2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race boats with embedded media

Q: What has been the reaction from the sailors to this innovation?

A: As always you get a mixed bag of reactions and feedback. As long as you get about 70 percent of the people you canvass to agree in principle, it's worth pursuing. At least 70 percent of the people we consulted said 'yes, we would be happy with a media person', particularly the sailors who will now be able to concentrate solely on sailing the boat. It actually gives the crews an extra half a pair of hands because previously the crews were doing all the media work in their off watch periods or limited spare time.

Q: What impact will it have on broadcast output?

A: From our television producers' perspective it is fundamental. Their need is for a better standard of footage. They need it to be edited when it arrives at race headquarters rather than have to cull the best pieces of footage from hours and hours of inconsequential material. A lot of that editing can now be done on the boat. In terms of documenting the race in celluloid, it's a very important next step for us.

Q: What is your thinking behind introducing the age limit for at least three crew members now needing to be under the age of 30?

A: We had a fantastic experience with the ABN AMRO TWO team in the last race. Not only did they prove themselves to be accomplished sailors by breaking the monohull 24-hour record, but they added youthful exuberance and vibrancy to the event. The 'kids', as they were known, built up a fan base all of their own, such was the enjoyment they brought to their sailing. Certainly at arrivals, departures and prize giving awards nights, they kept us all fresh and amused and they were a major plus for the event. We can also do our bit to unearth a new generation of round the world sailors with the introduction of this rule.

Q: How about an all-female crew now that that the crew numbers for such an entry have been increased to 13 (+ 1 media crew member)?

A: Increasing the crew numbers has strengthened the likelihood of a female crew entering the race. The three extra sets of hands will help a lot in manoeuvres and sail changes and the extra weight makes the boat more manageable. Not having had an all-female crew in the last race, it would certainly be an exciting addition for 2008-09, just as the ABN AMRO youth crew was. There are a couple of potential teams out there already looking at it.

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