Successful Volvo Ocean Race with support from Livewire Connections

The latest edition of the Volvo Ocean Race 08/09 has come to a close and Livewire Connections were there every leg of the race to support the teams in their satellite communications as well as providing tracking and communication services to the Volvo Race HQ.

Building on Livewire Connection’s experience with the Volvo Ocean Race 05/06 there were new challenges using the new Inmarsat I4 satellites providing the boats with FleetBroadband connectivity. This enabled transfer rates of up to 492Kbps with guaranteed streaming rates of 256Kbps. With these speeds hours of HD video footage was sent to the world’s media and to the Volvo Ocean Race website www.volvooceanrace.tv

Over the last 8 months Livewire Connections has been coordinating Inmarsat, Stratos, and Thrane & Thrane to ensure that the not a moment of ocean action is missed in the latest edition of the Volvo Ocean Race. 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.

Debbie Hadwen, Chief Duty Officer of the Volvo Ocean Race comments:

"Livewire Connections have worked with the Volvo Ocean Race since 2001; a total of 3 editions of the race and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team and commend them on their professional and helpful service.

Livewire Connections have never failed to deliver for the Volvo Ocean Race; they always manage to find solutions not problems, even when the problems that arose, or the questions raised were slightly out of their remit.

The team have always been on hand 24 hours a day, far beyond contractual obligations; they have great attention to detail and are always willing to help with friendly professional service and advice. We hope to work with them again in the future"

Photo Credits: Rick Tomlinson/Volvo Ocean Race

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