABN Amro's VO 70', designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian (1st and 4th in the last VOR), and the new America's Cup yacht for Victory Challenge (SWE). Killian and his team will work very closely with Ericsson's designer Juan Kouyoumdjian and other key members of the team in order to create the best possible boat.

"A boat such as Ericsson can be built anywhere, as long as there is enough space, cleanliness, the right temperature control and good ventilation. And this is precisely what Klövern provides us with", explains Killian Bushe. " The rest is about getting the right people, building the king sized ovens used for "baking" the carbon fiber parts of the boat and bringing in the special tools needed."

The design and construction rule remain relatively open for the next edition of the VOR, presenting a challenge for the designers and encouraging the development of even faster yachts. The boats will still have a canting keel, a choice of one or two centreboards, and one or two rudders.

The Ericsson Racing Team will participate for the second consecutive time in the world premiere Ocean Race. The last edition, concluded in fifth place, has been thoroughly debriefed, and with the appointment of skipper John Kostecki and designer Juan Kouyoumdjian the team believes they have a potent mix for building a strong and competitive team.

"To win this race, you need to excel in all areas," said Richard Brisius. "By getting started early we can get the right people, the right design, the right boat builders and the right training. Although the competition will be even tougher next time we feel confident that we now have a program that will ensure that we are one of the front runners when we hit the start line of the Volvo Ocean Race in 2008."

Juan Kouyoumdjian added: "Killian Bushe Yacht Constructions have been involved in high tech sailing projects for decades. Their work during the last Volvo Ocean Race was the highest level of composite construction I've ever seen and I am glad to work with them because I know that they will make the best out of the design that I provide them with."

Skipper John Kostecki said: "I am very happy that Killian is our builder. He and his Team have built the winning boat in the last two Volvo Ocean Races. The idea to open the construction site to Ericsson's customers and employees is great. It will give us a strong support from the very beginning, and will enhance their understanding of the high tech dimension of our project."