The cutting-edge world of sailing and technology has recently witnessed an exciting collaboration between SailGP and Ericsson, demonstrating the tremendous potential of private 5G networks. SailGP, a high-performance F50 catamaran racing series, has deployed Ericsson’s private 5G and edge routers to harness real-time data at unprecedented scales: 53 billion data points per race day.
This network setup integrates Oracle‘s infrastructure for data sharing, enhancing IoT measurements and streaming video footage from each F50 catamaran during races. Aimed to rival the America’s Cup, SailGP fosters transparency and fairness by mandating shared boat designs and accessible race data. The seamless flow of information prevents iniquitous technological arms races, as emphasized by SailGP organizers.
SailGP’s operating model hinges on the merit of equitable competition. “The real-time transportation of data directly and securely into OCI enables racers to share data with all teams, including boat speed, wind direction and course layout, and race position. This helps SailGP prevent any unfair advantages and promotes fair competition,” stated SailGP.
Beyond empowering race participants, the data benefits umpires with immediate video feeds for race adjudication and enriches fan experiences with live statistical breakdowns. Ericsson leverages its international operator relationships to secure network connectivity throughout the challenging maritime settings on various global stages in the 2025 season.
The collaboration journey began with T-Mobile, testing and deploying Ericsson’s private 5G setup on its public spectrum during U.S. events in the previous season. Global deployment is underway covering diverse landscapes, including locales in the UAE, Australia, and the United States, among others.
The strategic use of Ericsson’s private 5G networks has had significant advantages for SailGP. This network supports scalable and reliable connectivity, offering high bandwidth and ultra-low latency crucial for optimal performance. Warren Jones, SailGP’s CTO, asserted, “This reliable, scalable connectivity helps teams optimize performance and maintain fair competition while significantly enriching the fan experience through visibility into race analytics.”
Manish Tiwari, head of Enterprise 5G at Ericsson, echoed this sentiment. He stated, “The fastest sailing event deserves the fastest possible connectivity for its crews, onshore teams, and officials. With [our] private 5G and… edge routers, that’s exactly what it will get.”
