Previous Next

The America's Cup is perhaps the most prestigious sailing event ever, but the chances of you ever being part of the crew of a competing yacht are pretty remote you must agree! America's Cup Challenge (the game, that is) is perhaps the next best thing!

The yachts race two at a time around a triangular course, some 25 miles long, and you get the chance to race against the computer or your best mate (ha ha - think about it). Before you take to the high seas though, you'd better learn something about the ancient art of sailing. To this end, the manual contains a basic guide to sailing twelve metre yachts, as well as an 'armchair' guide to the event itself.

At the start of the race you will need to choose which sails you are going to start with. You have six sails in addition to the fixed mainsail, three each of the two most popular types, Genoa and Spinnaker. The sails are graded according to the type of winds they are designed for, choosing the correct type and grade of sail to suit the wind conditions is the key to success here. To change a sail you will need to choose the new sail, winch down the old and winch up the new by waggling your joystick. The quicker you can do this the better!

The first leg of the race takes you about three and a half miles upwind. Impossible, you say? Not if you steer a zig-zag course or tack as it is called! When you reach the market buoy it's about face and a quick change of sail to take you back downwind. There are eight legs altogether, taking you back and forth across the wind which can change its speed and direction at a moment's notice.

There are a number of things that can (and will) go wrong during the race ranging from torn sails to a man overboard! Ramming your opponent is not a very good idea, the resultant time penalty can put you far behind.

Graphically speaking, the highlight of the game is the loading screen, two incredibly graceful yachts battle it out in the morning sun. Your view of the game however is a much less dramatic aerial view. You can see just how effective your choice of sail is, confirmed by your speed displayed on the instrument panel bottom left and right of the screen. Should the two yachts drift too far apart to be shown on the one screen, the picture is split vertically so you can keep an eye on your opponent. Should you ever get lost, a press of the Fire button calls up a course map showing the relative positions of both yachts. Wind speeds further up the course are also shown, to enable you to plan ahead sailwise.

Soundwise, I was not impressed. The brief musical interlude that accompanies the race options screen is pitiful! Out of tune, out of time and embarrassing to listen to! During the race, you hear nothing but the constant droning of the wind and the starting cannon, well, I suppose it adds to the feel of the game.

Sailing to me is a thrilling and colourful spectacle and should be witnessed first hand. America's Cup Challenge is a very good sailing simulation, but also very boring. Why not forget the America's Cup and go off single-handed around the world instead?