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Board » General Discussion » SOL - 3D Version

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Having recently rec'd an "invite" to the VOR Closed Beta version, I appreciate this thread. I was lucky enough to come upon SOL first, so I have no basis for comparison BUT it seems clear that I would be disappointed with any other sim.
I am still intrigued with LiveSailor (after reading several thoughtful blogs by Schakel) but I don't have the time to devote right now. I have enjoyed watching SOL evolve, even in the short time I have been involved. Vive la différence!!
Nobody seems to have picked up on the point that the entire Virtual Sailor is a free downloadable program that is entirely run in your own computer, but it does have internet connectability so that a small number of other players can cooperate. The only things that need to be communicated are the boat positions and the chat facility. It would not require even as much data interchange as SOL. To work, the program would need to be paid for at the start, but this is about the same as the SOL YC fee.
As it is now the VS program would be totally unworkable as a rival to SOL, or any other program, but---someone is going to do it, why not SOL?
If it breaks, it's not strong enough--if it doesn't, it's too heavy.
let me restate with an example.
PlayStation online gaming engine, namely the PSN, allows users to share the game environment. This is a completely dedicated environment with highly demanding QoS issues. The game runs on the individual consoles but data is exchanged over the net in order to synchronize the experience. Data overhead is not more than few kB/sec so bandwidth should not be considered as a limit. On the other hand a single glitch in the communication, even a higher delay in the route from the various clients, can disrupt the game completely.
So the issue is not where the simulation runs but how we can guarantee that synchronization is kept between all the players. IMHO the only technical opportunity we have now is a client-server scheme so, on our computers, what we can have is a client that mimics the calculations held on the server side.

In Italy we say that the world is nice because of its differences. So if you like fancy graphics and fewer boats you can stick to the reality of VSK, but if you like the strategy and weather planning against hundreds of boats then SOL is THE choice.
The issue I have with all free virtual sims is that they are PC only! It sucks in a severe way when Macs are being left out although they are increasing their market share at a blinding pace!

3D racing would also look unrealistic if boats are allowed to ghost through each other like in SOL. Collision detection would kill FPS immediately.

chksix

--- Last Edited by Pierre at 2011-05-18 08:36:41 ---
On Virtual Sailor, collisions result in violent changes of course, or you can set it so that the collided vessels sink
If it breaks, it's not strong enough--if it doesn't, it's too heavy.
WHOA.... back up a minute!! I wasn't aware of the Mac issue. Was planning to change from a Dell to Mac Air with my next upgrade (hopefully later this year) but I would rethink the timing if I can't SOL-along as I do now. I thought Macs could run anything PC runs... or is it the way the client is written? I don't know those finer details.

I may have to just keep the old PC as SOLo unit (God... I LOVE how many ways you can work SOL into the conversation :>)))
SOL is mac compatible since it runs in the web browser.

All 3D sailing sims are PC only however :(
I wish SOL was iPad compatible. I would buy one if it was, but the powers that be have ruled Flash off limits for iPads.

Wouldn't it be nice, though, to SOL on the go?
just a smooth transition to HTML5?

;)
Only reason I didn't buy an IPad was "no Flash = no SOL".
I told this to the sales person at the Apple store and she asked "Is SOL that important for you?"
and I repplied,
"Yes, it is"

Antonio (zero)

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Welcome to the fourth of our nine races across the length and breadth of the Magical Mediterranean Sea, and the second that is not in partnership with a real-life event, this time for good reason, which we won’t get into here. From Tobruk to Iskenderun it’s 670nm in length, with the added complication that the island of Cyprus will be in your way. Hoping, possibly forlornly, for plenty of downwind sailing, we’ll take the Lagoon 55 for the voyage!
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Welcome to yet another all-new route. Tasmania to Kamchatka, part of our Ocean Championship and also the third leg of the ROW (Round the Old World) series. Be aware of the obstacles on the way, likely to split the fleet. It's like X:mas to X:mas, crossing the same waters, navigating the same archipelagos. This second race of OCQ2 2026 will be sailed in our revised 'version 2' Imoca 60 Foil. Race #2031
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Bay to Bay 2026 - Leg 2

After a thrilling opener, the 2026 edition of the Bay to Bay Yacht Race continues with Leg 2, bringing even more adrenaline and tactical excitement to the waters of the Great Sandy Marine Park. Our SOLers will once again take the helm of their ILCA 7, this time tackling a 24-nautical-mile course through shifting breezes and tight competition.
With fresh legs, sharper tactics, and everything to race for, it’s anyone’s game! See you on the start line for the grand finale!
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Bay to Bay 2026 - Leg 1

Prepare for an electrifying start to the 2026 Bay to Bay Yacht Race! This first leg will see our SOLers take on a fast-paced, 16-nautical-mile sprint through the stunning waters of the Great Sandy Marine Park, weaving past the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Sandy National Park. Racing in ILCA 7, the fleet will battle shifting winds, tricky tactics, and fierce competition—all in pursuit of victory! With the thrill of the race and an unforgettable sailing experience ahead, we can’t wait to see you on the start line!
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Regata dell’Accademia Navale 2026

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Falklands to Tasmania 2026

Welcome to yet another all-new route. This next race is part of our Ocean Championship as well as the ROW series. Falklands to Tasmania, is like last year's island to island. It’s one of the longer ones 6400nm, more than half way around the world (and the Antarctica). It starts the 2026 OCQ2, and will be sailed in our Steinlager 2, contrary to prior notice.
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