Optical Media’s LiveU live production workflow helped deliver the Fastnet Race to fans using LiveU LIQ and Audio Connect to maintain continuous network connection and communications
Optical Media produced live streamed coverage of the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race on 26 July. A biennial offshore yacht race, the 2025 event marked its Centenary year and saw a bigger fleet than had ever started the race before – nearly 450 yachts. Starting in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, the yachts round the Fastnet Rock off the southwest coast of Ireland and finish in Cherbourg, France.
Coverage of the race was broadcast live on the Royal Ocean Racing Club's YouTube channel and via two European broadcasters. In order to capture and convey the excitement as over 3,000 sailors prepared to take on the competition, Optical Media first produced a 15-minute show leading up to the race itself.
The team then live streamed the start of each class, showing the many challenges the crews have to manage as their yachts, measuring up to 30m or more, jostle for the best position at the Royal Yacht Squadron start line – without colliding or accruing a two-hour penalty for setting sail too early.
Live Streaming in 4K
Aiming to live stream in 4K, Optical Media deployed several LiveU LU600 portable encoder units, including one on a high-speed RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) equipped with a specialised stabilised camera system. The RIB followed the fleet as they set off across the Solent strait between the Isle of Wight and mainland England, delivering close-up footage of crews pushing to secure prime positions.
LiveU's LIQ service was used on the RIB to make sure a reliable signal could be maintained in the demanding circumstances encountered while chasing the fleet at up to 15-20 knots. LiveU IQ uses AI to analyze real-time and historical network data. It continuously optimizes multiple connection parameters to dynamically select the best-performing cellular networks at any given location. LiveU’s LRT protocol bonds multiple cellular and other IP links for maximum bandwidth. At the same time, LiveU Mobile Data embedded SIM cards work with LIQ to optimise the connectivity
LiveU unit positioned opposite Hearst Castle.
Strong Links and Connectivity
James Light, Director of Optical Media said, "We certainly never lost the connection on the RIB. We found the LIQ service to be very strong. Live streaming from the Solent is known to be challenging, and putting it into these conditions proves to me that it works. It was able to identify whatever key network was there and present it the whole time.
“Part of the success this year is owed to LIQ's capability to react in real-time to changes in network conditions. It's also been a weather-proof system that gives us the best-possible set of options."
To complement this dynamic coverage, their strategy involved placing a second LiveU unit at Egypt Point, which is a critical vantage near to the start line, while a third unit captured elevated shots from a hilltop framed with the picturesque Hurst Castle in the background.
Optical Media also used LiveU's LU-Link, which enables a pre-configured cloud service as part of LiveU's on-site production solution. LU-Link makes configuring a custom firewall unnecessary, which meant the LiveU server could be hosted securely on an unmanaged network. James said, "By using LU-Link, we can plug into a network from the OB van parked next to the Royal Squadron Building. The service directly connects the LiveU field units to the field-based Mobile Receiver."
Director Communications
For the first time Optical Media deployed LiveU's Audio Connect intercom system. "The team could plug in their headphone ports, connected via a jack extender onboard the RIB, at Egypt Point and Hurst Castle, allowing them to clearly hear director comms in real-time. There was no need to operate phones or other audio systems, which was critical for me. It was a big help and I'm unlikely to attempt this project again without it."
He also, mentioned that, as a production business, his team’s job is to find the best available tools for the job in hand, based on a range of factors including budget, complexity and scenario. T”ogether with the LiveU team we find solutions that work in challenging environments so that we can bring viewers closer to the action. LiveU opens opportunities for us to talk to clients about how we can tell stories in different ways," he said. www.liveu.tv
