Mastervolt to Support 2014-2015 Volvo Ocean Race

Heralded as the world’s toughest maritime event, the Volvo Ocean Race leaves on the first leg of a near 40,000 nautical mile global circumnavigation on October 11, and a lot will be depending upon the Mastervolt electrical systems in each of the 7 identical yachts.

The race organisers had already chosen Mastervolt as the electrical supplier for the brand new 65ft Farr-designed yachts due to the Dutch company’s system-wide approach to installation and the uncompromising build quality of the components. Since then, Mastervolt has developed an even closer link to the race by providing crew training to maximise onboard electrical efficiency and by supporting each boat 24/7 during the race. As a further commitment, Mastervolt will also have technicians available at each of the stopovers in eleven different countries for local service and support.

Mastervolt is already a world leader in electrical independence, and is delighted to be linked so closely to the Volvo Ocean Race because of the great opportunities it gives for global awareness of the brand. The Company also prides itself on creating the most robust systems available, so the official electrical supplier status is the best message possible. If the systems can survive this environment, then they can survive anything. As the race tracks from the blistering heat of the Tropics into the Roaring Forties of the Southern Ocean, man and machine will be put to the ultimate test.

At the heart of each boat is a pair of the very latest second-generation Lithium-Ion Ultra batteries, managed and operated via the C-Zone data links that allow for remote monitoring on hand-held devices. The new Li-Ion batteries are just a third of the weight of lead acid equivalents and are capable of safely discharging up to 80% of their total capacity, so are ideal for the intense energy demands of the race. Thanks to the remarkably efficient cell balancing electronics, they can be fully recharged in just one 59-minute charge cycle via a pair of Mastervolt 150A alternators coupled to the auxiliary Volvo 75hp engine.

Dependable electrical power is crucial to each boat, not just in operating the amp-hungry canting keel and water maker, but also the sophisticated onboard media suite that will allow the world to follow each moment of drama via a powerful video link.

“We have greatly increased our involvement in the Volvo Ocean Race because nowhere else will our innovations be put to such extreme use, so leisure users will know that if it’s good enough for the Volvo Ocean Race, then it’s certainly up to their blue water adventure. We’re also going to send marketing and support teams to each stopover, and use each venue to network with our valued Mastervolt customers in the region. The race will get the very best electrical service available, and we’ll gain a huge amount of useful data and contacts to further refine and expand the brand,” said Bert Jansen, Commercial Leader EMEA, Mastervolt.