The 25th anniversary of Palau’s independence presented a unique opportunity to organize the commemorative Japan-Palau Goodwill Yacht Race, the success of which would rely on strong communication capabilities for all parties involved.
In order to ensure safety over the course of this 3000 kilometers race, roll calls were organized twice a day to check wind direction, and positioning and boat condition of racers. Existing technology such as satellite phones, VHF marine radios, and Geostationary (GEO) networks fail to meet the unique combination of distance, real-time feedback, and multiway call abilities that this particular race required. This presented the necessity for a dependable communication tool that would provide wireless connectivity for efficient and effective information sharing between all yachts and could withstand adverse weather conditions.
