Virtual Spectator

[Rupert Munro]

Software tech, not boat tech - this looks like it will be interesting:

From P1:

Powerboat P1’s innovative Virtual Spectator software was the star of the show in a keynote address to some of sport’s marketing’s top luminaries at Sport & Technology: The Conference in London’s BT Centre on June 13.

Powerboat P1 Commercial Director Robert Wicks and Virtual Spectator CEO Peter Lamb showed off recent Virtual Spectator footage from the Powerboat P1 events in France and Malta, highlighting how the innovative real-time, computer generated GPS feeds of the software allowed fans both in the harbour, and around the world, to enjoy the racing both during and after the weekend.

Wicks explained how Virtual Spectator was one part of a raft of changes to the championship this year, designed to make the sport more accessible to existing fans, as well as expanding it to, and engaging, a new audience. “Virtual Spectator showcases the excitement and intense competition of Powerboat P1 events,” Wicks said. “It provides both new and existing fans with the opportunity to get up close and personal with the action.”

Lamb highlighted some of the technical challenges of adapting the Virtual Spectator software to the unique sport of powerboat racing, while highlighting the logistical scope of a team of 14 spread around the world in offices in Oklahoma, New Zealand, London and Toronto.

Despite this, the data feed is delivered from the race, through San Jose in California, to users’ computer screens within 12-13 seconds – a remarkable feat when you consider that the Volvo Ocean Race has a six-hour delivery time.