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Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:30:00 UTC

The 2008-09 race will use Inmarsat’s state-of-the-art FleetBroadband technology as part of its satellite communications systems.

FleetBroadband will provide essential voice and data connectivity and allow crew members to transmit high-definition television (HDTV) and rich multimedia content during their 37,000-nautical mile adventure around the world’s oceans.

Inmarsat returns to the event as official satellite communications provider and is joined by Stratos Global (official sponsor of mobile satellite services), Thrane and Thrane (official sponsor of satellite and radio communications equipment) as the race’s triumvirate of satellite communications partners.

Together they will enable an expected global audience of more than two billion people to follow the race on HDTV, radio and the internet.

More crucially, the satellite communications partners, will deliver navigational and weather updates, position reports and course headings to the crews, and provide the essential safety link to race headquarters.

“The clarity of HDTV is about as close as you can get to the race action without being on a competing yacht. It’s what the international broadcasters want, it’s essential for raising the profile of the race and the sponsors globally, and it can only be sent by FleetBroadband,” said CEO Knut Frostad.

“By choosing FleetBroadband, we have made this the most connected Volvo Ocean Race in its history.

“It’s also a huge reassurance for the crews to know that with FleetBroadband they are never alone. Their progress will be closely monitored and their stories will reach the teams, sponsors, spectators, and most importantly for them, their families,” said Frostad.

“We welcome the involvement of Inmarsat, Stratos and Thrane & Thrane – three names that every sailor will know well – as official sponsors of the Volvo Ocean Race, and look forward to a very successful partnership.”

All 39 weekly half-hour TV shows and all nine one-hour summary programmes will be shot in HDTV. It is estimated that 90Gb – the equivalent of 20 DVDs – will be sent from the boats to race headquarters over FleetBroadband. This will be supplemented, as with previous races, by radio interviews, still photographs and text written by the crews – also sent via FleetBroadband and other Inmarsat services.

Launched in November 2007, FleetBroadband provides high-quality voice and broadband data connectivity, accessible simultaneously, through compact domes and below-deck equipment. Inmarsat’s first fully IP-based service for maritime use, FleetBroadband supports up to 432kbps of standard IP connectivity, up to 256kbps of guaranteed or ‘streaming’ IP data, and high-quality voice.

Thrane & Thrane will supply a complete range of SAILOR satellite and radio communication products. Each yacht will be equipped with a FleetBroadband 500, Fleet 33, Inmarsat-C, and additional radio equipment.

Among other value-added services, Volvo Ocean Race crews will have the opportunity to utilize Stratos’ popular maritime services AmosConnect and AmosConnect Crew. AmosConnect from Stratos is a highly sophisticated email service that seamlessly integrates email, fax, telex, GSM text, interoffice communication and access for mobile personnel into a single messaging system. AmosConnect Crew is an all-in-one communication solution that enhances crew satisfaction and welfare onboard the vessel.

Did you know that you can watch hours of race video at www.VolvoOceanRace.tv, the official Race TV channel for free!

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