World Sailing, the governing body of the sport, is diving into esports with the launch of the virtual World Sailing Championships.
Through a partnership with digital sailing platform Virtual Regatta, the eSailing World Championship with be held annually starting in 2018.
The Virtual Regatta already has established Inshore Regatta games, and World Sailing regulations can be applied. The Inshore Regattas will be held throughout the year, enabling players to earn points to establish their standing in the eSailing World Rankings. Players in the rankings will have the chance to qualify for global playoffs and the live final, which will be held in Sarasota, Fla. in November 2018.
World Sailing is one of the first international sports federations to move into esports, allowing existing and new fans to engage in the sport on a digital platform.
“Our international federation is showing the world how sailing is at the edge of innovation,” Philippe Guigné, founder and CEO of Virtual Regatta, said in a statement. “The eSailng World Championship is probably one of the most ambitious and innovative projects in the world between a federation and a gaming company.”
