AC Sailing is the videogame of the America's Cup Photo: Supplied
America's Cup is taking a leap into the virtual world with the launch of its simulation video game, AC Sailing, along with its first e-sports world championship.
AC Sailing is the culmination of more than 10 years of research and development by Team New Zealand, the current defender of the America's Cup.
The game is developed from the same simulators that America's Cup teams train with to enhance racing tactics and recreate race scenarios, as well as develop and test design ideas and iterations for their race yachts.
Players will take command of high-tech foiling AC40 yachts and race against others in online fleet and match races, as well as honing their skills in time trials and practice modes.
The game features real-world locations such as Barcelona, the host venue of the 37th America's Cup, authentic liveries from the iconic AC40 America's Cup yachts and the sailors involved in the 2024 edition of the event.
For those new to sailing, an in-depth tutorial where players are coached by America's Cup legend Ray Davies, from the basics of straight-line sailing to foiling tacks and gybes, and then advanced race course strategy and the racing rules of sailing is available.
America's Cup chief executive Grant Dalton said the America's Cup had always been at the forefront of pushing boundaries of what was possible in sailing.
"We're thrilled to bring this innovation legacy into the virtual world, elevating the role of sailing within the e-sports ecosystem as we expand our footprint to become the most inclusive sailing competition of all times."
Team New Zealand's chief technical officer Dan Bernasconi said: "By combining ultra-realistic gameplay with powerful graphics, we're able to transport players to the centre of the action, allowing them to experience the thrill and complexity of competitive sailing like never before."
The mechanics of the game have been designed to mimic those on the water, providing an opportunity for both sailors and sim game players to put their skills to the test.
Sailing is a sport very sensitive to the weather and players will experience the full range of conditions from light winds in flat water to strong and gusty conditions in waves.
The America's Cup E-Series will be open to all gamers and will allow players from around the globe will to race against each other and claim their place among the America's Cup legends. The E-series will consist of online qualifiers and a grand final taking place in Barcelona in September.
The final events will be livestreamed on Twitch.
"We think there is potential for the best AC Sailing players to step out of the gaming room and onto the AC40 in real life- just like the Women and Youth sailors have been doing in training for the Puig Women's America's Cup and the UniCredit Youth America's Cup," Bernasconi said.
