NEWPORT, Rhode Island, USA, May 17 – Volvo Ocean Race fans around the world are being given a front row seat this weekend as the fleet races in Newport, Rhode Island, thanks to fantastic new app (see story below).
– New app proves huge hit with fans
– Front seat views later today for Newport departure
– Follow the action all the way to Lisbon
NEWPORT, Rhode Island, USA, May 17 – Volvo Ocean Race fans around the world are being given a front row seat this weekend as the fleet races in Newport, Rhode Island, thanks to fantastic new app.
Three teams, hometown heroes Team Alvimedica plus Dongfeng Race Team and Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, allowed curious viewers the chance to jump onboard during the Team Vestas Wind In-Port Race Newport yesterday, right into the heart of the action, by streaming live from the field of play using Periscope.
The app, which was launched by Twitter in March, is already making waves across the sport industry – and the Volvo Ocean Race has embraced this breaking technology to give fans an even closer look at what it takes to sail in the toughest adventure on the planet.
And if you missed it – don’t worry. The start of Leg 7, from Newport to Lisbon, which will take place at 1400 EST/1800 UTC today, will also be broadcast live.
Viewers will be invited onboard Dongfeng Race Team via the Volvo Ocean Race Periscope account – and with the French-Chinese boat battling for first place in the rankings, there’s sure to be plenty of action and effort onboard.
Yesterday’s streams, which attracted over 3,500 viewers from all over the globe, proved unanimously popular to those desperate for a glimpse of life onboard.
Team Alvimedica grabbed second place in front of their hometown crowd, but they fared even better on the app.
Broadcasting over the Volvo Ocean Race account, they topped the chart of most popular global streams, with users flocking to view the frantic start of the Race.
“As a sport on the fringes, sailing really benefits from finding innovative ways of reaching a new audience,” said Amory Ross, Onboard Reporter for Team Alvimedica.
“This Race has taken to the simplicity of social media and this is a great opportunity to benefit from the growing global audience provided by Periscope.”
He walked viewers through all that a race day entails – from the Sailors’ Parade in front of thousands of adoring spectators, to stepping on to the boat, docking out and even broadcasting live from the racecourse.
Follow the Volvo Ocean Race teams on Periscope:
Volvo Ocean Race @volvooceanrace
Team Alvimedica @Teamalvimedica
Dongfeng Race Team @ VO65_Dongfeng
Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing @ADORLog