VOR: Inmarsat is Global Satellite Communicat​ions Partner

by Sophie Luther

For the third time in succession, Inmarsat has been selected to provide essential voice and data connectivity for the Volvo Ocean Race. Inmarsat FleetBroadband will be used to deliver broadcast quality high-definition television (HDTV) and rich multimedia content from the competing boats to the world’s media. Inmarsat has increased its involvement in the next edition of the race and is now a Race Partner, which will allow the communications company to further heighten its participation.

Inmarsat is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, and the company has played an integral role in the lives of seafarers for over 30 years. When it comes to delivering reliable maritime communications and safety services, no other network can match the combination of global reach, breadth of services and reliability that Inmarsat offers.

Knut Frostad, CEO Volvo Ocean Race said: “I am very pleased to announce this continued and enhanced partnership with Inmarsat. FleetBroadband has proved it can deliver a flawless performance in tough conditions and that is absolutely essential for us. We need to be able to get reliable and high quality material off the boats and deliver it to the world with immediacy. You could say that the DNA of the Volvo Ocean Race is really based around moving images. And to be able to transmit these images from the boats is core to our communication and story building around the race. In many ways you could say that the Inmarsat's FleetBroadBand has revolutionised the sport of offshore sailing.

“And by enabling us to be so connected to the boats, we can monitor them 24 hours a day from our Control Room in Alicante. This is crucial for our safety procedures and the onboard safety equipment is a vital tool for the crew in emergency situations.”

Each Volvo Open 70 will be equipped with a SAILOR FleetBroadband 500, providing voice and high-speed data communications. Also onboard is a compact SAILOR FleetBroadband 150 for crew voice calling and IP data, plus two SAILOR Mini-C systems for constant positioning data and global safety communications. For the first time and after extensive evaluation, Inmarsat’s new global satellite phone, the ISATPHONE Pro, will be included in the safety kit of all the race yachts.

Andrew Sukawaty, Chairman and CEO, Inmarsat said: “FleetBroadband gave a flawless performance during the last Volvo Ocean Race in 2008 - 09 and will continue to take medi a coverage of the race into a whole new era. Faster transmission speeds deliver better quality broadcasts bringing all the action onboard into people’s homes around the world. It is undeniably the world’s premier global race and one of the most demanding team sporting events in the world and we are delighted with the global endorsement of ISATPHONE Pro, with its inclusion in the yachts’ safety equipment.”

The hard-fought overall Media Crew Member (MCM) Award, introduced for the last edition will once again be presented by Inmarsat. In addition, on each leg, an MCM will win a €1000 cash prize for outstanding excellence in communicating across all media from their boat, as judged by a specialist panel.

When the race concludes in Galway, Ireland, in July 2012, a €10,000 prize will be awarded to the MCM judged to have made the best overall contribution to race coverage.

Knut Frostad firmly believes the MCM is as much a key player as the hel msman, tactician and the crew. “No story, no sponsorship, no race. It’s as simple as that,” he says. “We wish them all great success.”

Andrew Sukawaty added: “Inmarsat is pleased to recognise the unique contribution the MCMs make to the race bringing the excitement of the race to the masses and delivering millions of dollars in valuable media coverage for race sponsors from the harshest of maritime conditions.”

Volvo Ocean Race