The SailGP Ericsson partnership, set to roll out globally in 2025, combines Ericsson’s Private 5G networks with Cradlepoint edge routers in the wings of each F50 catamaran, is exciting news for sailing fans. High-performance sports are increasingly becoming testing grounds for cutting-edge tech innovation, with the integration of advanced tech connectivity solutions paving the way for more exciting, more immersive fan experiences.

Technical Infrastructure and Implementation

As I mentioned, the deployment’s cornerstone is the combination of Ericsson Private 5G networks with Cradlepoint edge routers installed in the wings of each F50 catamaran. This configuration is particularly noteworthy for a few reasons:

First, the system is designed to handle an extraordinary volume of data — more than 53 billion data points per race day across the fleet. This scale of data processing in a marine environment is unprecedented in professional sports. The implementation’s ability to maintain connectivity at speeds up to 100 km/h over open waters pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with mobile networking technology.

Second, the ruggedized edge routers represent a crucial engineering achievement. Understandably, maritime environments present unique challenges for electronic equipment, including salt spray, vibration, and extreme weather conditions. The fact that these systems must perform reliably under such conditions while processing massive amounts of real-time data demonstrates significant advances in hardware resilience.

Strategic Technology Implications

From a strategic perspective, the SailGP Ericsson partnership offers several insights into the future of sports technology. In fact, I’d say that this is the “now” of sports tech rather than the future, as we are seeing tech innovation take center stage in sports the world over. Things like smart clothing, smart equipment, smart stadiums, augmented reality enhancing in-stadium experiences, virtual ticket packages, gamification, and data-driven personalized experiences are all quickly becoming a way that sports innovators are differentiating themselves and serving up better fan experiences.

What the SailGP Ericcson partnership indicates is:

  • An emphasis on real-time data processing and analysis illustrates the continued shift toward data-driven decision-making in high-performance sports. The ability to process and analyze vast amounts of information during competition represents a fundamental change in how athletic events are conducted and managed.
  • The integration with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) for real-time data sharing among teams sets a new standard for transparency in professional sports. This approach to data democratization could influence how other sports handle competitive data and fair play considerations.
  • The requirement that boats cannot leave the dock without full connectivity demonstrates how critical technology has become to safety and competition integrity in modern sports.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, this continued movement in the sports tech innovation arena and the use of private 5G and edge routers will no doubt serve as a blueprint for other sports and industries requiring high-performance connectivity in challenging environments. Beyond adventure sports and remote event broadcasting, the successful deployment of private 5G networks in marine racing conditions could accelerate adoption in other sectors where connectivity is often a challenge, such as:

  • Maritime operations and shipping
  • Offshore energy installations
  • Emergency response and maritime safety operations

While all of this is exciting, the reality is that any time you’re working to integrate technology into challenging environments, it comes with its own set of risks. The reliance on complex technology systems introduces new points of failure in competition. The requirement for full connectivity before launch, while important for safety, could lead to delays or cancellations due to technical issues. The effectiveness of the system will largely depend on the reliability of the edge computing infrastructure and the robustness of the private 5G networks across diverse global locations.

Additionally, the standardization of technology across all teams, while ensuring fairness, might reduce the role of traditional sailing expertise in favor of data-driven decision-making. This transformation could fundamentally change the nature of the sport in myriad ways, which can be both good and alarming.

Conclusion

The SailGP Ericsson partnership represents more than just a technology upgrade — it’s another move in the ongoing paradigm shift in how professional sports can and are integrating advanced connectivity solutions. The implementation’s success or failure in an extremely challenging environment will be a differentiator, and could no doubt influence technology adoption across the sports industry and beyond. As we move into 2025, this partnership will likely serve as a crucial case study in the application of private 5G networks in challenging, high-performance environments.

The real test will be in the seamless integration of this technology without compromising the fundamental nature of the sport while enhancing both competitor and spectator experiences. If successful, this could set new standards for how professional sports leverage technology for performance optimization and fan engagement. I’ve never been a sailing fan before, but that changes now. I can’t wait to watch this in use.

 

See more of my coverage here:

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