This was the third time that Livewire had been responsible for delivering the media from the yachts of the Volvo Ocean Race (formally known as the Whitbread). This involved transmitting live and store & forward video over satellite to Race Office during the long ocean legs. The 2005-2006 race saw the introduction of in-port racing, presenting the new challenge of transmitting live video from remotely controlled onboard cameras direct to shore over distances of up to 20 miles.

Building on the experience of previous races and using the latest satellite and microwave technology, Livewire rose to this challenge working closely with the Volvo Race Office team to develop the Livewire Media desk. The state of the art equipment ensured the regular delivery of media to race head quarters where the material was used to produce weekly 30 minute programmes, features and daily news feeds.

The in port race in Sanxenxo and the start in Vigo were broadcast live by the national Spanish TV station TVE and TVG. Livewire engineered the media desk so that the system could be controlled remotely from shore, allowing the producer to direct Livewire engineers to select feeds from specific yachts and cameras so they could be integrated into the live production.  Similar events took place in locations like Rio where the in-port race and the leg start were broadcast live by TV Globo.

The 2005-2006 Volvo Ocean Race was a huge success with television audiences reaching a record 1.8 billion viewers. Livewire has now started work with the Volvo management team to ensure even greater success for the 2008-2009 race starting in Alicante in October 2008.

View video clips from the in port race in Sanxenxo