Ross Halcrow joins Ericsson Racing for leg five

by Annabel Merrison on 22 Mar 2006 The Ericsson Racing Team today announces its crew lists for the Rio de Janeiro in-port race and for leg five of the Volvo Ocean Race. This list includes two crew changes. In addition to John Kostecki, who was announced last week, Ross Halcrow (NZL) will come onboard as new crewmember. Jason Carrington (GBR) and Tom Braidwood (AUS) will step down for the next leg, although Carrington will sail in Saturday’s in-port race. Braidwood, who suffered a shoulder injury during leg four, has returned to Australia for treatment, whilst Jason Carrington will continue to play a key role in the team on the shore side during next leg.

‘We knew from the beginning of this race that there would be crew rotations, and everyone accepts this very well’, comments Ericsson Racing Team skipper John Kostecki. ‘We have a strong team of experienced sailors with great talent and potential. I am pleased to add Ross Halcrow to the crew list for leg five. I have been sailing with him since 1994 and we know each other well. He is one of the best trimmers I know and I am sure that his input will be invaluable on Ericsson.’

Winner of the last Volvo Ocean Race alongside John Kostecki, Ross Halcrow has won almost everything sailing has to offer. At thirty-nine years of age, he is considered one of the best sail trimmers in the world. He was part of the Team New Zealand which won the 1995 America’s Cup and has been involved with the Cup for 16 years.

Neal McDonald, who has had his eye on Halcrow since early on in the campaign, adds: ‘Ross has a tremendous reputation and we are very happy to be able to use his expertise. He is a superb sailor and his experience as trimmer will add strength to the team. It is great to have him join the team now, feeling fresh and energized.’

‘I am very pleased to join the Ericsson Racing Team, and to sail with John Kostecki and the rest of the crew for the in-port race in Rio and leg five,’ said Halcrow. ‘I don’t think the team’s current ranking reflects its potential. I hope that I will be able to be part of improving the performance of the team.’

Australian crewmember Tom Braidwood, who incurred a shoulder injury during leg four, has returned to Australia for treatment. He has been diagnosed with a ruptured muscle in the shoulder, which will need to be operated on and puts him out of action for six weeks. Damian Foxall, who suffered from an elbow infection, has been successfully treated in a hospital in Rio and is now back with the team.

Jason Carrington, who has been a guiding force within the team in his role as both Construction Manager and crewmember, will sit the next leg out and will instead focus his energy and invaluable experience on working with the team onshore during Leg 5. ‘I am happy to do anything I can to improve the performance of the team’, he commented.

‘Both Tom Braidwood and Jason Carrington have done a great job, comments Kostecki. Unfortunately, Tom is still injured. As for Jason, he has been involved more than anybody in this campaign, building the boat and then sailing her. He has done an awesome job.’

Ericsson Racing Team crew list for In-port race:

John Kostecki (USA)
Steve Hayles (GBR)
Neal McDonald (GBR)
Tim Powell (GBR)
Jason Carrington (GBR)
Damien Foxall (IRL)
Ross Halcrow (NZL)
Richard Mason (NZL)
David Rolfe (NZL)
Magnus Woxén (SWE)
Guillermo Altadill (ESP)

Ericsson Racing Team crew list for leg six:

John Kostecki (USA)
Steve Hayles (GBR)
Neal McDonald (GBR)
Tim Powell (GBR)
Damien Foxall (IRL)
Ross Halcrow (NZL)
Richard Mason (NZL)
David Rolfe (NZL)
Magnus Woxén (SWE)
Guillermo Altadill (ESP)