The BT Global Challenge sails away using satellite connections

Widely regarded as the world's toughest yacht race, the BT Global Challenge is 30,000 gruelling miles. BT has developed a computer and communications infrastructure, combining satellite technology with delivery channels including fax, recorded information, bureau service and the Internet.

Information is fed, using satellite, to the race headquarters in Southampton.

Then it is distributed to race watchers 24 hours a day.

Communication with the yachts in the race is done with a network of geostationary Inmarsat satellites. Each yacht is equipped with an antenna connected to an onboard C-Sat transceiver and using the global positioning system (GPS) satellites to enable regular reporting of each yacht's position.

The Inmarsat satellites communicate over four land stations which are linked to race HQ using X.25 links.

Using onboard laptop computers, the Inmarsat link also allows two-way messaging between yachts and base. This allows crews to send and receive information.

The laptops also can be used to check weather information and monitor progress on screen-based charts.