DUBLIN, Ireland, Aug. 24, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spot LLC, the maker of the world's first satellite GPS Messenger, will track Virgin Founder & Entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson's record attempt to kite-surf across the English Channel scheduled to start this morning. As a celebration of his 60th birthday, he will become the oldest person in history to accomplish this challenge if successful.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7909
Leaving from Dungeness in Kent, Sir Richard Branson will be accompanied across the 24-mile stretch of water by family members including his children, Holly, 29 and Sam, 26. Live tracking and progress updates of the challenge can be followed online at www.virginactive.co.uk/content/kitesurfing.
"We are delighted to be using Spot technology for this event and hope it will ensure that everyone will be able to follow Sir Richard and his family's progress via the web on this fun challenge," said Alex Tai, Director of Special Projects Virgin Group.
Sir Richard Branson will be equipped with a handheld SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger™ which uses satellite technology to determine current GPS location and then transmits the location coordinates and status messages via a global satellite network. The Track Progress feature on the SPOT Messenger allows others to follow Sir Branson's location on Google Maps™.
"It's an honor to provide the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger as a vital tracking solution to Sir Richard for such an historic record attempt," said Gavan Murphy, European Marketing Manager for Spot LLC.
Users of the SPOT Messenger can send GPS-based pre-defined messages via satellite to contacts from beyond cellular service. In an emergency, the SOS message feature transmits an alert to an International Emergency Rescue Coordination Center with the SPOT owner's GPS location. The SPOT Messenger works around the world, including all of the continental United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia Northern and Central Africa, portions of South America and North-Eastern Asia and hundreds or thousands of miles offshore of these areas.
Pricing and Availability
The SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger retails for €175 with an annual service plan starting at €99. To locate a local SPOT retailer near you, please visit the company's dealer locator at www.findmespot.com.
About Spot LLC
The SPOT product family uses both the GPS satellite network to determine a customer's location and the SPOT network to transmit that information to friends, family or an international rescue coordination center. Spot LLC, a subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT), provides emergency notification technology that allows users to communicate from remote locations around the globe. Thanks to this affordable, cutting edge personal safety device, the company offers people peace of mind by allowing customers to notify friends and family of their location and status, and to send for emergency assistance in time of need, completely independent of cellular phone or wireless coverage. For more information on how Spot LLC is helping others stay connected - from disaster preparedness to outdoor adventure - visit www.findmespot.com.
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
