Vodafone gives Kiwis chance to take on Jimmy Spithill

Vodafone announced overnight a virtual sailing event on their 4G network with the new Samsung GALAXY Note 4 smartphone.

Vodafone will give one lucky person the chance to take down Jimmy Spithill - the Oracle Team USA skipper and mastermind behind Team New Zealand's historic 2013 yachting defeat.

They’ll do it while hovering in a chopper over Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, steering the powerful TeamVodafone Sailing trimaran.

“I’m totally up for it and looking forward to taking on the best that New Zealand can throw at me,” says Jimmy Spithill.  “Vodafone has come up with a race that’s high tech, completely unique and open to Vodafone customers.  But as you know, I’m always one to rise to the challenge – and I’m convinced I’ll get the TeamVodafone Sailing trimaran around the course faster than anyone.”

Customers interested in racing Jimmy simply have to play the new mobile sailing game using your smartphone or tablet.

The virtual sailing game is a Vodafone First. Players get live wind readings from the Hauraki Gulf and harness these readings to work their way around the course

The top 10 eligible players of the game will be invited to create an entertaining sailing commentary video on the new Samsung GALAXY Note 4. The best entry will get to play the game for real, directing the TeamVodafone Sailing 60-foot trimaran using Vodafone’s 4G network and their Samsung GALAXY Note 4 while in a helicopter above the course in the Hauraki Gulf – all in a bid to beat Jimmy Spithill, who’ll be doing the same.

Matt Williams, Vodafone Consumer Director, says “this is another first from Vodafone, powered by our leading, superfast 4G network.

“We’re excited to have Samsung on board to give Kiwis the chance to do something inspired by leading innovative technology.”

To be a contender for this Vodafone First and go up against Jimmy Spithill, play the game here. The game runs from 15-24 October.

Key timings:

• Game launch – Tuesday 15 October
• Game close – Friday 24 October
• 10 finalists announced – Friday 24 October
• 10 x Samsung Note 4 delivered to top 10 players – Friday 24 October
• Commentary submission deadline – Tuesday 28 October
• Winner informed – Wednesday 29 October
• Race Day – weather dependent (w/c 30 October)