With the Challenger Selection Series underway in Barcelona, the race to the 37th America’s Cup is well and truly on. Returning as the Official Weather Data Supplier this year, beyond arming competing teams with elite-level forecasts, PredictWind will offer new tools and insights that will level up spectator engagement.
Five official weather stations strategically placed along the coast of Barcelona are providing the world’s best yachtsmen with crucial live wind observation data and accurate forecasts to aid with their planning and race strategy on what is likely to be an unpredictable and challenging racecourse.
Beyond this, PredictWind has released the Race Weather Center. An America’s Cup first, this year, those watching the race will have the official inside scoop on the weather for every America’s Cup race at their fingertips via a dedicated race weather center. From live webcams, detailed daily weather breakdowns written by meteorologists, and historical weather data to minute-by-minute playback of the weather for all previous races, race media, and highlights — fans will have VIP access that will bring them closer to the action.
Founding Director of PredictWind, Jon Bilger, reinforced the company’s mission to equip spectators with tools that would bring them closer to the action for this year’s Cup.
“We are proud to be able to introduce the PredictWind Race Weather Center, which ultimately gives fans access to the same elite-weather data that is guiding the competing teams on the race course so that they can truly live the thrill of the race,” says Bilger.
He continues, “The America’s Cup stands as one of the hardest sporting endeavors, and I know from experience the impact that weather forecasts can have on the race. Wider access to this high-level weather data means that those watching the competition – no matter where they may be on the globe – will be able to get real-time insights and a better understanding of what is guiding each team’s strategy on the day.”
For PredictWind users wanting to stay connected to the race, a new app feature now offers fans a dynamic view of the racecourse, complete with real-time updates on their GPS location and the spectator boat area. As race officials adjust the course, the app updates automatically, ensuring that both on-site spectators and remote followers are always in the loop.
This marks the second year that the New Zealand-based pioneering weather forecaster will be the ultimate source of weather at the world’s most prestigious race – fitting, given PredictWind was born out of America’s Cup technology.
The new addition for spectators this year highlights a broader shift in how technology is enhancing sports — both for those competing and those cheering them on to become the winner of the world’s oldest international sports trophy.
Greg Grzesiak is an Entrepreneur-In-Residence and Columnist at Grit Daily. As CEO of Grzesiak Growth LLC, Greg dedicates his time to helping CEOs influencers and entrepreneurs make the appearances that will grow their following in their reach globally. Over the years he has built strong partnerships with high profile educators and influencers in Youtube and traditional finance space. Greg is a University of Florida graduate with years of experience in marketing and journalism.
