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Onboard reporters sought for 2014 Volvo Ocean Race

The search for onboard reporters for the next Volvo Ocean Race – regarded as one of the toughest events in world sport – has begun.

Race organisers say they want to recruit proven media storytellers to become embedded multimedia reporters for the next round-the-world race, starting in late 2014.

“We're starting the hunt for proven media professionals to tell the real story of this extraordinary race,” said Volvo Ocean Race Director of Communications Jon Bramley.

Great applicants

“We need people who can be at the top of their game despite conditions that test even the world's best professional sailors to the core. It's one of the toughest jobs in journalism but also one of the best – and we're looking for outstanding candidates to match.

“We're expecting a lot of great applicants.”

Organisers say candidates will typically have track records as documentary filmmakers, news reporters, ENG camera operators, photographers and producers.

Media plaudits

People selected for the role will be required to spend five weeks at the Volvo Ocean Race headquarters in Alicante, Spain, for training. Those approved will then be matched up with one of the teams for the pre-race period, plus the event itself.

The reporters formerly known as media crew members (MCMs) have helped transform media coverage of the previous two 39,000 nautical-mile nine-month races – using Inmarsat's FleetBroadband service to send video, photos, blogs and audio clips direct from the action.

They have bought race coverage to millions of people around the globe, and gone on to win plaudits from the media themselves.

Powerful pictures

Amory Ross, the media crew member for Puma in the last race, was honoured recently when a dramatic image of his was selected as one of the prestigious Sports Illustrated online's pictures of the year.

The striking photo captures German Michi Mueller as he adjusts a sail during the sixth leg from Itajaí to Miami.

And, New Zealander Hamish Hooper who won Inmarsat's MCM award for best overall contribution to coverage of the 2011/12 race, was a runner-up in the Yacht Racing Image of the Year 2012 competition.

His powerful photograph captured the full fury of the Southern Ocean as faced by Volvo Ocean Race competitors by showing Camper's Stuart Bannatyne and Adam Minoprio working calmly at the helm as their yacht is deluged by violent waves.

To apply for a job as an onboard reporter, visit: www.volvooceanrace.com