Gosh, where did that hour go? Tearing about in a polygonal Laser dinghy courtesy of the free Storm Sailor prototype is a blast, and you don’t need to look much further than the sim’s strong hydrodynamics, helpful AI, and friendly controls, to understand why.
Once I’d worked out that the green arrows on the UI (circled in the above screenshot) indicated the direction of the next randomly positioned buoy not the direction of the prevailing wind, and that – assuming I didn’t try anything too ambitious – the AI would handle avatar movement during jibing fairly competently, I was away.
In addition to a compass and anemometer, the easier scenarios come with a boom trim guide to help you maximise speed. Move on to the ‘Race’ and ‘Storm’ challenges and all artificial aids are removed.
Most sailing sims seem to do a pretty good job of conveying the relationship between wind and sails. Few if any model the intercourse between waves and hull as persuasively as Storm Sailor. To avoid capsizing while maneuvering on the two salt water missions, you’ll need to have your wits about you and be ready to override the AI and manually lean and bum-shift on occasion.
If the promising Storm Sailor ever gains new craft, additional scenery, customisable weather, or racing opponents, you’ll hear about it on Tally-Ho Corner.