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In-port race tests sea legs and Inmarsat technology

Yacht racing fans around the globe will get a taste of one of the world’s most challenging sporting events tomorrow (Saturday) with an in-port Ocean Volvo Race in Alicante, Spain.

The one hour long race will give crews, media and fans the chance to see the new one-design Volvo Ocean 65 boats in action, and experience its thrills and excitement via Inmarsat’s cutting-edge services.

The action starts at 1200 GMT and will be shown live on www.volvooceanrace.com from 1350.

Crucial communications

The eagerly anticipated 2014-15 race will see seven teams sailing on the first leg from Alicante, Spain, on October 11, navigating 38,739 nautical miles and visiting 11 ports across six continents.

Inmarsat is delivering crucial safety services, vessel tracking capabilities, audio and video communications and social media access as the race’s official Satellite Communications Partner for a fourth consecutive edition.

In what has been described as the most connected sporting event in history, fans will be able to follow the action via live broadcasts and news stories sent by each team’s Onboard Reporter (OBR).

Exciting spectacle

“We always look forward to lining up against the other teams,” said Ian Walker, skipper of team Abu Dahbi Ocean Racing. “With the leg start just a week away it’s important that we protect the boat and the sails, but we will be gunning for a good result to kick off the campaign in style and give the fans back in Abu Dhabi something to cheer about.

“All the teams are very competitive and will also be out to win, so I’m sure the race will be an exciting spectacle.”

The other teams include Team SCA (Sweden),Team Brunel (The Netherlands), Dongfeng Race Team (China), Team Alvimedica (Turkey/U.S.), MAPFRE (Spain), Team Vestas Wind (Denmark).

After Spain, the yachts will sail to Cape Town, South Africa; Abu Dhabi, UAE; Sanya, China; Auckland, New Zealand; Itajai, Brazil; Lisbon, Portugal; Lorient, France; Newport, USA; The Hague, the Netherlands, with a scheduled finish date in Gothenburg, Sweden of 27 June 2015.