eSail V3 BETA (3.0.x) is an exciting new update that brings new features to the eSail community. As always, our updates are free for all eSail users. V3 is based on Unity 6 which itself is in Beta. As well as adding new features, a lot of work has been done on compatibility with Unity 6. Although this doesn't add anything for users short term, it means we are on the right platform going forward, which should speed up development.

NOTE 1: Before running the Beta backup your data folder. See the Technical Support discussion for this folder's location.
NOTE 2: Challenges are excluded from the beta. This is because the boat handling has changed slightly. We will probably have new leaderboards once V3 is fully released.
NOTE 3: All new text is in English only. Translations will be added once the Beta is completed. At that stage will will also add speech in languages as required.
NOTE 4: Users on the beta will be in a different 'world' to those on V2.

NEW FEATURES

• Better graphics. All terrain textures have been improved. There is also now more use of the 'Detailed World' setting which adds more objects including rocks, trees, roads and harbour details. Even the seaweed has been replaced with something a bit more appealing (although remember performance considerations do limit the detail!) Many buildings have been given window lights. This can help when night sailing.
  
• Wind variability (Live Sailing). Now the wind responds to the shape of nearby land causing wind shifts. Anabatic and katabatic breezes cause patches on the water surface which the observant sailor can use to maximise speed! For more information see http://Wind in eSail
  
• New 'Trade Islands' added. These islands are slightly tidal so you have to be aware of tidal heights. There are published tide tables for the islands.
  
• New chart for the Trade Islands. This is available once you have collected all the POIs for Navaronne etc. This level is now classified as 'Atlantic Explorer'. The new level for the Trade Islands is 'Tidal Explorer'.
  
• Reference section and notebook. On the menu there is a new button for 'Reference'. Here you can look up any term or function featured in eSail. There is also a simple notebook for making - you guessed it - notes.
  
• Boat detailing. We have started an ongoing process of adding more graphical detail to the boat. This includes a new masthead wind indicator.
  
• Reciprocal button on the chart plotter. This enables you to quickly read a line from the opposite bearing.
  
• The depth sounder now reads depth taking into account wave and tide height.
  
• Hands and wheel centre adjustable brightness.
  
• Each chart now is saved with zoom and position.
  
• Added an ‘all lines delete’ button to charts.
  
• Run in Background option. See the first section of Settings.
  
• Added Settings to modify keyboard steering and throttle.
  
• Plan view - you can now plot the courses of boats, with boat names now visible on the plan. So before racing this can be turned on. In the event of possible foul play, take a screenshot so that we can see how the action has unfolded. Click on the chart plotter behind the compass, then the orange button.
  
• Glance view added to Smart Button. Drag left or right on the button so see at 90 degrees. See the tooltip for keyboard shortcuts.

eSail Pro

• Fixed bug where autopilot was always setting to apparent wind (in Wind Mode).
  
• Tidal Curve tool. This interactive tool can be found in the chart drawer.
  
• Tidal heights tutorials.
  
• Added tack mode to autopilot. While using the autopilot hit the button to steer the boat onto the opposite tack.

Thank you for your suggestions which have been incorporated here. Please add feedback to the new V3 discussion. All feedback is very welcome!


To swap to the V3 Beta:

First back up your data!

1. Right click on eSail in your Steam client.

2. On the drop down menu click 'Properties'

3. Click on the BETAS tab.

4. Select 'eSail_V3' branch. The password is: eSailEmerald