That’s how the journey started, as Volvo IT’s crew member Michael Descamps headed out to sea to test the network connection on the race committee boat. The boat will include a live version of virtual spectator on the day of the in-port race in Alicante, Spain. This will ensure guests onboard can follow the race online, as well as on the water.

As the rib boat approached the destination, the waves rocked and the Volvo Ocean 70s cruised a few meters away. After climbing on-board, it was time to search for the computer. Down below, Michael discovered a giant Macintosh, still packaged in the box.

“I’ve never worn a lifejacket before when working on computers,” he said with a smile. Taking a seat beside the boat’s steering wheel, life jacket still in tact, the test process began. A few clicks and Michael was on his way to establishing a network connection.

Up above, the race committee was performing their own test: practicing with the Volvo Ocean Race 70s for the in-port race. Horns sounded, sails crackled, and the race committee boat rocked back and forth as the Volvo Ocean 70s whizzed by with their sails outstretched.

However, the excitement above didn’t distract Michael from the task at hand. After a short radio back to port to verify the link, network connection was achieved. With the task successfully completed, it was time once again to catch a ride back with the rib, which had been patiently waiting in the waves.

Bouncing across the sea back to the Volvo Ocean Race village, Michael took a minute to reflect on the experience. “I feel pleased about the mission,” he said.  “I had never installed a connection before on a boat and I was very afraid I would be sea sick. But, it was actually nice to be out on the water, getting close to the race`.”

Download the story: Alicante report 2008-10-02 (pdf)