The Ericsson Racing Team has today named Tom Braidwood as crewmember
of Ericsson’s entry in the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-06.

Tom Braidwood is a highly respected and experienced sailor from
Sydney, Australia and he is really looking forward to taking part in
the Volvo Ocean Race with the Ericsson Racing Team this time around.

“The Volvo Ocean Race is a tough event. But I love the team
environment and getting stuck into racing with a few boys that are
just as excited about getting the job done as you are. I sailed with
Neal in the 95 Americas Cup and worked with him as a shore crew
on Silk Cut in the Whitbread Around the World 1997-1998. I have a lot
of respect for him and his ability to keep a team together and feel
that this is a huge strength for this project. The new boats will be
pretty fast and I think this Volvo Ocean Race is going to be
spectacular,” says Braidwood.

Neal McDonald, a veteran of four round-the-world races, finishing
second as skipper in his last race, and has competed in both the
America’s Cup and the Admiral’s Cup, is the skipper on Ericsson
Racing Team and Steve Hayles is navigator. The brand new Volvo Open
70 racing boat was launched Thursday June 30 and the crew will start
their training this week.

“Tommy is a great bowman with no fear and bags of experience. The
first time I sailed with Tommy was 10 years ago in the America’s Cup
and I have kept close tabs on his sailing career since then and it’s
a great pleasure to get him on board,” says Neal McDonald.

Braidwood is right now in the process of finishing building a new
super maxi in Sydney and is really looking forward to get out on the
water to start training with the Ericsson Racing Team.

“In the last race I got to steer over the line into Sydney with all
my family and friends out on the water to see us in. It was the best
feeling and I am sure that Melbourne will put on a big welcome this
time, and I hope to have a few friends and family there again. It
will be a great buzz,” says Tom Braidwood.

Ericsson, the world’s leading telecommunications supplier, announced
its entry in the race on April 25. The Ericsson Racing Team is
supported by Semcon as design and development partner.

“Ericsson’s core values are professionalism, respect and
perseverance; three qualities that are at the heart of a successful
ocean racing team and qualities that I know lie at the heart of what
Neal and his crew has delivered throughout their career,” said
Dusyant Patel, Operating Officer of Ericsson Racing Team.

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