Team Oracle BMW Racing has received further reinforcement in the form of America's Cup winner Ross Halcrow. Halcrow is regarded as one of the best sailing trimmers in the world and was a member of the New Zealand crew that made sailing history by winning the America's Cup in San Diego in 1995.
Born in New Zealand and living in Canada, 36-year-old Ross Halcrow was also a member of the Illbruck Challenge crew that won the Volvo Ocean Race in 2002/03. Chris Dickson, CEO of the Oracle BMW Racing team, is convinced that the signing will make the team even stronger overall: "Ross Halcrow is one of the best trimmers in the world and brings a lot of experience to this area of racing yachts. He also plays an important role in our sailing programme."
For Halcrow, working for Oracle BMW Racing is a great opportunity because, according to the trimmer, it has the potential to win the America's Cup in 2007: "That's crucial. I didn't just want to be in any crew, I want to win the America's Cup again." Halcrow continues: "I believe that Oracle BMW Racing has the necessary resources and a good structure. I'm looking forward to being involved in the strategic planning."
Halcrow's America's Cup career began 16 years ago when he worked as a sailmaker with Chris Dickson on the original 1987 New Zealand team. Three more Cup appearances followed: in 1992 for New Zealand, in 1995 with Team New Zealand and in 2000 for Young America. He competed in three round the world races, won five world championships including a match racing title and was a member of a winning Admiral's Cup crew.
Despite all these successes, he can hardly wait to fight for the next America's Cup title. "I love sailing cupper boats and co-designing sails. Nowadays, this task involves the entire process - from the sail to the rigging, the balance of the boat and the boat design," he explains.
As trimmer and sailing programme manager on board the "illbruck", Halcrow worked closely with skipper John Kostecki, who recently joined Oracle BMW Racing as tactician. "I respect John Kostecki and Ross Halcrow for their wealth of experience in their respective fields. Even though they work separately, a deep understanding has developed between the two of them over the years," enthuses Chris Dickson.
Ross Halcrow is looking forward to working with Chris Dickson and his long-time sailing partner John Kostecki at Oracle BMW Racing. "John and I have worked together for ten years. We decided to sail together in the America's Cup because we enjoy it and complement each other very well," adds Halcrow. In September, Halcrow will take part in the Moët Cup in San Francisco for Oracle BMW Racing, where the Louis Vuitton Cup final against Alinghi will be replayed.
