The Volvo Ocean Race has launched a new version of the official race web site, aimed at taking visitors closer to the heart of the action. It will be available in four languages, reflecting the diversity of the new race course.
The new site boasts a number of design features and improved navigation which will enhance user interface and usability.
Among the biggest advances with the new site is the Race Data Centre. Here, for the first time, the race organisers will share insider information from the fleet’s on-board telemetry.
“I was keen for the web audience to experience the race as the sailors do – at least as much as possible. With that in mind, we’ve shifted the focus more towards ‘what happens next’, with predicted positions, and on tactics, as well as developing an understanding of which boat is faster. The Race Data Centre is a big step towards that,” says Knut Frostad, CEO Volvo Ocean Race.
“We are creating an online environment where users can immerse themselves in data and put themselves in the place of the skippers and navigators as they take in all the available information and decide what to do next.”
The race data will also be used to drive Virtual Spectator, the 2D and 3D animated race tracker, which will enable users to follow the progress of the fleet along with the predicted positions.
Other innovations include a fully interactive 3D tour of a Volvo Open 70, upgraded image and audio galleries including regular podcasts and live on-board interviews round out the package, Volvo Ocean Race TV and much more.
The official web site will be available in four languages, reflecting the diversity of the new race course along with the eight teams. The Spanish version of the website will launch later this week, with Chinese and Russian editions to follow in turn.