SailSim

SailSim is a sailing simulator for learning basic sailing principles and exploring how different vessels behave. You can learn boat parts, terminology, symbols and equipment through simple instructional courses, or explore, compete and take on short adventures. Achievements and high scores provide additional goals.

Sailing vessels

You can try three vessels: the Laser - Olympic, the Catalina 22 - Classic (Fin Keel) and the Sabre Spirit 37 - (Fin Keel).

Sailing systems

The simulator models sailing controls and changing forces that affect how a vessel moves. Its features include:

• Keel control, including the effects of keel on vessel velocity and mass
• Boom direction, jibe and tack forces, and boom vang control
• Folding and unfolding the main sail and jib, jib-sheet tension and winch control, spinnaker control and sail reefing
• Rudder control in relation to velocity, vessel mass and turning circle, including reverse control
• Engine fuel capacity and refueling, outboard engine control and prop walk, and sail-drive prop walk
• Dynamic wind, including effects based on vessel velocity and direction
• Level interaction and drift in relation to sail direction
• Vessel heel and potential capsizing, and the rudder-pull effect of using the jib and main sail separately

Vessels can experience up to 30 or more forces dynamically at once. Some controls and reactions are intentionally awkward compared with a typical sailing game, to reflect aspects of handling a sailboat by yourself. The simulator is not an exact replication of sailing, but models some of the things you encounter aboard a boat. Its visuals are designed to be playful, with particular attention to the environment.