Sailing Simulator Software

Stentec is complicated to learn, but still tops for realism and value. Posey has kept developing, and now has a whole suite of programs for different sailing disciplines; several are good learning programs. The cool new thing is online racing. For that, try Duran's Virtual Skipper 2.

Stentec's simulator, rated best by PS seven years ago, has continued to improve. It's loaded with strong graphics, and makes full use of Microsoft's DirectX technology. It even takes into account the effects of waves.

A lot has changed in computer technology since this publication last reviewed the sailing simulators available for home PCs, in the July 15, 1996 issue. Processor power, network speed, and peripherals have all experienced tremendous advancements. A technology from Microsoft called DirectX has brought new levels of realism to computer games and has fueled their popularity. DirectX, which comes bundled with, and works only for Windows, makes it easier for software developers to incorporate the multimedia capabilities of a computer, such as graphics accelerator cards, sound cards, mouse, joystick, and network communications, into a game or simulation.…