We have always been at the cutting edge of technology and when it comes to navigation, nothing changes.
It is clear that winning races means going in the right direction, finding the best wind, avoiding holes and maximising the gains made from changing conditions.
We rely on satellite communication systems and long range 4G to keep us up to date with the latest weather forecasts, this data is then fed into our onboard PC and analysed by our navigator, skipper and first mate. Our computer system runs Expedition Marine software which can be found on all of the Volvo Ocean racing boats.
Although nothing can beat experience and skill the tools at our disposal have seen us out navigate some of the most cutting edge boats in the fleet. Results must be interpreted but we are able to run simulations on board, test hypothesis and hopefully come to the right conclusion. Forecasts aren’t always accurate but modern advances mean that we have learnt to tentatively trust them more and more.