Please select your home edition
Edition

America's Cup enters the E-Sports arena with launch of Official Game and Championship

by America's Cup Media 9 Apr 09:53 UTC 9 April 2024
AC Sailing - 37th America's Cup Official Game - April 2024 © ACE

AC Sailing, the ultimate regatta simulator built on actual simulation technology used by America's Cup teams, will be available for free download on Epic Store and Steam from April 9th, 19:00 CET(1700:UTC)

America's Cup E-series will be the first e-sports league by the iconic sailing competition, attracting top virtual sailors from around the world to claim their place among America's Cup legends.

America's Cup, the pinnacle of international yachting, is taking a leap into the virtual world with the launch of its official simulation videogame, AC Sailing, along with its first-ever e-sports world championship, America's Cup E- series.

Live streamed on Twitch from 18:20hrs CET (16:20hrs UTC) on April 9th www.twitch.tv/americascup

AC Sailing is developed from the same physics engine used in the very simulators that America's Cup teams train with to enhance racing tactics and recreate race scenarios, as well as develop and test design ideas and iterations for their race yachts. It is set to revolutionize the future of sailing in e-sports, creating an exciting opportunity for fans worldwide to engage with the oldest trophy in international sports in an entirely new way.

Grant Dalton, CEO of America's Cup Event, said, "Creating a full simulation game from a simulator that our sailors and designers use in the real America's Cup world is really exciting. Gamers will get to experience America's Cup sailing as close to reality as possible like never before".

"The America's Cup has always been at the forefront of pushing boundaries of what's possible in sailing. We're thrilled to bring this innovation legacy into the virtual world, elevating the role of sailing within the e-sports ecosystem as we expand our footprint to become the most inclusive sailing competition of all times".

AC Sailing lets players take command of high-tech foiling AC40 yachts and race against others in breath-taking online races, as well as honing their skills in time trials and practice modes. The game will feature real-world locations such as Barcelona, the host venue of the 37th America's Cup, and authentic liveries from the iconic AC40 America's Cup yachts.

The game is the culmination of over 10 years of research and development by Emirates Team New Zealand, the current Defender of the America's Cup, which helped the team win and retain the cup over the last two editions.

According to Emirates Team New Zealand's Chief Technical Officer Dan Bernasconi, "By combining ultra-realistic gameplay with powerful graphics, we're able to transport players to the centre of the action, allowing them to experience the thrill and complexity of competitive sailing like never before. AC Sailing is built on the powerful 'Gomboc' physics engine developed within Emirates Team New Zealand and used by most America's Cup teams for yacht design and sailor training".

The mechanics of the game have been designed to mimic those on the water, providing a great opportunity for both sailors and sim game players to put their skills to the test. The game features a comprehensive tutorial and several aids to allow everyone the chance to enjoy improving their skills up to the level of an America's Cup sailor and ultimately the opportunity to qualify for the America's Cup E- Series, a new pathway to the oldest yachting competition.

America's Cup E-Series, a new pathway to the oldest yachting competition

The America's Cup E-Series will allow players from around the globe will have the chance to race against each other and claim their place among the America's Cup legends. The E-series will consist of Online Qualifiers and a Grand Final taking place in Barcelona in September, with exact dates yet to be revealed.

Powered by AC Sailing as its official videogame, the first season of the America's Cup E-series will be open to all gamers. The final events will be live streamed on Twitch for a global audience, marking a historical moment for the America's Cup and the sailing community at large.

"We think there is potential for the best AC Sailing players to step out of the gaming room and onto the AC40 in real life - just like the Women & Youth sailors have been doing in training for the Puig Women's America's Cup and the UniCredit Youth America's Cup." said Bernasconi.

America's Cup and Generalitat de Catalunya, a technological partnership

The process of creating the official video game of the America's Cup has been supported by ACCIÓ – the agency for business competitiveness of the Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia) – which has facilitated the participation of a Catalan studio in the creation of the game. This participation exemplifies the potential of the video game sector in Catalonia, the leading region in the European Union in terms of attracting foreign investment in this area. According to ACCIÓ data, there are more than 200 video game companies in Catalonia, employing almost 4,000 workers and with a combined turnover of more than 500 million euros.

According to Roger Torrent i Ramió, the Minister of Business and Labour from the Generalitat of Catalonia, "Another great opportunity that hosting a global event such as the America's Cup offers us is the ability to showcase Catalonia's emerging potential in sectors such as video games. This industry is growing in Catalonia through foreign investment, but also thanks to local talent, such as those who have participated in this project." Additionally, Torrent says further: "AC Sailing will also be available in Catalan, which is an important milestone in increasing the presence of our language in this industry."

"The Generalitat de Catalunya via ACCIÓ continues to leverage the technological opportunities that the event provides and has been a very willing partner in the development of the AC Sailing game," said America's Cup Event CEO Grant Dalton.

AC Sailing is available for free download on PC through the Epic Store and Steam platforms, allowing for in-game cosmetic purchases. The game will be updated with new content, as additional locations, skins and a single-player AI match race are expected to be added during the upcoming months.

For more information about AC Sailing, visit www.acsailing.com

[S-W: AC Sailing will only run under Windows 11]

Additional Images:

Related Articles

Protecting Access for Hunters & Anglers Act passed
On April 30, the House passed HR 615, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act The legislation will prohibit the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture from banning the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters unless such regulation is consistent with state law and supported by science. Posted on 6 May
Trout Unlimited wins Award
For California Partnership uniting Landowners to save Coho Salmon U.S. Representative Jared Huffman and NOAA leaders recognize North Coast Coho Project. Posted on 4 May
888-Pound Bluefin
Warren fought the fish for an hour before handing it off to Kole Melancon Warren Williamson was out for his first fun fishing trip on his new Viking 80 Flat Dangerous. The team spotted a huge school of tuna so captain George Gill relocated - along with their last four baits. Posted on 4 May
2024 Bass Cat Owners Invitational on Norfork
Blevins and James Claim top prize Bass Cat Boats held the company's annual Owners Invitational this week as 312 teams converged on Norfork Lake in Arkansas seeking to earn the top prize and bragging rights. Posted on 4 May
Introducing the Rival
Beavertail Skiffs' latest innovation in Skiff Design Registration is now open for the 2024 Owners Tournament! Posted on 4 May
Michael Rybovich & Sons construction updates
Progress on hulls from 62' down to 42' and 75' New construction updates of 62' S/F hull # 8, 70' S/F Hull # 9, 42' S/F hull #10 and 75' S/F hull #11 Posted on 4 May
Rescued smalltooth sawfish passes away
The distressed smalltooth sawfish that was rescued on April 5 passed away on May 2 The Mote Marine Laboratory family is heartbroken to report the sad news that the distressed smalltooth sawfish that was rescued on April 5 passed away on May 2. Posted on 3 May
Fishing: More Hair. More Tinsel
Jigging experts share applications for Deep-Vee Bucktail and Flashtail Jigs Jigging experts Jason Mitchell and Tyler and Sara Trampe share applications for Northland® Fishing Tackle's Deep-Vee Bucktail and Flashtail Jigs. Posted on 3 May
Bayliss Boatworks new construction updates
The latest 75' build at Bayliss Boatworks: Big Deal We are excited to debut the name of the latest 75' build at Bayliss Boatworks: Big Deal. Posted on 3 May
A full scope of the titanium pliers development
These pliers underwent MANY iterations during product development, with countless 3D prints made Hey Y'all - Steven here, and I am extremely excited to announce that we have just released our completely re-engineered titanium pliers. Posted on 3 May