Ericsson Skipper Winds Sailing's Highest Accolade
Wednesday, November 10, 2009
Torben Grael, the
skipper of Ericsson 4, the race winning entry in the Volvo
Ocean Race 2008/09, has been named the ISAF Rolex World
Sailor of the Year.
The ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the
Year Award is the highest award a sailor can receive in
recognition of his outstanding achievements. The Awards are
presented annually based on a worldwide selection process
that incorporates an open invitation to nominations,
followed by a vote amongst the 130 member nations of the
International Sailing Federation (ISAF).
In an
emotional winning speech, Torben commented, "It's an honor
to be here It's not the first time I've attended this award
ceremony, but it's truly a different feeling to stand here,"
he said, from behind the podium. "I am very thankful, and to
be here I represent not only myself but all the people who
helped me run my campaigns: the sailors, my family, my
parents, my wife, the company Ericsson. It has been a
fantastic year and it was a fantastic [Volvo Ocean] Race.
This year has made me aware of some feelings I am not used
to."
This was the fourth time that the five-time
Olympic medalist had been nominated for the ISAF Rolex World
Sailor of the Year Award and winning the award is the icing
on the cake on an impressive year for the
Brazilian:
"Ericsson 4 not only won the 08/09 Volvo
Ocean Race and broke the world 24 hour monohull record on
the way, almost reaching the 600 mile barrier. But I was
also runner up at the Rolex Ilhabela Sailing Week, Cowes
Week, the Rolex Fastnet Race and finished third at the Rolex
Maxi Worlds in Porto Cervo," he added.
The Trophy was
presented to Torben by HRH Prince Frederik of Denmark and
Lionel Schurh, Rolex Geneva at a spectacular Awards Ceremony
at Busan in South
Korea.
ENDS