The Ocean Race, one of the world’s toughest team sporting events, needed a tech partner with precision, vision, and a track record of innovation. PredictWind delivered.
In summary
New Zealand company PredictWind goes from strength-to-strength. Their latest partnership with the globally-followed offshore racing competion, The Ocean Race, brings a game-breaking cutting-edge technological breakthrough the makes tracking races so much easier for race fans, teams, and media
- PredictWind joins as the Official Tracking and Weather Services Supplier for The Ocean Race
- The Ocean Race has long been considered the ultimate team challenge in sport. It’s also widely known for its leadership in ocean health initiatives and sailing innovation.
- The new race tracker launches with The Ocean Race Europe 2025 in August. It will also be used for The Ocean Race Atlantic 2026 and the full global edition in 2027.
- This next-generation platform delivers dynamic, real-time race data in a more interactive and visual format than ever before.
- The interface includes live GPS tracking with both 2D and 3D views of the fleet. This allows fans to follow yacht positions precisely as the race unfolds.
- Global weather overlays offer detailed insights into meteorological conditions affecting the race.
- Using real-time weather data, boat polars, and PredictWind’s routing engine, the tracker shows predictive routing for each yacht.
- Viewers can see the most likely course each team will take, based on current forecasts and boat performance. A full telemetry feed provides real-time stats including boat speed, heading, wind angle, and distances to the finish. The data is presented clearly, with nautical miles to leader, next mark, and total distance travelled.
- Multimedia content from onboard reporters (OBRs) and crew is fully integrated into the tracker. This brings fans closer to the action, offering commentary, video, and images from life at sea.
- Race teams and media can embed the tracker directly on their own websites. This extends the reach of the race and lets fans follow from their preferred online platforms.
A partnership built on innovation
This agreement brings together two leaders in their fields. On one side is The Ocean Race, known for its extreme sailing conditions and international appeal. On the other is PredictWind, a company that began life inside America’s Cup teams and has since redefined marine forecasting for recreational and professional sailors alike.
The redesigned tracker will give fans, teams, and media direct access to real-time data from the racecourse. The technology promises a dynamic, fast, and visually engaging experience from any device—whether desktop, tablet, or smartphone.
PredictWind’s new race tracker provides live tracking like never before
PredictWind’s new race tracker integrates a live GPS feed with 2D and 3D mapping. Viewers can follow boats across the globe with minute-by-minute accuracy. Data overlays show wind direction, wave height, and current strength. Each yacht’s projected course is calculated using PredictWind’s advanced routing engine, which considers boat polars and live weather models.
This creates an immersive dashboard where followers can visualise each tactical decision. You’ll see the exact course over ground, current boat speed, true wind angle, distance to finish, and distance to the next mark—measured in nautical miles.
PredictWind provides a virtual front row seat for fans
Crucially, the platform brings fans even closer to the action. The integration of multimedia allows race watchers to receive updates from OnBoard Reporters (OBRs) in real-time. Each yacht’s story will unfold inside the race tracker, with video and text updates streamed directly from the ocean.
Richard Brisius, Race Chairman for The Ocean Race, says the new tracker “puts the fan first.” He believes the platform lifts offshore race coverage to a new level.
“From predictive analytics to immersive onboard content, the experience is unlike anything we’ve had before,” he says.
PredictWind’s Kiwi legacy
PredictWind is the brainchild of Jon Bilger, a New Zealand sailor and meteorologist who was once part of Alinghi’s weather team during the America’s Cup. He saw potential in making high-performance weather forecasting available to every sailor, not just professionals.
The company acquired an exclusive licence for the Alinghi modelling tools and developed a global forecasting platform, now used by cruisers, racers, and commercial skippers alike. With over 20,000 local forecast sites worldwide, PredictWind brings world-class technology to any user.
Launching with The Ocean Race Europe 2025
The new tracking system debuts on 10 August 2025, the first day of The Ocean Race Europe. The race starts in Kiel, Germany, then runs through Portsmouth, a fly-by stop in Matosinhos/Porto, followed by Cartagena, Nice, Genova, and finishes in Boka Bay, Montenegro.
This will be the first time The Ocean Race has ventured into the Adriatic Sea—another first for a race known for pushing boundaries. The fleet of seven IMOCA60s will showcase not just speed and endurance, but also the power of digital storytelling.
Designed for sharing and accessibility
The tracker will be embedded across multiple digital channels. Media outlets and race teams can publish the tracking module on their own websites. This opens the door for even greater global reach and fan engagement.
For sailors and spectators alike, PredictWind’s involvement will be felt well beyond the screen. It’s not just about watching the dots on a map anymore—it’s about understanding the strategy, feeling the weather shifts, and living the journey.
Jon Bilger, PredictWind Founder, calls the partnership a significant milestone for the company.
“Our tracker doesn’t just follow the boats — it tells the story of the race in real time,” he said.
With this new partnership, The Ocean Race continues to lead from the front—both on the water and in the digital space. PredictWind, for its part, is proving that New Zealand innovation continues to shape the future of international sailing.
