First virtual-to-reality sailing contests introduced by SailX

Following completion of the 2013 ISAF Virtual Youth Worlds (125,000 boat starts in just 6 weeks), SailX is proud to announce two new and very different events, with a range of exciting prizes and formats designed to bring the worlds of real and virtual sailing closer together than ever before.

Virtual GJW Direct SailFest 2013

The Virtual GJW Direct SailFest 2013 will take place over three-weeks starting Monday August 5th and concluding on Saturday and Sunday of SailFest 2013 (August 24th & 25th, Bank Holiday weekend in the UK). In an exciting blend of virtual and real worlds, SailRacer will host the final two days worth of racing in this virtual regatta, 'live' on the big screen in Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (site of the London 2012 Sailing Regatta in Weymouth, UK) in order to bring all parties racing the real and virtual events together online to decide the final ranking.

When racing is complete, the top ranked competitor on site at SailFest 2013 on the Sunday, shall be awarded with a SailRacer GPS tracking system so they can track and review their real world sailing.

See the Event Page and Notice of Race [PDF].

This virtual regatta is designed to promote GJW Direct SailFest 2013, a festival of sail organized by SailRacer over the August Bank Holiday in Weymouth, site of the 2012 Olympic Regatta. This will be a very special event with GPS tracking, live commentary for spectators, shore-side displays & workshops plus plenty of entertaining onshore activities for families. There will be something for everyone so why not come and join us! Enter the real event.

With big thanks to our friends at SailRacer.

EFG Pan-American Viper 640 Virtual Sport Boat Championship 2013/14

Mirroring the hugely successful motorsport "virtual-to-reality" racing format pioneered by Sony Playstation and Nissan Europe with the GT Academy, SailX (and our partners in this regatta) are now offering sailors a similar opportunity for the very first time: In this regatta South American sailors will compete virtually to win the opportunity to take part in the real-world "EFG Pan American Sport Boat Championship 2014" - including free charter of a brand new Viper 640 (worth approximately $4,500 including new sails) and free entry to the regatta.

In addition the overall winner of this event will win a Mauri Pro voucher worth US$400 and two competitors who are taking part in both real and virtual events will be awarded VIP passes to the Pan American Race Village in Miami sponsored by Bacardi.

The virtual event will be run on SailX.com in 6 short Stages (5-days only) with timings to match the following real-world Sport Boats events: Bacardi Newport Sailing Week, Cowes Week, Canadian Olympic Regatta, Viper North American Champs, Australian Viper National Championship. One day of each Stage will have only one Official Regatta (each other day will have four Official Regattas) - with all competitors racing together in a single big fleet (i.e. no splitting into multiple fleets). Racing will be held in Vipers only.

See the Event Page and Notice of Race.

With big thanks to our friends at the Viper 640 Class (especially long-time SailXer, ViperMamboKings) and to event partners EFG International, Rondar Raceboats and Mauri Pro Sailing.