Track the Volvo Ocean Race in Google Earth

[Frank4]

[EDIT: Just updated the link for Leg 2]

You can watch the Volvo Ocean Race (and other races as well) in Google Earth. Here's a story I've written about it at Google Earth Blog .

Or you can download the Google Earth file [Edit: updated for leg 2] (you must have Google Earth installed).

Here's a screenshot:

[swagman]

Nice link and great to now have the free view via Goggle Earth as opposed to previous races subscription site.

A real shame there are only four competitors but guess this is indicative of the lack of sponsors now available for yachting.

I also now hear the Swedish America's Cup team are about to close operations due also to lack of monies - let's hope that 2007 event does not also turn into a four boat competition..............

Cheers
JOHN

[Frank4]

Actually, there are 7 boats in the competition this year. Two boats had serious breakdowns at the beginning, and will rejoin in Cape Town after the end of leg 1. The Australian boat had to stop in Madeira for repairs, but is rejoining the race about 450nm behind (if they finish they at least get some points).

There are more points award in the later legs than the beginning. Often there are breakdowns in the early legs until the kinks are worked out.

[swagman]

Thanks Frank for that clarification.
JOHN

[BC Mike]

There is also a sailor from our Yacht club on the Pirate boat.

Michael

[RandyAbernethy]

Hey Frank is your link down? I get a "not authorized" error when trying to download your google earth file (I have GE installed already).

[ssullivan]

I think THIS is a cool use of Google Earth.... but Frank... where do you work?

Are you in marketing?

[RandyAbernethy]

I grabbed your network(?) extension off of google directly and it worked. Very cool stuff. Google earth is pretty awesome. Be nice when you can zoom in to street level detail everywhere in the world. I'm sure they'll get there soon.

[Weyalan]

I have been following the race using a neat little programme called Virtual Spectator to follow the progress of the Volvo Race. It is really neat, and includes all sorts of gizmos that allow you to overlay isobars, wind arrows, advantage line, etc over a fleet overview.

The programme is downloadable via a link on the official race website at

http://www.volvooceanrace.org/news/a...ex.aspx?bhcp=1

Where you can also sign up for daily or weekly e-mail news updates.

[hammerfelt]

Crud! We have to wait until the race is over for Google to get their act together and make this available for mac...

[Frank4]

Guys, they have a new link for Leg 2 of the Volvo Ocean Race.

I've updated the link in my base message so you can download that.

Also, if you have a Mac, there is a leaked Alpha Test version of the GE that works pretty well if you have OSX 10.4. Do some Google searching and you'll probably find the file.

[Frank4]

They are just approaching the continent of Australia and the race has gotten close again amongst the first 3 boats.

By the way, an official beta of Google Earth for the Mac is now out (if you haven't already heard). You can download Google Earth from http://earth.google.com/

[rsn48]

Thanks for the Google link, I've been following the race now since I read your initial post in this thread. I thought you might appreciate knowing.