eSail V3 is an exciting new update that brings new features to the eSail community. As always, our updates are free for all eSail users. Thank you to our eSail users for the fantastic feedback we received during development and to our amazing community translators who have been working so hard on this release!

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:

https://www.esailyachtsimulator.com/the-world-of-esail/wind/

• New 'Trade Islands' added. These islands are slightly tidal so you have to be aware of tidal heights when sailing under the two bridges in these islands! There are published tide tables for the Trade Islands.

• New chart for the Trade Islands. This is available once you have collected all the points of interest (POIs) for Navaronne etc. (this level is now classified as 'Atlantic Explorer').

• A whole new set of POIs for the Trade Islands Once collected you will be a '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.

• 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.

All feedback is very welcome!

After two years of development V3 is almost here so we recommend you move over to the eSail 3 Beta now.

As with all new software there will be occasional bugs. If you can find a serious bug and show us how to reproduce it, (subject to the terms below) we will send you a gift of your choice from the eSail merch store! In particular we are looking for any issues with mooring or resetting the boat.

https://esail-web-store.myspreadshop.co.uk/

Terms:

Offer ends May 31 2026, but may be closed early

Only the first successful report of any particular issue will receive a gift

This offer is for serious defects that affect functionality, so anything that is just visual would not be eligible

From the report, we must be able to reproduce the error from the exact steps provided

The most useful report will receive $100 bonus!

All items on the merch store are subject to availability and an alternative may be offered

We may not be able to ship to certain locations

One item per person only

The judges decision is final


1. Right click on eSail in your Steam software on your computer.

2. On the drop down menu click 'Properties'.

3. Click on the BETAS tab.

4. Select 'eSail_V3' branch. The access code is: eSailEmerald