Inmarsat Returns As Volvo Ocean Race's Satellite Partner

Global mobile satellite communications service Inmarsat will return as the Volvo Ocean Race’s official Global Satellite Communications Partner.

The ongoing partnership advances the possibilities of onboard satellite communications and powers the Race’s digital content delivery from the oceans, while supplying safety and tracking services.

Inmarsat’s fleet of satellites, some 36,000km out in space, deliver the Race communications technology. Inmarsat FleetBroadband provides an ‘always-on’ connection for teams allowing applications such as internet access, emails, calls, weather reporting and telemedicine. It also features streaming IP available on demand, for live applications such as high-quality video streaming. Global Xpress will make its first contribution to the Race supporting press and media at Race Villages around the globe.

The 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race is pushing boundaries not only in terms of racing conditions and locations, but also in the delivery of safety services and creating an ‘on-board’ digital experience. Sailors will now be able to post on social media during every leg and more content will be beamed ashore using the Inmarsat satellite network.

In addition to Inmarsat C safety services and tracking devices, each of the Volvo Ocean 65 boats will also carry an IsatPhone 2 satellite phone in their life raft packs.

“Inmarsat is absolutely thrilled to provide onboard connectivity to the Volvo Ocean Race for the fifth consecutive time. Once again, we will provide support for the sailors in terms of safety, communications and advanced broadcasting,” said Rupert Pearce, CEO of Inmarsat.

“The partnership with Volvo Ocean Race allows Inmarsat to showcase our cutting edge, reliable technology that connects sailors to the rest of the world, even from the most isolated locations.”

Since 1973, the Volvo Ocean Race has set the standard for modern ocean racing, with the world’s best sailors facing extreme conditions over a 45,000 nautical mile race track. The next race will depart from Alicante, Spain on October 22, 2017 and will visit a total of 11 cities across five continents.

Mark Turner, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, said: “The 2017-18 edition of the Volvo Ocean Race will take the fleet through some of the most remote regions of the planet, so maintaining constant communication is critical.

“We’re delighted that Inmarsat will once again supply the network and services to power multimedia reporting from the boats throughout the Race, as well as the maritime safety systems to ensure we can track the boats across the world’s oceans, from where they will offer live video and audio communications, plus, for the first time, social media interaction.

“During the last edition, our partnership with Inmarsat helped to deliver some of the Volvo Ocean Race’s most memorable moments, such as broadcasting live from Cape Horn as the fleet rounded, and enabling satellite connection to the Team Vestas Wind crew grounded on an atoll in the middle of the Indian Ocean.”