18/7/2019
The Clipper Race has announced that leading satellite communications specialist Applied Satellite Technology Ltd is to be the Official Satellite Communications Supplier to the 2019-20 edition of the biennial race.
With over 25 years of experience, AST Networks is a global provider of end-to-end satellite communications solutions offering a comprehensive range of terminals and devices, high-quality voice and data services, and world-class value-added services such as INTEGRA, which offers a suite of enabling capabilities designed to manage satellite communications more effectively and economically, supported by true 24/7 Global Customer Support.
AST Networks will provide a bespoke voice and data services solution to meet the ever-growing operational and media demands of the global yacht race, connecting race organisers to each of the eleven teams 24/7, at every point of the global route. AST will also supply the 700 crew members taking part with onboard communication services.
Gregory Darling, Founder and Managing Director of AST Networks said: “Providing reliable, secure communication in the most remote areas of the planet for both operational needs and crew welfare is our mission day in, day out, and we are delighted to be the Official Satellite Communications Supplier to the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.”
The Clipper Race is the only event of its kind for non-professional sailors. With an extensive training programme, professional Skippers, Mates and an eleven strong fleet of Clipper 70 racing yachts, the Clipper Race enables people from all walks of life and all over the world to take on the challenge of a lifetime and become ocean racers.
Clipper Race Chairman and Founder, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the brainchild behind the race, who this year celebrated 50 years since becoming the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world said: “The reliability of the communication systems onboard is key to the successful management and safety of the Clipper Race fleet as the teams traverse some of the most remote areas of the planet."
“We look forward to working with AST Networks to provide reliable and secure communications for our operational needs. Additionally, as media demands grow for an event of this scale, this will enable the Clipper Race to increase media output from across the fleet, which will in turn benefit crew, fans and partners alike. It will also equip our crew with valuable connections to their loved ones and supporters back home.”
Taking almost a year to complete the Clipper Race is a true endurance challenge that will see crew take on all that mother nature has to offer when crossing six oceans, sailing around three capes, visiting six continents and racing over 40,000 nautical miles.
Starting from St Katharine Docks, London on 1 September 2019, the global route which is now complete, will visit: Portimao, Portugal; Punta del Este, Uruguay; Cape Town, South Africa; Fremantle, the Whitsundays, Australia; Sanya, Zhuhai and Qingdao, China; Seattle, USA; Panama; New York, USA; Bermuda; Derry Londonderry, Northern Ireland before returning to London 11 months later.
