Ericsson Racing Team

World's Leading Provider of Mobile Technology Supports Sailing

Oct 18, 2008

In 2005 Ericsson Racing Team was created to participate in the 2005-'06 Volvo Ocean Race. They finished fifth and are back with two boats, one team and one goal. To Win.

"Ericsson has built its global reputation on the core values of respect, professionalism and perseverance, sound traits for crews battling rivals, the elements and their own fallibilities in a marathon circumnavigation such as the Volvo Ocean Race." ~ Ericsson Racing Team

A New Multimedia Landscape

For Team Ericsson, participation in the Volvo Ocean Race is an opportunity to share its vision of an all communicating world. A multimedia landscape that allows participation and real time sharing of the experience and as-it-happens information. The around the world race is a living case study for testing out new technology as well as a vehicle to help drive sales growth.

World Class Racing Team

The technology supporting the team and event is cutting edge while the sailors making up the two boat program are at the highest ranks possible in sailing. Ericsson has two teams:

The "Nordic Crew" are lead by Anders Lewander, 44, Stockholm, Sweden and this will be his first major role as a skipper. At the time of this publishing, he was applying the pressure to fleet leader Puma Ocean Racing and holding a strong second position. He's a newcomer to the event with an "old salt's" sailing resume, having sailed around the world in the Oryx Cup 2005 and a member of the Swedish National Sailing Team.

The "International Crew" have one of the most decorated sailors at their lead, Torben Grael. Grael is a 48-year-old Brazilian sailing rock-star with five Olympic medals, a Louis Vuitton Cup championship and third overall in the last Volvo Ocean Race. He's tall in stature, fantastic smile and kind eyes, however one of the most competitive sailors in the race and determined to bring home the crystal at the conclusion of this event in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Value in Two Boat Racing Program

Team Managing Director Richard Brisius states it best, "It allows us to conduct full-scale speed testing, and also helps us with sail program by allowing us to test different configurations." The efficient use of sail technology in collaboration with boat design, glued together with the worlds best sailing talent is winning recipe. Brisius continues with, "The two crews allow us to train efficiently and to improve a lot before the start of the race."

Team Ericsson is one of two participating teams who afforded a two boat program. Telefonica, Spanish entry followed a similar platform though not to the same financial scale. Whether or not there is a true advantage will be revealed next year!

The copyright of the article Ericsson Racing Team in Sail Boats is owned by Jennifer Langille. Permission to republish Ericsson Racing Team in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.