Spectra Group provides satellite communications to support Atlantic rowing race team

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd is sponsoring Jaydubyoo, one of the boats currently competing in the Atlantic Rowing Race that started on 2nd December at La Gomera, Canary Islands. The boat is being crewed by brothers Joseph and Andrew Jordon-White, who are competing to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund, the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund and the NSPCC.

Twenty one boats are competing in the Atlantic Rowing Race which, at over 2,500 nautical miles, is one of the world’s toughest challenges. It will take between 35 and 110 days to reach the finishing line at The English Harbour in Antigua. Spectra has equipped Jaydubyoo with a powerful portable satellite terminal that enables them to maintain communications throughout the event. Operating at speeds of up to 384 kbps from almost anywhere on the earth’s surface, it enables the brothers to send and receive emails as well as updating their website during the challenge.

At 23.4 feet long, 6.3 feet wide and weighing more than 750kg, Jaydubyoo incorporates two rowing positions with compartments at either end, one at the front for storage and the other at the rear for sleeping. The boat is designed to be fully self righting and largely self draining as there is no cover for bad weather.

The popularity of this event has increased as a result of strong media interest for the 2005 race, which included double Olympic medal holder James Cracknell and TV presenter Ben Fogle who crossed the line in 49 days, 19 hours and 8 minutes. Their journey was filmed and shown in "Through Hell and High Water", a BBC documentary.

For the latest updates on the progress of the team, please visit www.jaydubyoo.co.uk.