Virtual Eye onshore in Nice. Image copyright Paul Todd/OutsideImages.co.nz
by Louis Vuitton Trophy media
Since 1992 computer animated graphics have greatly augmented the live television coverage of the Louis Vuitton Cup. The graphics clearly illustrate details like distance between the yachts or time to the laylines in ways that live video can’t.
On Monday, Virtual Eye added a new dimension to its coverage of the Louis Vuitton Trophy Nice Côte d’Azur: live audio commentary from the raceboats. Guest audio commentator Ross Blackman of New Zealand [formerly a Team New Zealand team member] rode as 18th man aboard Emirates Team New Zealand and provided live commentary to the virtual broadcast.
“This is why yachting lends itself so well to technology,” said Ian Taylor, the Executive Producer of New Zealand-based Animation Research Ltd. “With animation you can tell the story of how the race is progressing. Now, with live onboard commentary, the event can tell its own story.”
Play-by-play analysis is being provided by America’s Cup veteran Peter Lester of New Zealand, who’s in a studio watching the feed from off the water. The addition of Blackman’s onboard commentary takes viewers into the boat-on-boat action.
Blackman’s commentary added great insight during Team New Zealand’s match against Russia Synergy this morning, easily the most exciting match of the young regatta. The match featured an OCS and four lead changes, including one just 10 lengths from the finish when Team New Zealand rolled Synergy in its own private puff.
It also featured huge windshifts, which Blackman was able to talk viewers through as they happened.
“It was unbelievable. It was hero to zero and zero to hero,” said Blackman. “One of the hardest things is giving a description of the action and not your opinion. You can’t hear the skipper and tactician and strategist talking, but you can see the instruments. So you can relate the live wind conditions. As a viewer that’s the sort of stuff you don’t normally get.”
Clouds and light winds on Day 3 off Nice. Image copyright Paul Todd/OutsideImages.co.nz
Blackman’s commentary is being fed to the production studio via cellphone, and Taylor is quick to credit Louis Vuitton for allowing them to push the boundaries of live coverage. The coverage has been well received.
Louis Vuitton Trophy
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