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First onboard reporter named for 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race

First media storyteller selected for race

Sports presenter Tom Bushell has landed the first role as an onboard reporter for next year’s Volvo Ocean Race.

The search for talented media professionals to take on the job of reporter on board each yacht in the race began in January.

Tom was among 2,000 applicants from all over the world who applied for the role, described by race organisers as ‘the best – and worst – media job in the world’.

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“We are convinced Tom has the right skills and personality to take on this most demanding role,” said Volvo Ocean Race communications director Jon Bramley.

“It’s like being a war correspondent with no chance of escaping the firing line until you reach dry land. That’s why we described it as being the best – and worst – media job in the world. But what an assignment.”

The role of each onboard reporter is to send video, audio, photograph and text feeds via Inmarsat’s FleetBroadband service telling the inside story of their team’s daily battle for victory to fans around the globe.

Experienced broadcaster

Tom, who was shortlisted by race organisers, won the first onboard reporter role with Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing after completing a series of both land and sea trials overseen by the team’s skipper Ian Walker.

An experienced multimedia broadcaster, Tom is quitting his role as Head of Sport of the Arabian Radio Network to take up the post covering the 39,000 nautical-mile, nine-month race.

“There are not many journalistic jobs around the world when you’re actually doing the event itself with the guys. This is one of the very few, if not the only media job in the sport world, where you are in the thick of it,” he said.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the race. I’m looking forward to the good times and in a weird way, I’m looking forward to the tears.”