The job of mediaman
In recent years, a new profession has appeared in the world of sailing competition. That of the mediaman. The latter is a reporter on board, in charge of making the public live the competition from the inside. Equipped with his camera, he takes pictures that can be used by the teams, the press or the race organizers.
It is in fact thanks to the Volvo Ocean Race that the role of the mediaman has become popular in the world of ocean racing. Because the idea is to take on board an image specialist who, depending on the race rules, may or may not participate in the navigation of the boat, allowing the sailors to concentrate on the competition.
It is in this sense that Emmanuel Bachellerie, general manager of Brest Ultim Sailing, has decided that a mediaman will board each of the four Ultims in the Brest Atlantic . " We really wanted to bring Brest Atlantiques to life from the inside to highlight the extraordinary boats that are the "Ultims" and the very talented sailors who skipper them, given the difficulty of sailing these maxi-trimarans, the length of the race and its complexity from a weather point of view, we thought that they would not really have time to deal with transmitting the image
Photo taken by the mediaman on the Volvo Ocean Race 2017
Spotlight on Ronan Gladu, Actual Leader's mediator
Unlike Yann Riou or Martin Kéruzoré, two of the greats of the profession, Ronan Gladu is not from the sailing world. He built his reputation on the surf spots, in particular with the well-known series "Lost in The Swell" which retraces the adventure of three Breton surfers. Today, he is a mediator for Yves le Blévec's team on the Ultim Actual Leader.
This native of Brest has limited experience of competitive sailing.
"My parents had a boat and I did a lot of sailing, but what I like is surfing. I don't feel like shocking a winch on these huge boats that are gas plants. They require certain experiences and good knowledge that I don't have." Before adding: "I have a good reputation in this business because people know I can't navigate. So I'm not a potential help." ronan adds with a laugh.
However, in order not to hinder the skippers in their race, the young photographer has followed several courses and training. " I've been doing a lot of research and I've taken several safety courses. I don't want to be the weak link by getting seriously injured. I'm careful."
Alex Pella, Ronan Gladu and Yves le Blévec © Yvan Zedda
The mediaman case on the Brest Atlantiques
As Jacques Caraës explained to us race director of the Brest Atlantiques, "The latter does not participate athletically in the race and can only film, photograph or write." A role that seemed a bit vague for some teams, as Ronan explains. : "We were confident we could keep watch, but that's not the case. When sailing, I love to watch and observe the sea and everything outside the boat. But on this race, it will be all about contemplation.
The mediamans have no right to manipulate anything that can affect the boat's performance, nor to participate in the repairs, but they can nevertheless take care of the skippers. "We can handle the housework and food and it's really nice to do that for them. I'm happy to participate in my own way and take care of my two sailors."
Its role is therefore limited to bringing to life for the public this 14,000 mile journey between Brest, Brazil, Cape Town and Brest.
Yves Le Blévec © Ronan Gladu / Actual Leader
On the other hand, in the IMOCA class, where Ronan has already played the role of mediaman, his "duties" were a little more extensive.
" In the IMOCA class, they are preparing for the Vendée Globe and our role is a little different since we prepare the photo and video databases. On the Azimuth Challenge, I was just doing the image, but on the Fastnet with Isabelle Joschke, I could participate in the watch."
Depending on the event, the mediaman will sometimes have the right to participate in the manoeuvres with a reduced crew. "In these cases, it is often a sailor who plays the role of mediaman. Imagine on the Brest Atlantiques, which is a two-handed race, the help, even punctually, of a third hand, could have a big impact."
