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Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 – the most ‘connected race in history’

24/7 connectivity for every boat – made possible by Inmarsat

Every aspect of life during the world’s toughest yacht race will be available for the world to experience thanks to the robust, reliable global connectivity services being provided by Inmarsat.  Beginning on 4 October, each boat taking part in the 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 award-winning Inmarsat network throughout the nine-month long challenge.

“This is going to be the most connected sporting event in history, thanks to Inmarsat,” said Knut Frostad, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race.  “No other globally recognised sporting event covers so much of the world or takes place in regions as remote or challenging.  Having Inmarsat onboard each vessel means that every crew remains connected, which is vital for safety, while Inmarsat’s broadband capabilities mean they can share their lives at sea with the rest of the world.”

The Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 is the fourth consecutive edition where Inmarsat is delivering cutting-edge safety services, vessel tracking capabilities, audio and video communications and social media access.  Setting off from Alicante, Spain, the seven identical boats will sail 38,739 miles, taking in 11 ports in 11 different countries on six continents.

Inmarsat’s award-winning global satellite network will support each of the seven teams with connectivity for the entire race. Whether the crew demand life-saving medical assistance mid-leg or the skipper wants to send a message home to say ‘Happy Birthday’, Inmarsat is making it possible.

“This is undoubtedly the most challenging sporting event in the calendar and we are pleased to play such a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the crews onboard each boat. With over 30 years of delivering the life-saving Global Maritime Distress Service (GMDSS), we are trusted to help keep each team safe as they compete in the race,” said Rupert Pearce, CEO, Inmarsat. “Our involvement is also key to helping race organisers, sponsors, family and fans follow what’s happening on each boat as information and updates are constantly shared over Inmarsat’s global mobile satellite communications network.”

Each Volvo Ocean 65 race boat is fully equipped with Inmarsat’s flagship maritime services; FleetBroadband 500 (FB 500), FleetBroadband 250 (FB 250) and Inmarsat C safety. In addition to the maritime services, each boat will carry Inmarsat’s latest satellite phone, 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.

Inmarsat will be closely following each leg, awarding one OBR at every stop over with a prize based on the most interesting and exciting content that has been produced. An overall prize will be awarded at the end of the race to the OBR who demonstrated the most engaging content throughout.

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

For more information about Inmarsat’s involvement in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-2015 edition, and for regular updates throughout the race, please visit www.inmarsat.com/vor.

Further information

About Inmarsat 

Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat employs around 1,600 staff in more than 60 locations around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent. Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ISAT.L).

The Inmarsat press release newsfeed and corporate updates are on @InmarsatGlobal.

Jonathan Sinnatt
Head of Corporate Communications
Inmarsat
+44 (0)20 7728 1935
[email protected]

Katie Potts
PR Manager
Inmarsat
+44 (0)20 7728 1492
[email protected]