If you care about rather than how rain looks on a windshield, VS NG wins. Final Verdict Virtual Sailor NG isn’t for everyone. It has a learning curve, a dated interface, and requires hunting for add-ons. But if you’re the type of simmer who enjoys tuning engine curves, riding out real weather patterns, and navigating by sight—this is your digital ocean.
Buy on the official Ilan Papini website (not Steam—that’s an older version). Download 3–5 free ships, pick a medium wave height, and try to dock at a fuel pier without using reverse thrust. You’ll learn more in 20 minutes than hours in arcade sims. Virtual Sailor NG
| Setting | Recommendation | |--------|----------------| | Wave height | Start at 1.5m – calm but lively | | Wind speed | 15–20 knots for training | | Wake quality | High (helps judge speed) | | Water reflections | Medium (performance vs realism) | If you care about rather than how rain