Rick Tomlinson - legendary photographer

Inmarsat Media Pioneer Award presented at the Volvo Ocean Race Legends Reunion and Regatta dinner

Photographer Rick Tomlinson was the recipient of the Inmarsat Media Pioneer Award at the Volvo Ocean Race Legends in recognition of his pioneering work documenting the round the world race.

Presenting the Award at last night's Volvo Ocean Race Legends dinner in front of an audience of over 600 spanning three decades of the world’s sailing elite, Chris Mclaughlin, Vice President, External Affairs of Inmarsat said: “Rick Tomlinson has brought iconic images of an inspirational race to millions of people. In his own modest way he began the task that has now developed into a full time onboard media crew member role. His craft and use of evolving technology has grown from the humble picture scanner to our FleetBroadband data streaming. Rick is a legend and a true ambassador for the race.”

The award celebrates Inmarsat’s 30-year history with the Whitbread/Volvo Ocean Race by honouring the contribution, courage and commitment of the pioneering photographers on the original races.

Rick Tomlinson participated in the four Whitbreads on board Drum, The Card, Intrum Justitia and as photographer for the two EF teams in the 1997 race. While crewing on Drum in the 1985 race and armed with one Nikon and 20 rolls of film, Tomlinson redefined onb oard photography with his trademark slow exposure night-time shots of the Southern Ocean, images that have achieved iconic status.