Alicante, Spain –Inmarsat will return as the Volvo Ocean Race’s official Global Satellite Communications Partner. The ongoing partnership advances the possibilities of onboard satellite communications and powers the Race’s digital content delivery from the oceans while supplying crucial safety and tracking services.

Inmarsat’s fleet of satellites, some 36,000km out in space, deliver the Race communications technology. Inmarsat FleetBroadband provides an ‘always-on’ connection for teams allowing applications such as internet access, emails, calls, weather reporting and telemedicine. It also features streaming IP available on demand, for live applications such as high-quality video streaming. Global Xpress will make its first contribution to the Race supporting press and media at race villages throughout the globe.

The 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race is pushing the boundaries not only in terms of racing conditions and locations but in the delivery of safety services and creating an ‘on-board’ digital experience. For the first time, sailors will be able to post on social media during every leg. More content than ever before will be able to be beamed ashore using the Inmarsat satellite network. In addition to Inmarsat C safety services and tracking devices, each of the Volvo Ocean 65 boats will also carry an IsatPhone 2 satellite phone in their life raft packs.

Since 1973, the Volvo Ocean Race has set the standard for modern ocean racing, with the world’s best sailors facing extreme conditions over a 45,000 nautical mile race track. The next race will depart from Alicante, Spain on October 22, 2017 and will visit a total of 11 cities across five continents.