The surprising news that a new sponsor had been found, was announced by Grant Wharington himself as he arrived at the pontoon in Waterfront City, Docklands after finishing fifth in the second leg. The new sponsor is very well known to the team. The listed Dutch company Brunel, which specializes in professional staffing decided to support the team on its own.

‘I am absolutely delighted that we can carry on, we have all worked so hard to get this far, and its just fantastic news! A big thanks to ING Real Estate for getting us this far, they are still involved as our Construction Partner and promised they would get us home. They have done everything they promised, and had faith in us when others didn’t . And of course a huge thanks to Brunel for picking up the mantle and having the confidence in us to keep supporting us going forward. We will not let them down.”
 
Wharington or Brunel, that was represented by board member Loek Hogenhout, could not go into further detail about this new agreement. ‘We are proud to enable Grant Wharington and his crew to finish the race into Gothenburg, but we now need some time to discuss things in more detail with the team, now that they have arrived back on dry land.' Hogenhout however emphasized that Brunel will be the sole Title Sponsor of the syndicate.

Hogenhout also confirmed that a Dutch sailor will join the crew, but exactly who that will be will remain a mystery for a little longer. 'There are a few candidates, but again Grant will have the final word,' stated the Brunel manager.

A press conference will be held at the Volvo Ocean Race media centre, Waterfront City on Wednesday 25 January 2006 at 16.00 hrs. 

Source: Brunel International