When the German team around Jesper Bank picked up training today, a new team-member has joined the team.

The 15th German member of the sailing crew Carsten Schon, a 44 years old who lives in New Zealand for more than 30 years, will come to the team as a trimmer with America’s Cup experience and a Farr-40-class world champion title.

"We were looking for a trimmer and have found the right one with Carsten", said skipper Jesper Bank. "He has America’s Cup experience already and is also a successful offshore sailor."

Carsten Schon was able to gain America’s Cup experience in 2003 on board the former cup defender Team New Zealand. He was also sailing for the French team K-Challenge during the Louis Vuitton Acts in Malmö and Trapani in 2005.

"I was really keen on being part of the America´s Cup, that is why I joined the United Internet Team Germany", he said. "I want to bring in my experience and know-how as a trimmer during the races as well as in sail development".