Cobham SATCOM Named Race Partner for Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15

Cobham SATCOM has been named the Volvo Ocean Race’s Satellite and Radio Communications Equipment Partner for 2014-15.

Stepping up to the level of Race Partner for the first time in its 13-year association with the race, the satellite communications specialist will supply hardware for the new one-design Volvo Ocean 65 boats.

The announcement ensures the latest generations of SAILOR FleetBroadband satellite equipment relied upon by race teams in recent editions will continue to be a fixture of the world’s longest and toughest professional sporting event when the cutting-edge boats line up in Alicante in October 2014.

"The SAILOR hardware used during the last three editions of the Volvo Ocean Race has functioned perfectly, fully justifying the faith the competitors put in the equipment as they confront a race run in the most extreme conditions on the planet," said Volvo Ocean Race CEO Knut Frostad. "This partnership is particularly gratifying as it sees Cobham SATCOM’s commitment to the race strengthened considerably through an expanded range of products and support services."

For Cobham SATCOM, the Volvo Ocean Race has been an increasingly important platform to deliver on multiple business and brand awareness objectives, while serving as the ultimate testing platform for products, benefiting customers around the world.

For the 2014-15 race, Cobham SATCOM will supply the satellite communications hardware for the Volvo Ocean 65s, including the new generation SAILOR 500 and 250 FleetBroadband systems. Radio and safety equipment is also an important aspect of the partnership, with Cobham SATCOM supplying SAILOR 6150 mini-C Distress, SAILOR VHF & UHF Portable radios, SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC Class D AIS Receiver, SAILOR 5051 AIS-SART, SAILOR SGE-II EPRIBS, SAILOR SART II, SAILOR 6280 AIS System and SAILOR 6390 Navtex. Cobham SATCOM’s EXPLORER 727 vehicular BGAN terminal will also be installed on the organiser’s vehicles during stop-overs, helping to report news during race starts and other events.

Walther Thygesen, Vice President of Cobham SATCOM, said: "The Volvo Ocean Race represents the ultimate challenge for our equipment, so we are especially pleased to be increasing our commitment in our new role as Race Partner. This race showcases SAILOR products in very tough and testing conditions, which can only enhance their credentials as the most reliable communications equipment for all maritime applications."

Cobham plc acquired Thrane & Thrane, who were an Official Race Sponsor in 2011-12, last year and established a new strategic business unit – Cobham SATCOM – that combines the group’s satellite communications businesses.

The 12th edition of the Volvo Ocean Race, starting in Alicante on October 4, 2014, will be the first to be raced with a new fleet of one-design Volvo Ocean 65 boats, designed by Farr Yacht Design in the United States and built by a consortium of boatyards in Italy, France, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Finishing in Gothenburg, Sweden, the route will take in 10 cities in nine countries – Spain, Brazil, United Arab Emirates, China, New Zealand, United States, Portugal, France and Sweden – and will require the teams to cover 39,895 nautical miles.