The Volvo Ocean Race is the world’s most extreme sailing race, and sometimes called the “Everest of sailing”. As well as
skill and determination, the sailors depend on the latest designs and technologies, as well as their scientific understanding of meterology, winds and tides.
The nine-month marathon will cover more than 45,000 kilometres, including a stay in Galway this May. Ireland’s team in the seven-yacht race is the Green Dragon, and there is also Irish interest in Team Delta Lloyd – its boat is owned by Limerick businessman Ger O’Rourke.
Satellite rules the waves
Before the arrival of satellite equipment in the 1980s, navigators in the race would spend weeks submerged under piles of paper charts and pilotage books.
They would make the odd ship-to-shore call over VHF if in range, and messages to supporters and families back home had to be written down and handed over in mid-ocean to passing cargo ships.
These days the teams use cutting-edge communication and navigation equipment. Each boat can send back video through mobile satellite connections. They also have satellite links to vital weather information, and the sailors communicate by email to shore crew and their families.
Data such as each yacht’s position, speed and heading is transmitted back to race HQ via satellite. This data is also used by a system called “Virtual Spectator”, so you can follow the race on its official website and watch a 3D visualisation that is similar to a hi-tech computer game.
The appliance of science
It takes a mix of cutting edge design and technology to tackle the best and worst that nature has to offer, from high winds to high seas.
Technologically advanced features in the boat designs include a canting keel – a giant weight attached to the underside of the hull by a huge hinge so it can swing out to different sides of the boat, counteracting the force of the wind.
The hulls are as strong and light as possible, with a protective outer barrier of carbon fibre and filled with a honeycomb core to withstand huge shock loads as they slam through the waves.
To keep weight down, each crew of 10 is not allowed to bring personal possessions on board. Even books, iPods and a change of clothes are banned, and the inside of the boat isn’t painted, again to save weight.
Visiting Galway
This May the race will stop in Galway for the first time, and members of the public will get a chance to check out the boats’ designs and technology.
The yachts are expected to arrive here on 23 May, with racing in the bay on 30 May. The fleet will then be ocean-bound once more for the start of the eighth leg on 6 June.
Learn more
Follow the drama of the race and use “Virtual Spectator” on the official Volvo Ocean Race website
