SailGP Partners with Ericsson for Cutting-Edge 5G Connectivity in 2025

SailGP, renowned for its electrifying water racing, will now harness the power of Ericsson’s (NASDAQ: ERIC) fastest mobile connectivity solutions. This partnership promises to revolutionize fan experiences and race operations by deploying the Cradlepoint edge routers in the F50 catamaran fleet.

Seamless 5G Connectivity for Teams and Personnel

Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions will offer unparalleled, high-speed 5G connectivity. This technology will provide teams and personnel with the seamless experience needed to ensure smooth sailing during every competition. The enhanced capabilities of 5G will also benefit umpires, allowing them to adjudicate more accurately by accessing real-time, live camera streaming from the F50s. Umpires will also gain insights into team locations, enhancing their understanding of tactics and strategies employed during races.

Extreme Speeds Demand Fastest Connectivity

In SailGP, fractions of a second can be the difference between winning and losing. Each racing catamaran reaches speeds up to 100 km (approximately 62.14 mi) per hour. To aid in split-second decisions, athletes will benefit frominstant real-time data and statistical feedback supplied by Ericsson’s solutions. This connection relies on Cradlepoint edge routers fixed within the wings of each F50, managing over 53 billion data points accumulated per race day. IoT, video, and critical communications between competing boats are enabled via Ericsson’s Private 5G network.

Tailored Solutions for Complex Maritime Conditions

For the collaboration to succeed, it was essential that the 5G connectivity solutions could adapt to various environments and integrate with multiple carriers. SailGP required a ruggedized edge router capable of enduring harsh maritime conditions. Furthermore, safety standards stipulate that neither the F50 nor its crew may leave the dock until all connectivity systems are fully operational and verified.

Warren Jones on SailGP’s Technological Leap

Warren Jones, the Chief Technology Officer at SailGP, stated, “SailGP continues to innovate to provide the best experiences possible for our teams and fans. This requires networking technology that can match the speed and intricacies of the sport. Ericsson Private 5G paired with Cradlepoint edge routers delivers both the bandwidth and latency needed for real-time data processing. It also ensures we can quickly deploy networks in diverse locations around the world. This robust connectivity aids team performance optimization and maintains fair competition while greatly enhancing fan engagement through deeper insights into race analytics.”

Manish Tiwari on Ericsson’s Commitment to SailGP

Manish Tiwari, the Head of Enterprise 5G and Enterprise Wireless Solutions at Ericsson, elaborated on the significance of this partnership. He said, “The fastest sailing event requires the fastest possible connectivity for its athletes, support staff, and officials. Through the Ericsson Private 5G network and Cradlepoint edge routers, we are meeting those stringent needs. This collaboration with SailGP highlights our innovation in connectivity solutions, which support various applications, from real-time decision-making on race strategy to deliver a memorable fan experience through race analytics.”

Initial Testing and Global Rollout

SailGP first ventured into this type of technological integration in Season 4 by testing and deploying the Ericsson Private 5G solution over T-Mobile’s 5G spectrum at US events. In the upcoming 2025 season, these state-of-the-art solutions will be installed and rolled out across all F50s globally. This rollout aims to achieve several key outcomes:

• Performance Optimization: Essential data points on boat speed, wind conditions, and various operational factors are transmitted in real-time between on board and on-shore team members. This data helps in making adjustments like sail settings and boat trim for maximum speed and efficiency.
• Enhanced Tactical Decision-Making: Uptodate information on race position, course layout, and wind direction is instantly available. Teams can leverage this data to make informed decisions about sailing angles, tacking or gybing, and overall race strategy.
• Increased Fairness and Transparency: Secure and direct data sharing into Oracle Cloud (OCI) ensures all teams receive equal information such as boat speed, wind direction, course layout, and race position. This guarantees fair competition within SailGP by eliminating any potential advantages.
• Enhanced Spectator Engagement: Improved data sharing and bandwidth offer spectators enhanced analytical insights into sailing tactics and strategies, making race events more engaging and easier to follow.

Discover More

For further details on how Ericsson’s 5G solutions are revolutionizing SailGP, visit this link.

Heading Towards a New Era of Water Racing

The integration of Ericsson’s 5G connectivity solutions into SailGP signals the beginning of a new era. Race performance and fan engagement will undoubtedly soar with the help of instant and robust data analytics. The collaboration exemplifies how cutting-edge technology can enhance sports experiences in unexpected ways.

Stay tuned for more updates on this innovative partnership and the 2025 SailGP season. Join our community to be the first to experience the future of water racing with unparalleled connectivity at your fingertips.

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