Zoom in

But have you ever wanted to take a closer look at this nine-month, round the world marathon? See this story from a different perspective?

Well, now you can, thanks to a new exhibition which launched today in the Volvo Ocean Race Museum.

'Zoom In' depicts the contrast between aerial and onboard images shot by the professional photographers working on the 2014-15 edition - and includes iconic shots, some of which have been recognised at international photography competitions.

Attending the launch, Carmen Hidalgo, head of the picture desk for the race, describes just how difficult the task of whittling over 85,000 images down to just 24 has been.

“A clear example of the excellent camera work during the race was the image shot by British photographer, Rick Tomlinson, from a helicopter at Cape Horn,” says Carmen, referring to Tomlinson’s picture of Team Brunel, which was recently awarded the prestigious Mirabaud Yacht Racing Image Award 2015, in the category decided by the public.

“I have never before seen anything like it, and I’m sure that within a few years this picture will become a reference of excellence in sailing photography."

The exhibition features work from the Onboard Reporters within the seven teams of the 2014-15 edition - and is also complemented by a team of 16 photographers who were commissioned by the teams and also the race.

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The images, exhibited in life-size format and illuminated behind screens, gives exhibition visitors a real taste of what it is like to be onboard while, at the same time, capturing every scene with a panoramic view showing the immensity of the ocean and marine life.

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“The intention of ‘Zoom In’ is to allow the visitor to experience the journey across the contrasts of an adventure like this. From the beauty of a majestic boat in the middle of the ocean, to the physical exhaustion of the crew, all at the same time,” adds Carmen.

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Volvo Ocean Race CEO, Knut Frostad, says: "We've carefully selected this visual tribute to the incredible talent and dedication shown by the sailors, as well as the nine Onboard Reporters, and the team of around 25 race and stakeholder photographers who worked day and night to capture to perfection these unforgettable images."

The Volvo Ocean Race Museum, which adjoins the Race HQ in Alicante, Spain is free to enter.