Bluefinger provides Powerboat P1 timing

Friday 05 September 2008

The #99 Fountain and #60 GFN Gibellato boats demonstrate the closeness of Powerboat P1 racing in Tunisia

Powerboat P1 is pleased to announce that Bluefinger Ltd will take up its new role as timekeeper for the championship from the upcoming Vigo Grand Prix of the Sea in Spain.

Bluefinger Ltd is the maritime division of Cybit Holdings Plc – one of Europe’s leading real-time vehicle tracking and online telematics service provider’s – and has extensive experience in developing and implementing offshore vessel tracking solutions in a variety of applications around the world.

Bluefinger was recently tasked with adapting its Saffire-Online software to track the position, direction and speed of every yacht competing in the Volvo Ocean Race. This feeds data to the race organisers to monitor safety and race scoring, as well as to fans watching the event on their computers at home via the innovative Virtual Spectator software, which is also used in Powerboat P1.

“Being able to accurately track the position of every boat in a Powerboat P1 race is of huge importance for the event organisers, for both the safety of the competitors and for the timing and regulating of events,” said Powerboat P1 Racing and Event Director Andy Hindley. “It’s also of huge benefit to the fans and media, both in the marina and watching at home via Virtual Spectator. We’re pleased to welcome Bluefinger and Cybit into the championship.”

Bluefinger will deploy the Saffire-Online software as the heart of the Powerboat P1 solution. In addition to providing boat and buoy tracking combined with accurate timing and data logging for a full results service, Bluefinger will supply Powerboat P1 on-board and onshore display facilities and the real-time data feed for Powerboat P1’s Virtual Spectator software.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with such a prestigious championship that is rapidly growing in popularity," said Cybit Chief Executive Officer Richard Horsman. "Our ability to provide innovative precise positioning solutions together with software capable of managing accurate timing of short duration, high performance racing demonstrates the versatility and breadth of our business. With Powerboat P1 we are providing positioning data at one second intervals from powerboats moving at speeds of up to 100mph."