America's Cup eSeries: Are you ready to sail online?

Sep 11, 2024

The America's Cup eSeries is the virtual version of the iconic sailing competition, the America's Cup, where teams face off in a simulated digital environment. This competition allows fans to experience the excitement of the regattas from their devices, combining cutting-edge technology with the adrenaline of sailing.

America's Cup eSeries Rules

The eSeries competition follows a format that faithfully simulates real regattas, including factors such as wind, waves, and boat speed. The basic rules include:

• International teams: Teams from around the world compete against each other, representing the countries involved in the real competition.
• Race format: Just like in the traditional America's Cup, a series of elimination races are held until the grand final.
• Simulation platform: The competition takes place on highly accurate nautical simulation platforms, where every detail counts.
• Virtual weather conditions: Wind, waves, and other elements directly influence the tactical decisions of the teams.

How to play?

To participate in the America's Cup eSeries, participants must use an advanced nautical simulator that recreates real regatta conditions. Here is the step-by-step process:

1. Sailing simulator: A regatta simulation platform is used, such as ACSailing, a highly accurate software that replicates ocean conditions, wind, and sailing maneuvers.

2. Boats and control: Players virtually control the AC75 boats, the official vessels of the America's Cup, adjusting sails, course, and taking advantage of weather conditions. Each boat responds realistically to the virtual wind and water conditions.

3. Environmental conditions: Wind and waves dynamically change during the race, requiring participants to constantly adjust their navigation strategies. Decisions like tacking or changing sails are crucial to gaining an advantage over opponents.

4. Real-time competition: Just like in a traditional regatta, players compete in real-time against other teams, where speed, strategy, and precision are essential to winning.

   
   

What is needed to participate in the America's Cup eSeries?

To participate, the following is required:

• Access to the simulation platform: Players must register on the official ACSailing platform, the most realistic and detailed regatta simulator for this competition. ACSailing offers an immersive experience that faithfully recreates the challenges faced by teams in real regattas, such as controlling the AC75 and the changing wind and wave conditions. This platform allows players to maneuver the boats as if they were in a physical competition, with unprecedented precision in modeling nautical dynamics. The ACSailing platform is recognized as one of the most advanced tools for those looking to compete at a professional or amateur level in the America's Cup eSeries.

• Internet connection: A stable and fast connection is essential to compete in real-time without interruptions.

• Basic sailing knowledge: Although it is a virtual competition, prior sailing knowledge is recommended to understand the race rules and maneuvering techniques.

• Suitable device: You can participate from a PC, tablet, or even a smartphone, but for the best experience, it is advisable to use a PC with a good screen and, if possible, a specialized controller or joystick for sailing simulation.

  
  

Teams currently competing

The main teams participating in the America's Cup eSeries are the same ones competing in the real competition, representing nations with a strong sailing tradition:

• Emirates Team New Zealand (New Zealand): The defending team, with a long history in the America's Cup, is also a strong competitor in the virtual version.
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (Italy): The Italian team is always a favorite, both in the physical and digital competition.
• INEOS Britannia (United Kingdom): Led by Sir Ben Ainslie, the British team is a standout contender in both versions.
• American Magic (United States): The American team, with a strong heritage in the America's Cup, seeks victory in the eSeries with the same passion as in the physical competition.
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (Switzerland): The Swiss team, known for its technological innovations, is perfectly suited to the digital format.
• Orient Express Racing Team (France): The French are also part of this exciting competition with a strategic focus in both the physical and virtual regatta.

Importance of the virtual eSeries competition

This new virtual version not only brings the America's Cup closer to a global audience but also highlights the importance of innovation in the sport. Some of the main reasons for its relevance are:

• Connection with fans: It allows sailing enthusiasts to experience the excitement of the competition in an interactive and accessible way.
• Technological advancements: The eSeries shows how technology can accurately recreate the conditions of a real regatta, providing additional training for teams.
• Promotion of the sport: It attracts new audiences, including young people and eSports fans, increasing the visibility of sailing worldwide.

The America's Cup eSeries is not only a reflection of technological innovation applied to sports but also represents a unique opportunity for fans and new audiences to experience the competition from a different perspective. With rules that closely follow real regattas and growing popularity, this virtual version is set to become a major pillar in the future of the America's Cup.