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Three is the magic number for Dongfeng Race Team

Dongfeng Race Team collects its Inmarsat Team Communication Award. Photo: Jesus Renedo/Volvo Ocean Race

Dongfeng Race Team has a lot to celebrate holding three coveted titles in the Volvo Ocean Race – at the end of nine out of 11 Legs, it is currently leading the scoreboard for the overall race and In-Port Race series, and is now the three-times winner of the Inmarsat Team Communication Award!

With three teams in close contention for the overall Volvo Ocean Race title and just three points separating them – Dongfeng Race Team has 60 points, MAPFRE is on 59 and Team Brunel on 57 – there is all to play for as the seven competing boats set off on 10 June from Cardiff to Gothenburg on the penultimate leg of the 2017-18 edition.

Throughout the Volvo Ocean Race the boats have been able to share all the excitement with fans thanks to Inmarsat’s connectivity. Each Volvo Ocean 65 is kitted out with our FleetBroadband service for tracking, weather updates and to send back footage in near real-time for media and race fans ashore, as well as our GMDSS Inmarsat C safety service.

Compelling storytelling

At the end of each Leg, one team is awarded the Inmarsat Team Communication Award for the most compelling storytelling from the boats offshore, and it was Dongfeng’s unique content that offered a real insight into what it is like to sail in the world’s most extreme offshore sailing event that led to the team being honoured with the award for the third time.

In one piece of footage, race fans feel the tension and frustrations as Dongfeng finds itself sailing with no wind, as if on a lake, while competitors sail in the sweet spot of 20-knot winds!

We are also treated to an honest and open video portrayal of skipper Charles Caudrelier, including family photos and footage of his rise to success within the world of sailing.

There is also a great video of Jeremie Lecaudey detailing what it is like to be an Onboard Reporter working in the cramped conditions of a Volvo Ocean 65 boat – possibility the toughest media job ever.