By Tate Theodorsen
Sailing has traditionally been an exclusive sport, requiring access to boats, gear, and water. However, Virtual Regatta (VR) has changed the game over the past few years, making sailing accessible to anyone with a device and an internet connection. It can be downloaded from any app store, allowing everyone from beginners to experienced racers to compete in realistic, strategic sailing races against people across the globe—bridging the gap between virtual and real-world regattas.
We spoke with Tom Gauthier, the Deputy General Manager at Virtual Regatta, to learn more about its origins, impact on the sport, and what is next for the platform.
Making Sailing Accessible: The Inspiration Behind Virtual Regatta
“The idea came from our desire to make sailing accessible to everyone, no matter where they are,” Tom said. “We wanted to share our passion for sailing and regattas with a larger audience, offering an immersive and realistic experience without ever needing a boat. Now, anyone can have their own virtual boat and go on an adventure.”
To cater to different sailing experiences, Virtual Regatta provides Inshore Racing, which emphasizes tactical small-boat competition, and Offshore Racing, which simulates long-distance ocean challenges with real-time weather conditions. This approach allows both casual players and serious sailors to engage with the platform at their own pace. Both versions allow players to race against professionals, practice sailing strategies, and experience the thrill of competition from their own homes.
Balancing Realism and Accessibility
One of the key challenges for VR was creating a game that is both realistic enough for experienced sailors yet not too technical to discourage newcomers.
“We use real-time weather simulations and boat physics for realism, but we also simplify certain aspects so that newcomers aren’t overwhelmed. The key is balance—experienced sailors can test complex race strategies, while beginners can have fun without needing deep technical knowledge,” Tom shared.
This approach has helped VR grow into a global sailing hub, where both casual players and professional sailors engage with the sport in a way that was never possible before.
Partnerships That Drive Growth
Over the years, Virtual Regatta has partnered with some of the biggest names in sailing:
- Vendée Globe: The game has a virtual version of this world-renowned race. By partnering with Vendée Globe, VR reached over 8,000 schools globally, allowing students to engage with the sport and experience offshore racing firsthand.
- Harken & MX3: VR has collaborated with these companies to integrate real-life sailing equipment into the game, making the experience more realistic and immersive.
These collaborations not only extend VR’s reach worldwide but also enhance the gameplay experience, making it the perfect tool for both entertainment and training.
A Passionate and Engaged Community
VR’s player base is one of its greatest strengths, having built a highly engaged and diverse community.
- 830,000+ players joined the Vendée Globe event
- Players average 9 minutes per session and participate in an average of 4.46 sessions per day
- 44% play on Android, 40% on iOS, and 16% on desktop
A big part of their approach is offering players frequent events, leaderboards, and challenges that keep them coming back. They also emphasize player interaction through in-game chats and private races among friends.
VR is all about fostering connection; keeping a circle of engagement that continuously grows is what makes its community so strong.
eSailing’s Role in the Future of Competitive Sailing
Virtual Regatta is reshaping the future of competitive sailing, making it more accessible and interactive than ever before.
“eSailing is changing how we view competitive sailing. It allows us to reach younger audiences and introduce racing to those who may never have had the chance to sail in real life. Even professional sailors use Virtual Regatta to train, making it a valuable tool in the sport’s future.”
Many professional sailors, including Loïck Peyron, François Gabart, and Armel Le Cléac’h, have used Virtual Regatta to refine race strategies and test simulated conditions in a risk-free environment. The ability to race against real-world sailing legends adds a unique level of excitement for players.
How Coaches and Sailors Can Use Virtual Regatta
Coaches can use VR as a teaching tool. It is the perfect outlet to teach the basics of racing, boat strategy, and rules. On a rainy day over the summer, junior sailing programs can use this to keep the sailing going! Coaches can also organize internal challenges to motivate their teams and track progress.
It allows young sailors to practice in a safe environment if they are not yet comfortable on the water, suffering from an injury, or simply want the feeling of being on the water when they’re unable to go out.
Long-Term Goals & Next Steps for Virtual Regatta
Virtual Regatta is striving to develop and maintain its status as the leading platform in eSailing by collaborating with more global and local events, introducing new features, developing more realistic experiences for the community, and raising awareness of the sport.
“In short, we want Virtual Regatta to be where virtual and real sailing meet so that everyone can share the passion for the sport,” Tom concluded.
As Virtual Regatta continues to grow, it will remain at the forefront of eSailing, expanding access to sailing for new generations while giving professionals a new tool to hone their skills.
Leave a Reply