How Ericsson Private 5G Powers SailGP Race Technology

The integration of 5G technology into professional sports is transitioning how athletic competitions are managed, analysed and broadcast.
As sporting events generate increasing volumes of performance data, the demand for high-speed, low-latency networks has surged for both competition management and spectator engagement.
Marine sports present particular challenges for wireless communications due to environmental conditions, distance from shore-based infrastructure and the speed of competition vessels - and these factors have historically limited the implementation of real-time data analytics and live streaming capabilities in sailing competitions.
Now, the deployment of private 5G networks offers a solution to these connectivity challenges and Ericsson has been appointed as the technology supplier for SailGP, implementing private 5G networks to manage communications and data collection for the marine racing series' 2025 season.
Ericsson private 5G enhances race operations
The implementation follows trials with T-Mobile during Season 4 US events.
The technology will support race management through enhanced capabilities in live camera streaming and team location tracking, enabling officials to monitor race protocols.
Warren Jones, Chief Technology Officer at SailGP, says: "SailGP continues to innovate so we can provide the best experiences possible for our teams and fans and this requires networking technology that can keep up with the speed and intricacies of the sport."
However, the system's deployment presents specific challenges in the marine environment. Each F50 catamaran carries a Cradlepoint edge router in its wing structure, which must operate in maritime conditions while maintaining constant communication and safety protocols requiring confirmed connectivity before vessels can leave the dock.
SailGP deployment demonstrates 5G capabilities
The technology enables real-time data transmission between teams and shore crews, covering boat speed, wind conditions and tactical information - and this data flows directly into Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, promoting transparency across teams.
Real-time data
Teams utilise the system for performance optimisation, analysing real-time data to adjust sail settings and boat trim whilst the network supports split-second decision making in race conditions, providing immediate access to critical performance metrics.
Manish Tiwari, Head of Enterprise 5G at Ericsson's Enterprise Wireless Solutions division, says: "The fastest sailing event deserves the fastest possible connectivity for its crews, onshore teams, and officials. With Ericsson Private 5G and our Cradlepoint edge routers, that's exactly what it will get."
Improved data collection
Additionally, the network implementation aims to enhance race management through improved data collection and analysis and teams receive immediate feedback on race position, course layout and wind direction, supporting tactical decision-making during competitions.
Strategic decisions
Furthermore, the technology facilitates strategic decisions during races, including optimal sailing angles and timing for manoeuvres such as tacking and gybing - and this capability extends to mark roundings, where precise positioning data influences tactical choices.
Warren adds: "Ericsson Private 5G combined with its Cradlepoint edge routers not only matches the bandwidth and latency challenges of billions of data points during a race but also addresses our need to quickly deploy networks at locations across the world.
“This reliable, scalable connectivity helps teams optimise performance and maintain fair competition while significantly enriching the fan experience through visibility into race analytics."
IoT
The system will also process data from IoT sensors, video feeds and critical communications and these capabilities extend to spectator engagement, providing technical insights into racing tactics and strategy through data visualisation.
Overall, data sharing through the network promotes fairness by ensuring all teams have access to equivalent information about boat speed, wind direction, course layout and race positions and this transparency aims to prevent unfair advantages in competition.
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