Virtual Sailing ...

Currently high profile in the sailing media virtual sailing is an obsession that is taking over the lives of sailors around the globe.

With recent attention being put on the Volvo Ocean Race it is no doubt that one of the most popular sites for virtual sailors is the Volvo Ocean Race Game. In this race skippers drive their own Open 70 racing the legs of the Volvo Ocean race with real time wind data and boat speeds.

Similar to the Volvo Ocean Race Game is the 'more challenging' Vendee Globe Game. Run by the same company as the Volvo the Vendee Globe Game is the ultimate challenge for sailors who share the enthusiasm for off shore as some of the big guns although with out the extravagant budget, element of risk and in the comfort of their front room or office.

Some of the many problems with these games are as follows :-
- Whilst the game experience does feel very 'real' the server does not have the capacity to update the monitors of all 150,000 users in real time. To avoid the frustrating lag time this would cause the game has been programmed to update every 10 minutes.

- Although the games are free to subscribe to the more advanced options such as auto-helm, auto-sail changes and sail repairs cost money. And no body want to pay for internet sailing.

- The game is still very new and there are many bugs in the system. These have frustrated many virtual sailors.

If the idea of long distance real time offshore sailing isn't for you then there is an alternative. Sailx is a round the cans tactical simulator, where users battle against realistic wind and tide conditions (and each other) in one of the best sailing games around. Like the other games reestration is free and sailors can try their hand at sailing lasers, catamarans, skiffs and keelboats.

Check out what you are missing out on at the following links :-

Volvo Ocean Race Game - www.volvooceanracegame.com
Vendee Globe Game - www.virtualregatta.com
Sailx - www.sailx.com (previously www.tacticat.com)

enjoy,

bowman :)