The 2008–09 Volvo Ocean Race is still more than 11 months out, but teams are gearing up for the world’s most brutal fully crewed ocean showdown. Ericsson Racing Team recently announced that Brazilian sailing legend Torben Grael will be skippering one of their two boats. Grael is replacing American John Kostecki in this role, as Kostecki had to step down because of to family obligations. Grael, 47, has five Olympic medals to his credit, scored third in the last Volvo aboard Brasil 1, and is also a veteran of three America’s Cup campaigns.

Ericsson Racing Team is the only team to have announced a two-boat program for the event. The first boat, skippered by Grael, will be crewed by an international team. The second boat, whose skipper has yet to be named, will be raced by an all-Nordic crew. For a full report, check out www.ericssonracingteam.com/news_20071018.html.com —David Schmidt