Neal McDonald named as skipper, Steve Hayles is also on board

The Ericsson Racing Team has today named Neal McDonald as skipper and Steve Hayles as navigator of Ericsson’s entry in the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-06.

Neal McDonald is 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. McDonald has the experience and talent to skipper any boat competitively. He also has an engineering background.

Steve Hayles, also a veteran of the Volvo Ocean Race, will join McDonald on the Ericsson Racing Team. Hayles has participated in the Volvo Ocean Race three times and was a navigator in the 2001-02 race.

Dave Powys is taking on the important shore manager position. Powys has vast experience in boat management and sailed in the Whitbread Round the World Race maxi yachts Rothmans and Fortuna. Powys also took part in the America’s Cup with Victory, Kookaburra and the Blue Arrow teams.

Ericsson, the world’s leading telecommunications supplier, announced its entry in the race on April 25. The Ericsson Racing Team is supported by Semcon as design and development partner.