How to follow the Volvo Ocean Race

The first offshore leg of the Volvo Ocean Race begins on October 11, extending 6,487 nm from Alicante, Spain to Cape Town, South Africa, a distance expected to take 3 to 4 weeks to complete. This marks the beginning of the nine-month competition, taking the seven teams to 11 cities in 11 countries, with the final finish line in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Racing the new one design Volvo Ocean 65, teams will be scoring points in 9 offshore legs to determine the overall Volvo Ocean Race winner. Additionally, the teams will compete in 10 In-Port races at each stopover for a separate competition – the Volvo Ocean Race In-Port Series.

The start of Leg 1 will be broadcast online, with the live stream program on the event website from 13:50 until 15:05 CEST 07:50 to 09:05 EDT).

For race fans, this edition is expected to raise the bar in how offshore competition can be followed.

The new Volvo Ocean 65 was specifically designed with five fixed camera positions and two uplink points, which will combine to give coverage from all angles. The camera and mic point in the companionway hatch will get right in the faces of the sailors. Cameras can be remote controlled and directed, while new microphone locations and systems will enhance voice recording. Key to the project is that the cameras and microphones now have much better protection from wind and water, enabling interviews in the cockpit.

As in the past two races, an onboard reporter will be with each team, transmitting words, photos, and video back to race headquarters for daily consumption.

Here’s a list of information to be on the race website when Leg 1 gets underway:
– Regularly updating dashboard with all the race info you should need and also a 3D interactive tracker.
– A daily watch producers’ log giving the latest tactical info and moves. This is aimed more at the specialist media and core fans and will be easy to download content.
– A link to a weekly analytical round-up on the race written by respected sailing journo Mark Chisnell.
– A daily live digital show linking fans to the most newsworthy boat of the day.

Here are additional tools to follow the race:
– Download the new race app to watch LIVE streaming coverage of the start at 13:50 CEST (07:50 EDT), which also features a tracker, tailored notifications and route information.
– Social media channels expect to provide a stream of information.
– Thirty-nine half-hour weekly shows will be broadcast around the world. Look at the TV schedule for local listings.

Race website: http://www.volvooceanrace.com/en/home.html