Grael gets to sail with his hero

Formula One legend Nelson Piquet was on board with the Ericsson Racing Team crew at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup

Formula One legend Nelson Piquet was part of the International crew for Ericsson Racing Team at the recent Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Sardinia.

Led by skipper Torben Grael, the crew achieved the goal of honing its crew work in preparation for the Volvo Ocean Race, which begins Oct. 4 with an inshore race off Alicante, Spain.

The three-time Formula One World Champion was aboard as a guest. Piquet is Grael's sports hero and the two are close friends.

"It was a nice touch having Nelson aboard. Torben arranged for that," said Stu Bannatyne, the International Crew watch leader. "It's not every day you get to sail with a personality like him. He enjoyed himself."