Kymeta and exclusive superyacht distribution partner, e3 Systems, have announced that the White Rose of Drachs, a world-renowned motor yacht, has been performing the first-ever motor yacht sea trials with Kymeta communications solutions over the last several months with successful results. Up-close views of the trial installation of Kymeta KyWay terminals on the yacht can be seen at the Monaco Yacht Show which will take place from September 27-30, 2017.
Kymeta and e3 Systems worked with the owner, captain, and IT manager of the White Rose to perform the months-long sea trial, and outfitted the yacht with four Kymeta KyWay terminals. The terminals were tested with various MIR/CIR services from leading maritime satellite service providers, including Speedcast, which provided service in the Mediterranean. Upon completion of sea trials and commercial release of yacht solutions, Kymeta terminals will be bundled with Kymeta’s KALO internet access services - powered by the IntelsatOne Flex for Maritime service. The terminals can also be outfitted with MIR/CIR services from service providers like Speedcast.
The trials presented Kymeta and e3 engineers with the opportunity to identify and replace various components - both hardware and software. As a software defined antenna technology, Kymeta KyWay terminals used at the trial were given improved and added functionality, remotely, which has never been possible before with traditional mechanically steered antennas.
The trial period also enabled Andrew Schofield, captain of the White Rose, to witness firsthand the ease with which Kymeta communication solutions can be updated and managed - even while at sea. According to Schofield - One day while testing the Kymeta solutions at sea, the e3 Systems and Kymeta teams removed terminals, changed components, and reinstalled them within minutes. With conventional antennas, they would have been in the yard for a few days with a crane to achieve the same results. The quick installation of the Kymeta solution is a big time and money-saver.
