Virtual Skipper

[dBraf]

I noticed some AI boats and Multiplayers getting slightly more speed to windward than I have. These boats appear to be twitching every second or two. Are they pumping their rudders.?
Most players say that in VSK5, Manual Trim is not faster than AutoTrim, so they can't be pumping the Mainsail. Are they 'driving' up the lee of the waves and luffing down the windward side (or vice-versa)?
What is the secret?
NZ Gunner posted a similar question on June 10th but got an answer about windshadow effect, which can only apply to some cases. Is this a game cheat being applied or a program beating technique that is not a 'real' sailing tactick?
Perhaps a moderator or Nadeo can explain!
Thanks!!

[Azazel]

AI on "professional" mode has got a slight speed boost, and in "expert" mode has not, `perhaps tha´s what you've noticed.

In multiplayer, sometimes other players are faster and sometimes I am faster when we are close, but usually I can see that it is caused by wind shadows. If the other players are not so close, the difference in speed it is probably caused by different wind conditions.

[Camster]

Some skippers alter direction when going up or down waves. If you get this correct, you will gain a little. The converese applies if you get it wrong! It's easiest to do when going downwind but can be done upwind too. Maybe that is what you are seeing. I dont think there is any form of 'cheat' which would cause the thing that ypu are reporting.
_________________
Sandy

[maitai]

Also, in arcade mode, everyone but the first receive a 10% speed boost. This is true for online and solo mode. So if you are leading you are slower.

[dBraf]

Thanks for the quick responses guys (logical too !)
...wish my bankers were this quick (not to mention logical !!)

PS: I am in love with this game ... my wife is not at all jealous but rather supportive ... everytime I play the game for hours she throws a bucket of water on me (bucket included) to add a sense of reality .... aaaaahh! .... remove the cubes next time honey!!!