Today at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron in Kirribilli, global telecommunications leader Ericsson announced its 12 months sponsorship of a Volvo Ocean 60 yacht, leveraging its entry in the 2005-2006 Volvo Ocean Race. Fully branded with Ericsson logos from hull to sails, the yacht will be used for customer hospitality and company activities. 

The Ericsson branded Volvo Ocean 60 yacht will participate in Sydney Harbour twilight races and entertain Ericsson’s customers, which include Australia’s telecommunications operators, enterprises, and service and content providers. In January next year, the yacht will head to Melbourne to welcome the Ericsson Racing team at the Melbourne stopover leg of the Volvo Ocean Race.

Stephanie Huf, General Manager of Public Affairs for Ericsson Australia said: “On the 5th of November, the most grueling around the world sailing competition will kick-off in Sanxenxo, Spain. We believe that the Volvo Ocean Race gives Ericsson a strong platform to grow our business and we are very pleased to sponsor the Volvo Ocean 60 yacht here in Australia.”

Seventeen-year sailing veteran Gordon Maguire is the skipper of the Ericsson Volvo Ocean 60 yacht, which is owned by the Kookaburra Group’s fleet of yachts. Gordon’s career highlights include competing three times in the Whitbread Round the World Race, the Oryx Cup and also in the 2001-2002 Volvo Ocean Race.

“It’s very exciting to have Ericsson as a sponsor this year. We tested the new sails last week and I’m confident we can get up to 18 knots in good conditions in the harbour. We look forward to welcoming Ericsson’s customers on board,” said Gordon.  

High-resolution images of the Ericsson Volvo Ocean 60 Yacht taken by Andrea Francolini are available upon request.

In connection with the Melbourne Stopover from January 16th 2006, Ericsson will be showcasing the latest in mobile and broadband technologies from a custom-built facility at Waterfront City. The display will also include technology Ericsson has developed to improve crew and shore team communications and efficiency. 

Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world. Read more at http://www.ericsson.com/au/ericsson/press.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Elizabeth Middleton
Ericsson Australia
Phone: +61 3 9301 6589
Fax: +61 3 9301 4233
Mobile: +61 409 426 480