Powerboat P1 has aligned with Virtual Spectator, world leader in interactive sports visualization, to provide virtual 3D coverage of all Powerboat P1 races during the 2008 season. This news announced at the London Boat Show, which began today

Powerboat P1 is the latest in a long list of premier sporting events such as the PGA Tour, World Rally Championship, America's Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race, to use unique 3D visualisations to follow the action and educate viewers. The VS technology will also provide weather data, as well as telemetry information from the boats, including race speeds and positions.

Anyone with an Internet connection, anywhere in the world, will be able to immerse themselves in the action. Virtual Spectator's 3D animated graphics provide life-like digital representation and special effects. Each boat will be equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit which logs a boat's location via satellite at split-second intervals. The information is then translated into a downloadable virtual environment that allows fans to ride the waves in the heat of competition, something that until now has been the exclusivity of the P1 pilots.

"Whilst Powerboat P1 has been successful in drawing crowds to events and building a global TV audience, the sport needs a new way to connect with fans," explains Robert Wicks, Sales & Marketing Director, Powerboat P1 Management Ltd. "We are the only powerboat series in the world to be able to offer fans a greater depth of knowledge, of the competitors and the broader complexities of the sport. Our ground breaking deal with Virtual Spectator will revolutionise the way in which fans engage with the sport. Fans worldwide will enjoy outstanding graphics and real time action online, choosing to view from the air or any one of the competing boats."

"Virtual Spectator will also become an integral part of the VIP hospitality experience at each Powerboat P1 Grand Prix, as well as becoming an essential aid for team managers. We are very excited about the potential of this partnership and the impact it will have on the sport."

"We are thrilled to be involved with such a spectacular sport," comments Curtis Worthy, Executive Project Manager, Virtual Spectator. "The collaboration between Virtual Spectator and Powerboat P1 represents an ideal partnership of sport and technology. VS will provide the growing global power boat fan base with a platform to experience P1 racing in an entirely new and interactive way."

"Virtual Spectator has a proven track record of providing spectators with an increased understanding, appreciation and participation in every sport that utilises our technology. By giving the spectator VS technology, we not only help grow the global audience but also make the sport more accessible."