The leading telephone and communications service provider Ericsson takes over the Atlant Ocean Racing group. The team already has a Farr design under construction at Green Marine in Lymington, England, which is due to be christened in June.
The project manager and founder of Atlant Ocean Racing, Richard Brisius, sees the new Ericsson Racing Team as a potential winner: "With Ericsson we have the formula for success. You bring experience and knowledge of how to implement a complex project." Ericsson Vice President Bert Nordberg is also delighted: "The Volvo Ocean Race provides us with a strong platform for growth. It is an opportunity to attract global attention and demonstrate our capabilities."
Seven teams are now secured for the global race: ABN Amro is sending two ships from Holland, the US are represented by Atlant Ocean Racing ("Pirates of the Caribbean"), Brazil is there, Australia ("Premier Challenge") and Spain (" TelefonicMovistar ") as well.
A German participation is not in sight, despite strong interest since the victory of the "illbruck". The Volvo Ocean Race starts at the beginning of November in Sanxenxo on the Spanish Atlantic coast and extends over nine deep sea stages as well as inshore races in each stage port.