As an editor for Sailing World magazine, I oversaw "Starting Line," a front-of-book section designed as an entry point for readers. To produce the monthly section — filled with punchy stories and eye-catching photos, many of which complemented content on the website — I managed a team of freelance writers, photographers and columnists and collaborated closely with fellow editors and the publication's art department. I also edited and contributed stories, including the piece below about the Volvo Ocean Race.
More Than a Fly on the Wall
For the media crewmembers embedded in the 2011-’12 Volvo Ocean Race, there’s no hiding behind a camera. Everyone has a job to do.
by Michael Lovett
Publication: Sailing World, January 2012
Of all the jobs aboard an Volvo Open 70 blasting around the globe in the Volvo Ocean Race, the role of media crewmember may be the least appreciated. It could also be the most grueling.
The MCM’s 19-hour workday begins at 2:45 a.m. and combines the responsibilities of galley slave, journalist, and bilge pump. Aside from sleep deprivation, the biggest challenge is time management. “My priorities are always split,” says Amory Ross of PUMA Ocean Racing, who, like his counterparts, is required to submit 200 words, two minutes of video, and five photos each day. “I could go heavy on the content, but that would take away from the team. I could go heavy on the team duties, but that would take away from my responsibility to the sponsors and the race.”
Long hours belowdecks editing video at the media station can be torture in rough seas, especially if you’re prone to seasickness like Camper’s Hamish Hooper. “The seasickness is becoming more manageable,” says the Kiwi. “But in the end, it’s really just a pain in the arse.”
For Hooper, a videographer, and Ross, a photographer, the media content comes naturally. For Telefonica’s Diego Fructuoso, a pro sailor, content generation is a work in progress. “[Since the start] I’ve learned all that I know about video,” he says. “It’s new for me. I’m part of the crew, but with a different role.”
Despite varying backgrounds, the MCMs all stressed the importance of being part of the team. “[The sailors] know that for them to do well in this race they need everyone’s help,” says Ross. “The more they make me feel like a part of the team—and they have—the more enthusiastic I get about meals, coffees, etc. It’s the only way I can legally enhance the performance of this boat.
“It makes my job easier, too,” he continues. “It’s easier to ask a difficult question if I’m one of eleven rather than an outsider to ten.”