It is the 50th anniversary of the event and boot Düsseldorf is demonstrating that it lives up to its reputation as a trendsetter with a brand new eSports campaign.
Many people nowadays are in love with the so called “eSports” and the trend has also reached the sailing community, where there are growing numbers of users. Boot Düsseldorf recognizing sailing enthusiasts from all over the world and that is why from 17.12 , onwards, there will be a virtual venue, called Kiel, that boot visitors can take part in a virtual regatta.
Anyone who is interested can join the virtual regatta therefore in the first boot Düsseldorf Challenge (http://www.virtualregatta.com/en/index_vrinshore.php) not only on the exhibition site but also wherever else they are in the world. A survey by Virtual Regatta has revealed that the game is used by both passionate sailors and eSports fans. According to the survey, about 50 per cent of the more than one million users around the world are not (yet) active sailors and they have a young age profile. This means that the game is a great way to introduce sailing and water sports to young people and people without sailing equipment or sailing opportunities.
The Tech Zone – the new technology section at boot – in Hall 15 is home to the game. Eight computers will be set up for playing the game online there during the trade fair. The virtual venue for the tournament is Kiel. From 17.12. onwards, it will of course be possible to practice on mobile devices:
Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.virtualregatta.inshore
Apple App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/app/vr-inshore-virtual-regatta/id1182301199?mt=8
The training dates for the three pre-challenges are:
#1 Monday 17. December to Sunday 23. December – J/70 class.
#2 Monday 31. December to Sunday 06. January – Nacra17 class.
#3 Thursday 10. January to Sunday 13. January – Offshore class.
The qualifying rounds are taking place on the following days:
#1 Friday 18. January to Sunday 20. January
#2 Sunday 20. January to Tuesday 22. January
#3 Tuesday 22. January to Thursday 24. January
#4 Thursday 24. January to Saturday 26. January
All the sailing boats in the game will have the boot Düsseldorf logo on them. The contest will be held in the Kiel sailing area. The competition will start with a 4-round qualification phase. In each round, players at boot and worldwide will have the opportunity to qualify for main round within 36 hours. The winner and the runner-up in each case will reach the final.
The final is being held on the main stage in the Sailing Center on Sunday, 27.01.2019, from 15:00 to 15:30. A commentator will be moderating the game. 8 boats will be competing in the final and the three fastest participants will win attractive prizes. The winner, for example, will enjoy a live sailing experience at Kiel Week in 2019.
At the same time as the boot Düsseldorf Challenge, the season of the eSailing World Championship organised by the World Sailing Association is starting on 22. January. This means that every gamer can decide before his race whether he would like to take part in the boot Düsseldorf Challenge or the eSailing World Championships. Participation in the pre-challenges and the boot Challenge is free of charge.
