B&G helps Volvo Ocean Race Winners

After 39,000 nautical miles of this year’s Volvo Ocean Race, it’s not just the victorious crew of Groupama who have performed well. All equipment on-board the 70ft race boat was tested to the limit, and contributed to the win; which was the closest race in 39 years of racing history.

One of the most crucial elements powering the Groupama race team was the navigation system, which is based around the WTP3, B&G’s world leading Wave Technology Processor. The WTP3 has provided essential tactical and performance data since the beginning of the Groupama Volvo project in 2010.

Collecting and processing information from a huge array of sensors from boat speed and heading to rig tension and keel position, along with critical wind data, the B&G WTP3 is a powerful tool that integrates with the Deckman suite of tactical navigation software, providing real-time instrument data to the navigator.

This Grand Prix sailing instrument system increases the accuracy of sensor data by eliminating the effects of wave motion from wind calculations, providing highly reliable and repeatable performance data. The data provided by the WTP3 gives the crew an instant perspective of conditions and boat performance, which is crucial when making race-defining decisions.

In addition to providing pioneering “Wave Technology” motion correction WTP3 also provides on-board data logging for post-sail analysis, optimised calibration options and JavaScript support for user functions – ensuring that any information navigators need is at their fingertips.

Alan Davis, B&G product line director said: “The WTP3 has been developed using Grand Prix racing as its test bed, its success in the Volvo follows on from the pioneering WTP and WTP2 models, which have been used by previous winners in the Volvo Ocean Race. WTP3, along with Deckman, Broadband Radar and HVision displays provides a system second to none.

“B&G Grand Prix systems are used by top sailors taking part in all the major events - from Jules Verne records and Volvo Ocean Race victories to the Fastnet, Sydney-Hobart and Newport-Bermuda classics; B&G is proud to be chosen to supply and support navigation systems for the very best racers in the world.

“We’d like to extend our congratulations to Franck and the Groupama team and B&G look forward to continuing to support them and the racing needs of all Volvo Ocean Race competitors in their future projects.”

For more information about the B&G Grand Prix systems visit www.bandg.com or for details about the race winning Groupama team, visit www.cammas-groupama.com.