The Ericsson Racing Team has 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.

Commenting, Braidwood said: “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 [MacDonald] in the 1995 America’s 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.”

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 30 June and the crew will start their training this week.

MacDonald added: “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.”

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.

Braidwood continued: “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.”