First look: Virtual Skipper 2

French developer Duran Duboi has today released the first information on Virtual Skipper 2, a real-time yacht racing game scheduled for release in Europe in February to coincide with the start of the America's Cup in New Zealand.

In the game, players will be able to take the helm of four different racing boats including the Class America, Melges 24, and Corel 45 monohulls and the Open 60 multihull. Five of the most famous sailing venues in the world will be accurately re-created in the game, allowing players to race at San Francisco Bay in the US, La Trinité sur Mer in France, Porto Cervo in Italy, Cowes in the UK, and the Bay of Auckland in New Zealand.

As players attempt to maneuver, tack, and jibe their chosen boat to victory, they'll need to take a number of factors into account, including the positions of their four sails, water conditions, and the weather. Players will also need to adhere to the true ISAF racing rules and look out for danger warnings if they stray too close to an opponent.

Virtual Skipper 2 is scheduled for release in Europe on February 6. No North American release date has been confirmed at this time, but we'll bring you more information on the game as soon as it becomes available.