Inmarsat media prize awarded

Ericsson 3's Gustav Morin picks up the award in Boston for his images of Magnus Olssen's back condition

Gustav Morin, media crew member onboard Ericsson 3 won the Inmarsat Media Prize for Leg 6 of the Volvo Ocean Race, from Puma's Rick Deppe last night at the Volvo Ocean Race prize giving in Boston. The trophy and prize money (€1,000) was presented by Chris McLaughlin, Vice President, External Affairs, Inmarsat.

Morin and Deppe are hot contenders for the €10 000 achievement prize that Inmarsat will also award in St. Petersburg. Morin has now won the Inmarsat Media Prize twice and been nominated twice, while Deppe has won the Inmarsat Media Prize twice and been nominated four times. The battle to win the €10,000 prize is expected to escalate on the next leg, Boston-Galway, with Guy Salter ( Ericsson 4) and Gabriele Olivo ( Telefonica Blue) fighting to stay in contention.

“This week in the USA we launched our third FleetBroadband Service, FB 150, an entry level service designed as an alternative to mobile phones for off- shore leisure sailors who are out at sea but connected by phone, SMS or email," said McLaughlin. "This race is a global showcase for FleetBroadband and its flawless performance in delivering global connectivity, and we’re delighted to now offer broadband benefits to a wider audience via the FB 150.

"On a leg where conditions and sailing angles remained the same for days on end the pressure on the media crew members to create inventive and captivating scenes was considerable. “

Morinhas proved that he is a talent on the rise - not just content to provide scenes shot from simple angles he enlisted the help of the crew to repeat actions which allowed him to edit the initial scene in the manner of professional filmmakers. The young Swede’s reporting skills, honed at TV 8, are proving to be a real advantage to him as the race progresses.

The Inmarsat Media Prize is unique as it is the only Film Maker Prize presented in the sailing world.

Rick Deppe, a nominee once again, has been recognised in every leg of the race. His skill in reflecting the real characters onboard Puma’s Il Mostro has ensured that the television audience can relate to the dynamics amongst the crew of a Volvo Open 70. The launch of RipeTV’s newest reality series which follows PUMA has seen many race followers enjoy its TV friendly edgy editing and fast pace.

Guy Salter, winner of the prize on Leg 1, was the other nominee. He provided tightly edited content featuring surprise moments of humour on a boat renowned for their race focus. *

The 2,550 nm transatlantic Leg 7 from Boston to Galway, Ireland will start on 16 May and is expected to finish around 23 May.