Livewire Connections support successful start to Volvo Ocean Race

As the last of the Volvo 70s disappear over the horizon from the start in Alicante, Spain all eyes are now focused on the tracking, footage, images and stories being beamed back with the help of Livewire Connections. Over the last few months Livewire Connections has been coordinating Inmarsat, Stratos, and Thrane & Thrane to ensure that the not a moment of wave slamming action is missed in the latest edition of the Volvo Ocean Race.

There have been new challenges with the implementation of the new Inmarsat I4 satellites providing the boats with FleetBroadband connectivity. This enables transfer rates of up to 492Kbps with guaranteed streaming rates of 256Kbps. With these speeds hours of HD video footage will be sent to the world’s media and through the Volvo Ocean Race website www.volvooceanrace.tv

In addition to the FleetBroadband 500 terminals each vessel has a Thrane Sailor Fleet 33+ terminal to provide backup internet and email using the existing Inmarsat I3 satellites. In addition the vessel also have 2 Inmarsat C Thrane Sailor TT-3022D terminals for Stratos C-Email communications with Race HQ , GMDSS safety services and 15 minute tracking. Livewire Connections have setup DNID data report delivery via IP to enable 15 minute position data to be sent with onboard NMEA data to provide an excellent onboard insight for the race fans and VOR officials.

David Walker, Sales Director at Livewire Connections commented “This is a prestigious event to be associated with and we are enjoying the challenges this ‘formula one’ yacht racing event is providing. Using the latest state of the art communications technology is really allowing arm-chair viewers to reach yachts racing in the worlds harshest oceans”

Photo Credits: Rick Tomlinson/Volvo Ocean Race

For more information about the Volvo Ocean Race visit www.volvooceanrace.org