SeaWave to Provide Communications for Round the World Race

Clipper Ventures based in Southampton England , selected US-based SeaWave LLC of Middletown, RI to provide voice and data communications to all ten yachts for the Clipper 05-06 Race. Each SeaWave unit provides email, telephone, daily log, weather and daily contact with the Race Office through the Iridium satellite network. While at sea, crew can share this unique racing experience with shore based friends and family via satellite telephone or individual email accounts. Clipper chose SeaWave in order to ensure reliable and efficient communications, as well as enhance the safety at sea. Beginning in Liverpool on September 18, 2005, the Clipper Race 05-06 is the world's longest circumnavigation event measuring 35,000-miles. Each one of the 68 foot ocean racing yachts competing in the 7-leg Clipper Race will have a crew of 17 and 1 professional skipper onboard for each leg. Crew can race for one, several, or all 7 legs of the race, bringing the total number of participants to approximately 350. "We selected SeaWave for its reputation as a proven and reliable source of voice and data communications," stated Colin de Mowbray, Operations Director of Clipper Ventures. " SeaWave provides a vital link both for personal contact between the crew and their families and for maximizing the media profile of the event. Daily diaries, news stories, interviews and photographs will update those on land that are following this unique racing experience." The public can visit the Clipper 05-06 Web site to remain informed of the fleet's progress. Besides race updates, available onshore, tactical data utilized to determine race strategy including fleet position and status, will also be accessible to each vessel. SeaWave distributor, CA Clase, supplied and installed the SeaWave NavSeries communication units; one for each yacht and one for the Race Office. All eleven systems contain built-in Iridium satellite modems which allow Clipper to take advantage of Iridium's low cost global calling feature. "The Clipper 05-06 Race is an opportunity for Iridium to showcase our ability to provide reliable global coverage to yachts streamlined for open-ocean racing." said Don Thoma, executive vice president of Iridium Satellite. "The SeaWave NavSeries is an efficient and cost effective device that utilizes every aspect of Iridium, including short burst data (SBD) for tracking and short messaging service (SMS) for notification of messages waiting on shore." In the event of an emergency, yachts will also be able to contact the Race Office directly by phone or email, ensuring a real-time response is possible. Knowing the position and status of all vessels in the fleet enables the Race Office to intervene to ensure maximum cooperation. Should a medical emergency occur, the yachts can be put in direct contact with a Doctor on shore who can talk through diagnoses and procedures using the SeaWave communications system.