The Unofficial Virtual Skipper 3 FAQ
Version 1.0.0
Last updated: Sunday January 2, 2005
Copyright © 2002, 2003, 2005 Keith Suderman
Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.1
or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no
Invariant Sections with the no Front-Cover Texts, and with no Back-Cover
Texts. A copy of the license can be found at http://www.gnu.org/licenses/fdl.html.
Introduction
It's here. It's ugly, but it's here.
I didn't update the VSK2 FAQ, or write a new FAQ when VSK3 first came out because, quite frankly, there aren't alot of serious
problems with VSK3. Of course, there are a few bugs here and there, but nothing game stopping that drives people to the forums
looking for answers. However, there are a few common refrains so I guess it's time to collect the answers to the most frequently
asked questions in one place. And here they are... all three of them.
The latest HTML version of the FAQ can always be found at http://www.suderman.com/vsk3faq.html and the XML version at http://www.suderman.com/vsk3faq.xml
The Questions
Q:Where can I find the official VSK3 FAQ?
Q:Why can't I host/create races?
Q:I get a blue/black/grey/green/etc. screen when I try to start VSK3
Q:I've just started sailing VSK3. Why is everyone else so fast?
Q:How can I play without the CD in the drive?
The Answers
Q: Where can I find the official VSK3 FAQ?
A: Digital Jesters maintains a VSK3 FAQ at http://www.digitaljesters.com/forums/showthread.php?t=851.
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Q: Why can't I host/create races?
A: The number one question of all time. You've been racing in other people's races and want to host your own. But people either
don't join no matter how long you wait, or your friends tell you that they receive a "Cannot connect to host" message when
they try to join your race.
This means you have a firewall (of some sort) and a port forwarding problem. (Note: a router is a hardware firewall). Please see this page for a full description of how to host races from behind a firewall in VSK3.
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Q: I get a blue/black/grey/green/etc. screen when I try to start VSK3
A: This is a close second for the number one question, and the answer is almost always your video card drivers. Make sure you
have the very latest, and get them directly from the makers of your video card. Do not wait for Windows Update to tell you
when new drivers are available. You may also need to update the firmware on your video card, but that is unlikely.
Also note that the minimum requirements listed on the box are a bit optimistic. The most important part to note is that the
video card should support DirectX 9.0b and older cards have some problems with this. You're going to need good to excellent
hardware if you want to run VSK3 on a laptop.
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Q: I've just started sailing VSK3. Why is everyone else so fast?
A: Because they are better sailors! ;-)
Seriously, here are a few tips for improving your boat speed:
- Sail in manual sail trim mode rather than automatic mode. Manual trim mode is 2-3 knots faster upwind and ridiculously faster downwind.
-
Upwind: sail a course of 42-45 degrees TWA in F3 to 34-36 degrees TWA in F7.
-
Downwind: sail a course of 142 degrees TWA. Pinch or bear away as required by any nearby opponents.
- Keep your boat heeled at 17-20 degrees whatever course you are steering.
- Practice, practice, practice.
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Q: How can I play without the CD in the drive?
A: You don't. VSK3 requires the CD in the drive everytime it starts. As far as I know no one has found a way of breaking the
copy protection used by VSK3.
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