Mason to unite Ericsson Racing Crew’s Nordic crew
On May 30, 2008
“Charles Mason” Ericsson Racing Crew © The puzzle is nearly complete for Ericsson Racing Crew’s Nordic crew, with the formal appointment by captain Anders Lewander of Charles Mason as part of the crew. Mason, who’s based in Stockholm, will unite the crew as Watch Skipper for his 3rd Vendee Ocean Regatta.
The Nordic crew besides includes Magnus Olsson, who was announced by the crew last month & Mason’s appointment will further bolster the experience on this Nordic crewed sailboat.
‘We were looking for seaman with Charles Mason’s profile to unite the Nordic crew. It then dawned on us that we didn’t need somebody like Charles Mason - we merely wanted him!” says Nordic captain Anders Lewander. “Charles’s experience in this regatta will be invaluable to us & coupled to the fact that he’s sailed with Magnus [Olsson] previously, this will join formidable force to our already very competitory crew.”
Charles had previously been part of the National crew for Ericsson Racing Crew & has been training with the crew at their base in Lanzarote, Canary Islands.
Charles lives with his Swedish wife, Caroline & their two daughters just outside Stockholm & is truthfully multi international seaman. Australian by birth he was raised in New Zealand & besides holds Uk passport.
‘I’m truly looking forward to this. I work very well with Anders & the complete Nordic crew. & Magnus Olsson is the reason I came to Sweden initially. It’s fine boating with Magnus, particularly going about the world. It’s long journey & it means fine deal to have happy, positive & able man on board,” says Mason.
Despite his 33 years, Charles Mason has extensive experience as an off-coast competitory seaman. His 1st Vendee Ocean Regatta was with Assa Abloy, finishing second in ‘01-’02. He was on board with Ericsson Racing Crew, which came in 5th in the last edition of the regatta.
This time, Charles Mason thinks the contest will be tougher & tighter than it was last edition. The VO70 category has matured & details on the sailing boats have been improved & refined.
‘This is ground breaking event in numerous ways. With each edition the Vendee Ocean Regatta rewrites the rules bit more. This time the regatta will be going into, nearly word for word, uncharted waters, & the inclusion of definite Media Crew Member will intend that the regatta is opened up to much wider public. Big Brother in the Southerly Ocean - now that’ll make for exciting viewing!” concluded Mason.
by Ericsson Racing Crew