Icom, official radio communication technical partner to Vendée Globe

by Ian Lockyer on 19 Dec 2012 Icom UK are really pleased to let you know that the Icom family, through its distributor Icom France, is Official Technical Partner to this prestigious round-the-world single-handed yacht race. Icom France was chosen to be the events Official Radio Communication technical partner in 2008 by the Vendée Globe organisation. Icom radio equipment provides the communication required to ensure a smooth start and finish as well as information for sailors.

Among the equipment supplied to the event include the IC-M71VHF Marine Transceiver, IC-M91D Buoyant VHF/DSC Handheld with GPS, IC-M423 Fixed Mount VHF/DSC Transceiver and MA-500TR Class B AIS Transponder.

The Vendée Globe is one of the world’s most famous races and is sailed single handed, non-stop and without assistance. The race was originally founded by Philippe Jeantot in 1989 has taken place every four years since 1992. The 2012-2013 event started on Saturday, November 10, 2012. This single-handed non-stop round-the-world race is seen as a serious test of individual endurance and is regarded by many as the ultimate in ocean racing.

David Lewin, Managing Director of Icom France said, ‘We are proud to have been chosen to work hand-in-hand with the elite of the sailing world, once again allowing us to continue test our equipment against the very toughest of conditions. As always, our goal is to provide amateur and professional yachtsmen with the most effective and reliable communication tools for sailors.’

He added, ‘This year, our new generation of waterproof Icom VHF radios will be tested. Both the IC-M91D GPS Marine VHF/DSC Handheld and IC-M423 Compact Fixed Mount VHF/DSC models share a new common user interface and noise cancelling technology that are unequalled in VHF models today.’

Ian Lockyer, Marketing Manager of Icom UK Ltd said, ’Icom are the number one choice for radio communications for many events across the globe whether it be on land, air and sea. Organisers and competitors continue to put their trust in the quality and dependability that our product range offers. On behalf of everyone at Icom UK, we wish every success to those taking part in the 2012-2013 Vendée Globe.

iCom France