Magnus Woxén joins the crew on Ericsson 3
2009-02-11 by
Swedish ocean sailor Magnus Woxén joins the crew on Ericsson 3 for Leg 5 from Qingdao to Rio. Magnus is also part of the organisation for the Stockholm Stopover as On-water Technical Operations Manager.
Woxén is no stranger to the Volvo Ocean Race having competed in the last three races, most recently with Ericsson Racing Team in 2005-'06, and he joins the crew as helmsman and trimmer. The Norwegian Arve Roaas also joins Ericsson 3 in the same role.
"I know all the crew, although I haven't sailed before with everyone," said Woxen. "I'm confident that we'll be a good team. It's a really good group of people, so I don't think it will be a problem to join the team mid-race."
His fellow watch captain, Richard Mason, will sit out Leg 5 due to a back injury, a prolapsed disc, which has been further aggravated the past few legs. He will fly home to Sweden after the weekend to get his back examined.
Magnus Olsson continues as skipper and watch captain. He is content with his new crew members.
"Both Magnus and Arve have done the race before and have been in the Southern Ocean. They are good guys and know what to expect."
The boatbuilding team is under added pressure to complete its work quickly because Leg 5 of the race is scheduled to begin Saturday. It's unlikely the Nordic crew will reach Qingdao in time for the start, but the sailors want to minimize their initial deficit to the fleet.
In Qingdao the team has prepared for next leg, readying sails, food, spare gear and equipment for Leg 5. After completing Leg 4 the crew plans to do a touch-and-go; hitting the dock to load the necessary items in the least amount of time possible, and then giving chase to the fleet that will be bound for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.