The Mast Walk nominated for BT Sport Industry Award

The BT Sport Industry Awards is Europe’s largest and most prestigious commercial sport awards, recognizing the best the sport industry has to offer in marketing, PR, sponsorship, social media, talent management, community investment and more. Nominated in the ‘Best Use of PR’ category is ‘The Mast Walk by Alex Thomson’.

This stunt created by Alex Thomson Racing saw the single handed skipper take a dramatic dive from the tip of the Open 60 HUGO BOSS mast. The 2014 Mast Walk has been a viral sensation with his channel boasting over a million views in a matter of days.

The stunt required organisation and attention to detail. Alex Thomson Racing had to modify the vessel to achieve this magnificent stunt. Hazards and dangers with completing the footage required Alex Thomson and his team to plan, train and of course find the perfect conditions. The crew worked together to ensure a global media sensation.

The helmsman had little steerage as the tip of the rudder skimmed the surface of the sea. The yacht HUGO BOSS had to remain heeled over at 60 degrees to ensure Alex could walk the 30 metre mast and dive from great height, with this amazing racing machine on the edge of broaching.

“Standing at the tip of the mast several storeys high I thought I hope I’ve practised diving enough,” noted Alex. “Thankfully to create the footage I only had to do the stunt twice.”

The winners will be announced at the BT Sports Industry Awards which is being held on the 30th April in London. Full list of nominees.