Real-time tracking for 24-hour race

The system, based on the EziTrak boat, car and mobile equipment tracking system developed by the Australian-based Rojone, will allow real-time tracking of all yachts participating in the race.

It is anticipated that results, and handicaps, will be available within an hour of the finish.

EziTrak uses a combination of GPS and GPRS (mobile phone) technology to accurately track a yacht's course, reporting back to a central computer with positioning data every few minutes, and accuracies to within a few metres.

In the case of the HCW 24-hour race, an EziTrack GPS unit and transmitter - along with GPRS SIM cards supplied by Telstra Glendale - will be provided to each boat, and give a log of its course and distance travelled over the 24 hours.

The boat which travels the farthest over the 31nm course in 24 hours will be declared the scratch winner. Handicaps will also be applied in real-time and be available at the same time as scratch placings.

Participants will be able to buy the EziTrak system from Rojone at a significant discount,
for future races and as a complete anti-theft and security system for their yachts.

An installed EziTrak system is hooked up to bilge pumps, the engine and the battery meter, and can automatically notify owners of any unauthorised or unusual events on their yachts, including theft, a dragging mooring, low battery, or the bilge pumps working.

Livia Grabowski, managing director of Rojone, said EziTrak's involvement in the race was a great opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of the system – and also support the race's key purpose: raising funds for cancer research.

All competitors need to do is supply their credit card details as security for return of the
systems following the race.

For more info, email info@heavencanwait.com.au, or visit www.heavencanwait.com.au