New Team Russia crew announced

Including Britain's Nick Bubb

Team Russia have announced some new crewmen: Jochen Wolfram (GER), Jeremy Elliott (IRE), and Nick Bubb (UK) will take their places onboard Kosatka, Team Russia's VO70 and compete in the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09. 

Jeremy Elliott (29) from North Sails UK's loft joins the team as trimmer and sail designer. Irish-born Jeremy was on the sailing and design team for GBR Challenge America's Cup teams in 2002 and 2004 and was on the sail design team for Luna Rossa in 2007. He has been fundamental in designing Kosatka's sails; his role is seen as a key factor on the boat.

German Olympic sailor Jochen Wolfram (41) joins Team Russia as grinder and trimmer. Although this is his first Volvo, he sailed for United Team Germany in the America's Cup in 2007. 

Wolfram is an accomplished maxi boat sailor and in addition to his role as grinder, he will also oversee and manage the deck equipment onboard.

Finally, 29-year-old Nick Bubb joins Team Russia as pitman and boat captain. He will be responsible for liaising between the boat and shore team and will look after below deck systems including hydraulics and engines.

Bubb has a degree in Mechanical Engineering and has extensive short-handed racing experience including four years of Mini racing. He took part in the Oryx Quest (non stop around the world) on the maxi cat Daedalus (ex ENZA New Zealand) as well as sailing in Class 40s in the Route du Rhum and Transat Jacques Vabre. Most recently he has worked with Mike Golding on the Open 60 Ecover.

In an exciting line-up that unites experienced Volvo Ocean Race veterans with America's Cup and Olympic sailors, Team Russia's crew now comprises:

AUT - Andreas Hanakamp (skipper)
ESP - Guillermo Altadill (watch leader)
DEN - Stig Westergaard (watch leader and performance manager)
UKR - Rodion Luka (Helmsman)
NED - Wouter Verbraak (Navigator)
RUS - Oleg Zherebtsov (Bow 2 and Pit)
IRE - Jeremy Elliott (Trimmer and sail designer)
GER - Jochen Wolfram (Grinder and trimmer). 
UK - Nick Bubb (Pitman)

Team Russia's CEO Micheal Woods comments; "I am delighted to announce Jeremy, Jochen and Nick's involvement with Team Russia. We have assembled a great team of people here with enormous experience and a true sense of adventure."

Team Russia is now preparing for the start of the Volvo Ocean Race in Alicante in October 2008.