ERICSSON 3 TO UNDERGO REPAIRS IN TAIWAN.

(From Hugin)

QINGDAO, China (Feb. 1, 2009) - Ericsson Racing Team plans to repair its damaged yacht, Ericsson 3, in Taiwan before it returns here to the Leg 4 stopover port of the Volvo Ocean Race.

The Nordic crew, led on Leg 4 by skipper Magnus Olsson, turned towards Taiwan in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Jan. 27, when they discovered the forward, watertight bulkhead flooded.

Upon reaching the port of Keelung, Taiwan, and hauling the yacht initial inspection revealed damage in the outer carbon-fiber skin, as well as delamination of both inner and outer skins in a section of the bow.

The team has decided to perform the repair work in Taiwan. The yacht is at a commercial dockyard in Keelung, but will be transported by barge down the coastline to another boatyard with the necessary facilities to affect the repair.

"The boat will be loaded onto a transport barge tomorrow and begin the trip down the coast," said navigator Aksel Magdahl.

A replacement panel for the bow is being built in Italy and will be air-freighted to the yacht in Taiwan, where it'll be scarfed and bonded into place. Once the repair is completed, the crew plans to sail the yacht to Qingdao.