Sanderson, 35, has been involved in three America's Cup campaigns

Sanderson, the World Sailor of the Year and winning Volvo Ocean Race skipper, is the team's first appointment since its January launch by Sir Keith Mills.

Team Origin will participate in at least two America's Cup campaigns, likely to take place in 2009 and 2011.

"As well as having extensive experience of the America's Cup, Mike is a proven leader and winner," said Mills.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity Mike Sanderson

"Following his incredible success in the Volvo Ocean Race last year, Mike has been in much demand, so we are immensely pleased to have secured him.

"He has vast all-round sailing experience, advanced technical knowledge, impressive communication and leadership skills, and is one of the most respected names in world sailing."

Mills, the British businessman who ran London's victorious 2012 Olympic bid, added: "Our aim is to win the America's Cup for Britain, and to achieve this we will recruit the world's top talent - whether they hail from Newcastle or New Zealand."

Sanderson (left) and Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting

Sanderson, 35, will have overall responsibility for Team Origin's performance operations on the water, and will work with Mills to appoint key team members before the end of July.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Sanderson.

"I have been exploring a number of interesting roles since the Volvo Ocean Race, but the chance to play a part in creating sporting history by leading the first British team to win the America's Cup is extremely appealing.

"I believe we are in an enviable position in that we have a clean sheet - we have a fresh opportunity to create the team in the way that we believe is best.

"I have met with Sir Keith Mills a number of times over the past few months and have been hugely impressed with both him as an individual and his vision for Team Origin.

Sanderson skippered ABN Amro to Volvo Ocean Race glory

"The work that has already gone on by the team behind the scenes in preparing the foundations for success is well advanced. I firmly believe Team Origin can win the America's Cup and I am greatly looking forward to playing my part."

Sanderson, who is married to the British yachtswoman Emma Richards, has been involved in three America's Cup campaigns, most recently as mainsheet trimmer for Oracle BMW in 2003.

Britain has never won the America's Cup since its inception off the Isle of Wight in 1851, and last competed in the event in 2002 before losing in the quarter-finals in Auckland.

The GBR Challenge syndicate subsequently folded leaving Britain with no entry for this year's event in Spain, hosted by defending Swiss champions Alinghi.

The America's Cup is a head-to-head match-racing event featuring a challenger series to determine the team that will contest the trophy proper with the holders.

The 2007 Louis Vuitton Challenger Series will take place in Valencia from 16 April to 12 June before the America's Cup runs from 23 June to 7 July.