McDonald skippered Ericsson for the first four legs in the Volvo

Poor results and a breakdown in crew relations sees McDonald, 42, demoted to watch captain and co-skipper.

Ericsson are sixth out of the seven yachts with five legs remaining in the race, which began in Spain in November.

"I really wish it hadn't come to this. I feel we've let Neal down. I feel that very strongly," said Ericsson's British navigator Steve Hayles.

Ericsson have been plagued by technical problems, particularly with the yacht's keel hydraulics.

It has become clear that we need to improve team dynamics and performance Ericsson project director Richard Brisius

The team limped into Cape Town on the first leg, retired from the second leg and finished last on legs three and four.

"It's been a tough race so far, we haven't had the results we expected," said Hamble-based McDonald.

"I feel as if I have been battling ever since that first night off Vigo."

On leg four from Wellington to Rio de Janeiro a deep rift was reported to have occurred among the crew, with gripes ranging from sail choice to tactics and helmsmanship.

Kostecki, Ericsson's specialist tactician for the in-port races, was flown into Rio to take over from McDonald.

Neal's decision to stay on the boat shows him to be not only an exceptional sailor, but an exceptional person Steve Hayles

Ericsson project director Richard Brisius said: "Considering our current situation in the race, it has become clear that we need to improve team dynamics and performance.

"Following long discussions with Neal, John and other team members, we decided that a change of organiSation onboard is necessary for leg five."

Hayles added: "I can't speak for everyone, but it's been an extremely hard few days emotionally.

"In my mind Neal is the best watch captain in the fleet. Neal is an awesome all-round sailing talent. He has won everything at every level.

"As an all-rounder no-one really touches him, and now we have him in that position on the boat where he will be of great use. He will now be the interface with me and JK (John Kostecki), implementing the strategies.

"[Neal's] decision to stay on the boat shows him to be not only an exceptional sailor, but an exceptional person. Now we need to pull together and improve."