OC Sport, creator and organiser of the Extreme Sailing Series™, is pleased to announce the launch of the official Extreme Sailing Series App, in collaboration with US-based intelligent communications platform and new official supplier to the Series, Spark Compass.
Developed and published by San Diego-based Total Communicator Solutions, Inc. (TCS), the patented Spark Compass™ Platform for Platforms is the 'brains' behind the new Extreme Sailing Series global app, which delivers curated, personalized experiences and content to fans.
The perfect homecoming celebration, the app will launch at the Extreme Sailing Series San Diego, presented by SAP event, which takes place from 18-21 October. The platform enables messaging and content delivery based on geo-fences and geo-targets, proximity beacons and NFC (near-field communication) taps, ensuring that fans can easily keep up to date with all the latest action, news and results.
Spark Compass is also integrating programs from other digital brands and technologies associated with the Series, such as VOGO Sport. The app will feature race updates, streaming, and videos for users around the globe.
IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, digital displays and augmented reality (AR) are also integrated, and visitors to the San Diego Race Village will be able to experience AR first hand. Whilst at the event, fans can scan AR targets that will deliver new in-app experiences, encouraging user participation and a unique involvement with the Series.
Spark Compass is an esteemed platform that has previously powered large-scale sailing apps, including the America's Cup Official App, featured last year to enhance fan engagement in Bermuda. The platform has also been used by sports gear manufacturer PUMA, to launch a new shoe with pop star Selena Gomez, and by IBM at Wimbledon to engage with tennis fans at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Spark Compass has won an award for its entry into the SmartAmerica Challenge with the White House Presidential Innovation Fellow project.
In recent weeks, the platform has been showcased at the Olympism in Action Forum in Buenos Aires by IT giant and channel partner, ATOS, and featured by Alibaba at its technology summit in China. Most recently, Spark Compass was named by Insights Success as one of the 30 Most Innovative Companies to watch in 2018. Erik Bjontegard, Spark Compass inventor and TCS founder and CEO, was also named by Insights Success as one of Top 30 Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs of 2018. In 2017, the platform was awarded by Unacast as one of the Top 10 IoT Platforms.
"Partnering with the Extreme Sailing Series and their fantastic high-octane Stadium Racing enables us to showcase the excitement of the sport in new ways," said Bjontegard, a former Norwegian national sailing champion. He added, "Leveraging the fantastic GC32s with content delivery from Spark Compass works seamlessly and is a natural fit. As we add more sensors, integrate new features and deploy more technologies, we'll be expanding the ways these races are consumed by fans, both on-shore in the Extreme Sailing Series Race Villages and across the globe. These are extremely exciting times."
Extreme Sailing Series Commercial Director, Scott Over, is thrilled to be working with Spark Compass to expand the reach of the event and create new experiences for fans all over the world.
"This partnership with Spark Compass allows the Series to take on new forms, improving event accessibility and the experience of our existing global fan base. Not only will this app act as a further communications tool for the Extreme Sailing Series, but it will also engage new users as the event grows and continually evolves. We're very much looking forward to working with our new official supplier, Spark Compass, to develop something truly unique and innovative for the Series for our next two events, and indeed in the coming years."