Vestas 11th Hour Racing: Press Officer

For the 2017-18 edition of the Volvo Ocean Race, I had the opportunity to step in and assist the American-Danish Vestas 11th Hour Racing Team as their Press Officer. Essentially, acting as spokesperson and media liaison in the 9-month around the world race.  The team was made up on mostly veterans embarking on their 2nd or even 6th Volvo Ocean Race but most importantly, the team held sustainability as the core tenant and ethos of the team. Using the platform of both sport and sailing, the goal was to connect with fans and supporters of the race to deliver not just quality content on the story of the race but to promote and inspire change to protect the health of the oceans.

In collaboration with the sponsors - Danish wind energy company, Vestas, and the American organization 11th Hour Racing - we managed to share these stories and highlight attainable actions. While the sailing story became one of perseverance due to a number of setbacks along the way, the team quickly became a fan favorite with fun, energic videos, and endearing qualities. As Press Officer, it was a pleasure to share hundreds of these stories in coordination with the media team.

Articles featuring Vestas 11th Hour Racing, risingT coordinated or wrote:

• NY Times: New Rule Opens Up for Women in Around the World Race
• Associated Press: Round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race works to protect its racetrack
• Forbes: Volvo Ocean Race Is A Powerful Platform For Team Vestas 11th Hour Racing And Ocean Health Too
• VESTAS 11TH HOUR RACING FINISHES THE VOLVO OCEAN RACE

TV/ Video Coordinated:

• CNN
• Local Morning Talk Shows
• The Weather Channel
• Popular Science
• Red Bull TV
• NPR (Audio)