Erle Williams, currently a member of the sailing team of America's Cup defenders, Team New Zealand, is reported to have offered his services to the djuice dragon Volvo Ocean Race team and hopes to race with the Norwegian-based team in the race that starts in September

Erle Williams, currently a member of the sailing team of America’s Cup defenders Team New Zealand, is assisting djuice dragons in their build up to the Volvo Ocean Race. Williams also hopes to race with the Norwegian-based team in a few of the short legs whilst retaining his current role with Team New Zealand.

The 42-year-old was co-skipper on Swedish Match (3rd place) in the 97-98 Whitbread. During May-June of 2001, Erle was skipper of djuice 2 as the two dragon boats completed their qualification race from Miami to Sandefjord.

Frostad commented on the latest addition to the crew, “I am very pleased to have Erle connected with our team. I raced against him in the last race and he was a tough competitor and I’m glad he’s bringing that aggressive edge to djuice dragons.

The afterguard on board djuice, now comprises of Knut Frostad (skipper), Ed Baird (tactician), Jean-Yves Bernot (navigator) and Erle Williams. This group is a strategically astute and highly experienced combination that will further facilitate a peak performance in the race.