User Manual for Vsk Revolution AutoPilot

Download the AutoPilot for your version of Virtual Skipper 5,... Vsk5 or Vsk5Online.

An updated version with full automatic voice control will be released soon.

Overview

The Vsk Revolution AutoPilot is an advanced sailing tool designed to assist with various maneuvers, making it ideal for training, testing, and cruising. While it can be used during races, note that some manual adjustments may be required for optimal performance.

The AutoPilot is most effective in force 5 to 7 winds, with the best results observed at force 6 winds. However, it is capable of operating in any wind conditions.

Getting Started

Preparation

1. Ensure your boat is at full speed before activating any maneuvers.
2. Open the AutoPilot GUI and familiarize yourself with the button layout.

Button Functions and Maneuvers

Tack (Starboard or Port)

• Description: Executes a tack to the right (starboard) or left (port).
• Details:
• Starts at a true wind angle (TWA) of 30 degrees.
• Tacks the boat to the opposite side to approximately -43 degrees TWA.
• Comes up to settle at 30 degrees TWA on the new tack.
• Result: A 60 to 65-degree tack, transitioning smoothly to 30 degrees off the wind on either side.

Bear Away Set (Starboard or Port)

• Description: Bears away to deploy the spinnaker.
• Details:
• Changes the course to a TWA of 165 degrees.
• Spinnaker is automatically set.

Bear Away Jibe Set (Starboard or Port)

• Description: Bears away and executes a jibe, then sets the spinnaker.
• Details:
• Changes the course to TWA 165 degrees after the jibe.
• Spinnaker is automatically set.

Take Down (Starboard Tack 1 or Port Tack 1)

• Description: Takes down the spinnaker and transitions to sail 1.
• Details:
• Boat moves from TWA 165 degrees to TWA 45 degrees on either side (starboard or port).
• Sail 1 is raised after the spinnaker is taken down.

Take Down (Starboard Tack 2 or Port Tack 2)

• Description: Similar to Tack 1 Take Down but transitions to sail 2 instead of sail 1.
• Details:
• Boat moves from TWA 165 degrees to TWA 45 degrees on either side.
• Sail 2 is raised after the spinnaker is taken down.

Usage Recommendations

• The AutoPilot excels in controlled environments like training, testing, and cruising.
• When racing, manual adjustments may be necessary to optimize performance based on real-time race conditions.

Tips for Best Results

1. Wind Force: Use in force 6 winds for the most reliable performance.
2. Timing: Activate maneuvers only after achieving full speed for smoother transitions.

Experimentation: Test different wind speeds and conditions to familiarize yourself with the Auto Pilot’s capabilities.