Ocean racers to stay in touch 24/7 through satellite services

Every aspect of life during the world’s toughest yacht race will be available for the world to experience thanks to satellite connectivity.

Beginning on 4 October, each boat taking part in the nine-month long Volvo Ocean Race will be able to share pictures, videos and stories of their gruelling journey via TV, websites and across all social media channels using the Inmarsat network.

The Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 will be the fourth where Inmarsat has delivered safety services, vessel-tracking capabilities, audio and video communications and social media access.

Setting off from Alicante, Spain, the seven identical boats will sail more than 62,000 km, taking in 11 ports in 11 different countries on six continents.

Inmarsat’s global satellite network will support each of the seven teams with connectivity for the entire race. Each boat will be equipped with Inmarsat’s FleetBroadband 500, FleetBroadband 250 and Inmarsat C safety equipment. In addition, each boat will carry Inmarsat’s IsatPhone2.

Every team has a trained onboard reporter (OBR) who is responsible for reporting on all of the action during the course of the race. Delivering video, photographs and editorial content, the OBRs are crucial in updating everyone on shore as to how each team is faring.

In every port of call, a full-size cross-section of a Volvo Ocean 65 boat will be on display, showcasing the work of the OBRs and the role of Inmarsat’s equipment in the race.