Stimulating simulator

PLAY: A graphic from the game

Volume 49, No. 23, December 14, 2006

By Eris Kennedy

You may have heard of Microsoft’s Flight Simulator but how about a maritime simulation that allows you to navigate your own virtual yacht, merchant ship or warship on a realistic, user-defined virtual ocean.

It is out there and it’s called Virtual Sailor (search on “virtual sailor”).

The basic program can be purchased and downloaded and then an extensive range of virtual ships, boats and scenery, everything from super tankers down to RHIBs can be added for free.

The program was designed in Europe and consequently contains little detailed scenery from our region.

However, the tools are provided for enthusiasts to design their own coasts and harbours.

You can download a virtual example of just about every modern RAN vessel including the Armidale Class.

No substitute for the real thing, but an interesting diversion for the nautically inclined.

.