The state-of-the-art 150ft/46m performance superyacht Ganesha, built by Vitters Shipyards, now boasts an advanced global connectivity solution after switching to Inmarsat’s high-speed, high-quality Fleet Xpress Ka-band VSAT service, obtained with dual Cobham SAILOR 60 GX antennas.
The unobtrusive antennas, measuring a mere 60cm, represent the lightest and most compact means on the market of accessing High Throughput Service (HTS) Fleet Xpress maritime broadband. The system has been installed through Inmarsat’s Tier 1 Value Added Reseller (VAR) e3 Systems. Ganesha utilises e3’s Hybrid solution which combines VSAT and 4G data to deliver uninterrupted connectivity at all times, as well as enabling vessels to manage and monitor other factors including IPTV and cyber security. The decision to opt for the Fleet Xpress dual antenna solution was taken because of the service’s unmatched capacity for the provision of guaranteed global bandwidth. Ganesha’s itineraries literally take her round the world, and the combination of Inmarsat’s high-speed Ka-band technology and dependable L-band FleetBroadband backup – reinforced with automatic switching between the two antennas – overcomes the threat of line-of-sight signal outages caused by rig and sails.
Another significant consideration which attracted the yacht’s owner/operators to Fleet Xpress was the service’s ability to deliver premium-quality IPTV (internet protocol television) streaming – a major asset for the recreation and practical aid of guests and crew alike, anywhere in the world. Replacing Ganesha’s unwieldy Ku-band antennas with the Ka-band 60 GX antennas has, at a stroke, effected a substantial weight saving of more than 200kg. Where the old antennas had previously impaired the performance and appearance of a yacht otherwise renowned for its elegant looks and turn of speed, Ganesha now profits from a tasteful, low-form-factor satcom solution which bestows all the sophisticated, always-on connectivity benefits and, at the same time, helps her to sail more rapidly.
“Being able to enjoy all the benefits of the Fleet Xpress Ka-band service via the inconspicuous dual antennas has greatly enhanced the onboard experience,” says Alex Pamment, S/Y Ganesha captain. “The fact that everyone aboard can now essentially take for granted the same broadband quality as they would expect on land is a major asset for everything from crew communications, weather routing and real-time business updates to personal messaging and recreation.”
Roger Horner, Group MD, e3 Systems, added: “S/Y Ganesha is one the world’s most beautiful performance sailing yachts. And now with Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress solution we have been able to provide global connectivity, improve her looks by replacing the overpowering original domes and improve her performance by reducing the weight in the rig. When combined with our Hybrid solution the yacht also has 4G – so three alternative means of communication. This is a win, win, win situation.”
