Volvo OR- Tony Kolb to leave Ericsson Racing Team

by Ericsson Racing Media on 19 Dec 2005 The Ericsson Racing Team today advised that German crewmember Tony Kolb will not be part of the crew anymore, on mutual understanding.

Kolb's replacement is not yet finalized but skipper Neal McDonald is looking at several options to ensure he selects the right person for the team.

Following a mutual understanding between the Ericsson Racing Team and Tony Kolb, it been decided that Kolb will not continue his involvement with the Volvo Ocean Race. Kolb, 29 years of age and born in Munich, describes the reason as personal.

The team press release on the situation says that the team thanks Tony for his contribution to the campaign. His input will be missed, but the team is confident that it will start Leg Two of the Volvo Ocean Race with a first class crew.

Speaking of the decision, skipper, Neal McDonald said: ‘Tony has been a great asset to the team and we will miss his input. We now have to make the best choice amongst potential candidates. I am confident that we will find a skilled and talented team member to replace him.’

Tony Kolb comments: ‘I am sad to leave the team, but today, I think that this is the best for me and my family. The Ericsson Racing Team is a very strong unit, so this has been very difficult for me.’

Tony Kolb’s is described on the Ericsson Racing as being married with two children, he was born and lives in Munich, Germany.

Kolb is both a skilled sailmaker and boatbuilder, who bought a wealth of attributes to the Ericsson Racing Team. During his nine year professional sailing career, Kolb has established himself as an incredibly popular sailor in Germany with victories in races such as the Sydney-Hobart, earning him huge respect.

His international sailing reputation rocketed as bowman onboard the winning illbruck team in the last Volvo Ocean Race. Since then Kolb has gone on to represent America’s Cup Challenger BMW Oracle, before opting for a second shot at victory in the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-06 with the Ericsson Racing Team.

His major racing achievments are as follows:

A member of the BMW Oracle team in the America’s Cup
Winner of Star Class at Kiel Week 2003
Winner of Melges Worlds 2002
Winner of Volvo Ocean Race 2001-02, bowman, illbruck
Winner of North American Melges 24 in 2000
Winner of the Sydney-Hobart race 2000

His replacement has not yet been announced.