UAE-based journalist, Tom Bushell, has been selected by Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) as the team's Onboard Reporter for the 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race - the epic, round-the-world yacht race, which begins in Alicante, Spain next October. 

The 31-year-old Englishman, from North Shields, Tyne & Wear, claimed the highly sought-after slot in the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi)-backed squad after coming through a punishing five month selection process.

ADOR's Skipper, the UK's double Olympic silver medallist Ian Walker played a key part in the selection process.

"I sailed with Tom in the Solent this summer and more recently in the Hong Kong to Vietnam race where we encountered some fairly wild conditions and Tom proved his mettle as a sailor. His journalistic abilities were already well established."

"This is a role like no other in journalism or in sport, and there is no hiding place onboard. It will be a steep learning curve, but from everything I've seen of Tom, he is up to it and I have no doubt that he will provide fans around the world with a superb insight into the stresses, toil, thrills and excitement on board our Azzam yacht thousands of miles into the open ocean." 

The Onboard Reporter role is an integral part of the nine-month Volvo Ocean Race for all teams competing. Race organisers have been inundated with more than 2,000 applicants for the individual spots on each team. Often described as both the world's best and the worst media job, the Onboard Reporter is responsible for capturing the compelling stories onboard each yacht during the long months at sea, which make up the world's longest professional sporting event. 

"I am incredibly grateful for the faith that Abu Dhabi has shown in me with this selection - it is the best early Christmas present I could have wished for," said Bushell.

"The chance to be a part of this historic, once in a lifetime event in the company of some of the world's best sailors is something that I could never have turned down and I can't wait to get started. Having lived in the UAE for five years and been a frequent visitor since the late 80s, I am just thrilled to be representing Abu Dhabi in this international event and can't wait to carry the emirate's name on my team kit as we make sail around the globe."

As a long-term resident of the UAE, one of the highlights of the race for Bushell is sure to be the fleet's arrival into Abu Dhabi city - the country's capital - for the two-week, second leg race stopover, expected in mid-December next year. Having hosted the spectacular New Year stopover during the 2011/2012 race, the UAE capital is going all out to up the ante in the stopover hosting stakes. 

TCA Abu Dhabi, which is behind both the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team and the UAE capital's race stopover, is planning a spectacular welcome for teams and fans alike over December 2014 - January 2015. At the heart of the New Year spectacular will be Abu Dhabi's Destination Village, the race hub in the city centre on its iconic Corniche breakwater. The Village - which is to be a third larger than in the last hosting - will be alive with attractions, activities and water sports for fans of all ages, as well as housing all the race teams as they arrive on their long second leg from Cape Town.

The hive of Volvo Ocean Race activity and excitement is once again expected to bring thousands of overseas visitors into Abu Dhabi over Christmas and New Year 2014/2015. Follow news of the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team and hear the latest on the Abu Dhabi stopover for the 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race by following on Facebook - www.facebook.com/AbuDhabiOceanRacing, on Twitter - @ADOR, or online at www.volvooceanraceabudhabi.com. 

 -Ends-

For more information please contact: 
Results PR
Helen Batte/Jasmin Othman/Felicity Thompson
Telephone: +44 (0)203 440 8924
Email: TeamAbuDhabi@resultspr.co.uk 

About Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction which enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. 

The authority manages the emirate's tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. 

The authority supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate's heritage. A key authority role is to create synergy in the destination's development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.