What computer technology do you have aboard Kingfisher? A five port Ethernet network, with two customised computers for performance and navigation software, a Sony laptop for video compression and transmission, a webcam and a router that connects via BT's ISDN Satcom B system, which is the big dome on the back of the boat. In addition we have a BT Mobiq Mini M satphone, which can also be used to send email, plus a Satcom C text messaging system that links to one of the computers.
Were you surprised how popular your site was during the Vendee Globe? The website www.kingfisherchallenges.com has been running for four years. We send out daily updates to people when we're racing - two years ago it was to 1,000 people and now about 100,000 people receive them. It's amazing to find that so many people want to follow the race.
Did you encounter any problems with the technology? I had a satellite phone that didn't work in the Southern Ocean but there wasn't a day when no one could get hold of me. However, we did have a lot of backup systems! On the computer front we had a few power issues, and a dodgy connection for the infrared keyboard... but it all still worked.
What technological advances would help you? Connection speed to the internet is obviously an issue, but with BT we are lucky to be supported with the Satcom B system, which gives us 64k ISDN connection via satellite.There could be a lot of development in wireless technology for these racing machines, including being able to control more from up the mast, on the bow, or the bunk!
Have you any favourite gadgets? My Leatherman tool, which isn't really very technical! Apart from that, there's my Palm V. Away from Kingfisher I also have an Apple G4 Powerbook laptop.
Any favourite websites? I don't have time to look at any...beyond the weather sites we use to work out what direction to point! www.goldcoastwx.com is one of the best met sites. I also check my own web site to see what I'm meant to be up to!
Could you envisage going around the world without all the computers? I would certainly have no problem in sailing around the world without the technology. I go out there to race on my own, and the technology is a tool, not the real challenge.But you wouldn't have seen it on TV or heard it on the radio without the communications and computers. When Robin Knox Johnson sailed around the world, people only knew that he had started and finished.
Visit: www.ellenmacarthur.com
