It’s not quite the same deal, however, for the reporters working on board the boats.
Bearing in mind I can count swimming with sharks and white water rafting among my most intrepid nautical reporting assignments, these guys are part of a team sailing round the globe on 65-foot race boats for nine months in some of the world’s harshest ocean conditions. The entire race covers 38,739 nautical miles and visits all five continents.
Their job is to report on the race, sending back stories and team updates, taking photos, shooting video and posting on social media for the entire journey. Although they can’t sail the boat, in between reporting they help to cook and clean for their crew, and get an average of five hours sleep a night.
Brand Republic got a rare opportunity to speak to two of the teams’ onboard reporters mid-race - , 30, on Team Alvimedica, and , 24, on Team Brunel - before they set off on their fifth leg from Auckland, New Zealand.
Why did you decide to do this?
AR: Because there’s no better job in the world for me. I’m a passionate sailor and I love sharing this sport with the world - particularly its extremes. Having unparalleled access to the boat, the weather and the sailors, and to be onboard living their experience is incredible.
SC: When I was younger I dreamed of sailing the Volvo Ocean Race, but my sailing skills were not that good. When they introduced the onboard reporter job I decided this could be my chance. I had two try-outs and fell seasick at both, but I did something right because the skipper of Team Brunel shook my hand and said: "What are your plans tomorrow? We’re flying you to Newcastle for the safety course... You’re on the first leg."
What did you do before?
AR: I began my professional life as a sailing photographer, before the onboard reporter role existed. When the position was added for the ‘08/’09 race I knew it was for me but had no storytelling background or video skills. So I did everything I could to improve my portfolio of work. I wrote all the time, I moved to Wyoming to film skiing, I devoted myself to the prospect. I was fortunate to earn a ride for the ‘11/’12 race with Puma Ocean Racing, and knew I was destined to come back for the ‘14/’15 Volvo Ocean Race.
SC: I am the director of a youth sports programme in Holland.
Give us an idea of your daily routine on board?
AR: My day begins just before midnight when I pull out the next day’s food bag. I’ll grab a few hours sleep then am up at 3am for breakfast and get right onto filming sunrise. The day is interspersed with filming and food preparation, before an eventual session at the computer writing, editing and sending. I aspire for five hours of sleep a day but sometimes that’s unrealistic.
SC: It’s a 20-hour day. I cook, make coffees, take pictures, write an article, make some more food, sponge the boat, film some footage, write some interview requests, edit, sponge again, cook again, get sunburnt, show the guys what I made, grab some sleep... then wake up do it all over again.
How will the race experience help your future career as a journalist?
AR: Besides making everything else seem easier? We work in all mediums on board: photos, pictures, and video. I have a very good understanding of telling a story with each, and while every form has a strength and a weakness, a time when it tells a story better than another, together they can be very powerful. We have a unique and complete skill set to offer. We are a part of a team, embedded but also functioning; a cog in the wheel.
SC: Some people are making a book about the blogs and the pictures I’ve produced, which is incredible. When I graduated journalism school I was told: "You’re a blessing for television but let’s be happy you’re not going to write." My teacher’s not going to believe I now have a book coming out.
What is the most important thing you have you learned so far?
AR: In twice sailing around the world I’ve come to understand the importance of teamwork, chemistry, and cohesiveness. While I am primarily on board to report on what’s happening, I have other non-performance enhancing roles that I’ve come to appreciate. A generally positive attitude and considerable devotion to boat maintenance and cooking have given me a real point of pride and influence on the boat and it’s a good reminder that we all have things to offer - no contribution is too small.
SC: Organisation. On the boat there is no place to hide; I have to do everything alone. If don’t charge the batteries because I just think I’ll do that later I’ll regret it the moment I need them.
What has been the best bit?
AR: Being a part of a team. Journalists and photographers often work alone and to be a functioning part of a team, integrated like we are at all times, is incredibly rewarding and very hard to find in this line of work. You’re not just a storyteller, you’re very much part of their story, too.
SC: The best bit is the moment the guys accepted me in the team. As the media guy you’re normally a pain in the ass for the sailors. But by now, they really accept me. I’m one of them because I really work hard - not just for myself, but also for them.
Any scary moments?
AR: In the ‘11/’12 race we were dismasted in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean, 2,000 miles from the closest continent. We had enough food and fuel for the remaining five days of fast sailing, but suddenly without a mast or sails to get us there we were in serious trouble. We managed to get a mid-ocean fuel drop from a 300-meter container ship, then motored for five days to the most remotely inhabited island in the world, Tristan da Cunha, for an eventual rescue via cargo ship a week later.
SC: Not yet, but ask me after the southern Ocean. That will be horrific!
What would be your dream job post-race?
AR: I have really taken to sharing sport. I have unique experience as part athlete and part publicist, and whatever comes next I hope it pulls from that. I’d love to continue working closely with athletes and teams to creatively communicate their passion and commitment with their fans and sponsors. I am fairly certain my dream job doesn’t exist yet; it will be one that I make for myself. I exist somewhere between a marketing team and an official roster, and that’s totally exclusive to this race.
SC: This was my dream already. Next on the bucket list is making a production for National Geographic or the Discovery Channel.
To check out more incredible footage from the race you can follow updates on , as well as and on Twitter.
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