It will be the sixth consecutive edition that the satellite communications specialist has supplied hardware to the Volvo Ocean Race, and the announcement ensures the latest SAILOR FleetBroadband products will continue to be a fixture of the world's toughest professional sporting event when the boats line up in Alicante in October 2017.

Picture credit: Yann Riou/Dongfeng Race Team

"We're delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with Cobham SATCOM. Their products, used in the last five editions of the Volvo Ocean Race, are the best in the business - and play a vital role in us bringing the story of the racing from the oceans to the fans at home," said Volvo Ocean Race's Chief Digital Officer, Jordi Neves.

He continued: "With the Volvo Ocean Race fleet set to sail three times more miles in the Southern Ocean in the next edition, the upcoming race will really put the on board equipment to the test - and we have faith that Cobham SATCOM's products can withstand the most extreme conditions on the planet."

Cobham SATCOM's relationship with the Volvo Ocean Race stretches back to 2001 - and the race has become an increasingly important platform to deliver on multiple business and brand awareness objectives, whilst serving as the ultimate product testing ground.

The deal means that Cobham SATCOM will continue to supply not only the satellite communications hardware for the Volvo Ocean 65s, but also a wide range of radio and safety equipment.

"The Volvo Ocean Race is the toughest arena there is, and the ultimate showcase for our products," said Casper Jensen, Senior Vice President of Cobham, and Head of Cobham SATCOM.

"It is the most global event in sport - visiting 11 iconic cities across five continents - and is an invaluable link to our key markets across the planet."

He added:  "With the boats set to race the longest distance in the event's history, the next edition represents a very tough challenge for our equipment - and can only enhance their credentials as the most reliable communications equipment for all maritime applications.

"The 2014-15 edition showed that, despite the one-design boats being much less prone to breakages, there is still a distinct need for reliable and effective safety equipment. We're extremely proud to provide that peace of mind and protection to the sailors, and to remain part of the Volvo Ocean Race family."

The 13th edition of the Volvo Ocean Race, starting in Alicante in Autumn 2017, will be raced with a fleet of one-design Volvo Ocean 65 boats, and will visit 11 cities around the globe, including Lisbon; Cape Town; Hong Kong; Guangzhou; Auckland; Itajaí; Newport, Rhode Island; Cardiff; and Gothenburg, before crossing the finish line in The Hague in summer 2018.

About Cobham SATCOM

Providing dependable communications and internet access anywhere under the most demanding conditions.

Our satellite and radio communication terminals perform in the most challenging and remote environments on land, at sea and in the air.

We design and manufacture these high performance products under the AVIATOR, EXPLORER, SAILOR and Sea Tel brands providing customers with outstanding performance, value and support through our global sales and service network.

About Cobham

The most important thing we build is trust.

Cobham is a leading global technology and services innovator, respected for providing solutions to the most challenging problems, from deep space to the depths of the ocean.

We employ around 11,000 people on five continents, and have customers and partners in over 100 countries, with market leading positions in: wireless, audio, video and data communications, including satellite communications; defence electronics; air-to-air refuelling; aviation services; life support and mission equipment.

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