Would you experience your own boat in virtual reality?

[SFer]

I came across an interesting idea about boat videos that involves using virtual reality. It seems like a strange idea given that I love sailing because it allows me to connect with my surroundings, so using VR can be perceived as the opposite. Yet it does provide an interesting way to experience your boat when you can't be on your boat.

Anyway, the basic idea is to shoot video on your boat in 360 - which is now as easy as using a Go Pro. Then experiencing the files using a VR headset, which are now much cheaper and simpler. I've tried it and it's both fun and kind of strange.

Would you want to experience your own boat in VR if you can't be at your boat for a while? Or is that taking the tech too far?

Here's a link that shows how it all can work:
You Have a Job So You Go Boating on Tuesday Using VR | MyBoatSupplies

I also noticed that in the next America's Cup, VR will be more available with 360 degree cameras on the boats.

[gamayun]

It would be fun to do if you matched it with a program (such as RaceQs) that is tracking you and others during a regatta or something, and then could replay it afterwards. Otherwise, I don't see how it would be all that interesting from a VR standpoint when the boat is standing still.

[Don C L]

I'd rather experience OTHER PEOPLE'S boats in VR, especially if I were thinking of buying it and had no experience with it. But it would have to work right.. seems a daunting challenge to get all the variables right and match it with different sea states and wind speeds and course etc.... but then again these days my own phone has a thousand times the computing capacity of my table top of years ago, so who knows. My first view would have to be on l'Hydroptere.

[Dave_S]

The most enjoyable part of VR is watching people stagger around using those goggles.

I'm not sure it would be satisfying for boat owners, maybe for people who don't own a boat ?

[Paul L]

VR makes me seasick

[Mirage35]

Originally Posted by Paul L

VR makes me seasick

LOL

[Lake-Effect]

A VR sailboat-racing game would be fun. A good VR recording made on our boat of some great sailing, or at a beautiful anchorage at sunset would also be neat.

Other than that, i wouldn't want to let too much tech invade my boat time. Sailing is what I do to get away from technology and other hassles. 40+ hours a week of tech is enough.

And VR is still much too crude to scratch the real sailing/boating itch. When/if it does become a viable alternative... welcome to the Matrix, Neo.

[AndyEss]

Sounds as much fun as sex with a blow up doll

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by AndyEss

Sounds as much fun as sex with a blow up doll

That makes me seasick too. What's next?

[Cpt Pat]

What's wrong with real reality?

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Cpt Pat

What's wrong with real reality?

It’s not virtual!

[contrail]

An acquaintance who worked in VR once suggested that, rather than sail from California to the Sea of Cortez, I do it in Virtual Reality! I was astounded and told him that my enjoyment came from doing the real thing. He didn't get it.....probably never been on a boat, or at least a sailboat. Then he said, "well, what if you couldn't do it on a boat, for instance because you either had disabilities or had no boat?" That, I said I could understand, but otherwise? I am afraid it's a very loud "NO"!

[MV2018]

As someone working in VR sailing, I find this thread very interesting. Please keep and open mind and keen to hear serious and crazy ideas how VR could be used as a tool - for promotion, safety training or just fun.

Anyone had a chance to try VR like in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Hx3fE1xf9k

? :-)

It's early days for the tech, but it can attract new audience to sailing, for example see how Geelong’s Festival of Sails used it in the regatta village: https://festivalofsails.com.au/actio...-enjoyed-shore

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by contrail

An acquaintance who worked in VR once suggested that, rather than sail from California to the Sea of Cortez, I do it in Virtual Reality! I was astounded and told him that my enjoyment came from doing the real thing. He didn't get it.....probably never been on a boat, or at least a sailboat. Then he said, "well, what if you couldn't do it on a boat, for instance because you either had disabilities or had no boat?" That, I said I could understand, but otherwise? I am afraid it's a very loud "NO"!

There may be some who'd prefer going from Cabo to California in VR

[SFer]

I don't think anyone would want to replace the real thing with VR - but it must have its uses as Marineverse is demonstrating above (although I don't know what the guy is trying to do).

And I agree with Paul L - you can actually get a little queezy using VR because you can feel a little disoriented when you experience it - and I think seasickness is a good analogy if not the same thing. I think they have to work on the headset somehow to solve that.

I have to say that when you experience sailing in VR in a manner described by the original link above using 360 video, it's pretty startling in that it feels like you are there. It's wild standing in your living room and looking around your boat - below, above, behind seeing things you didn't even see when you were sailing.

You don't have to interact with the environmenent (other than look around you) in order for it to transport you. To truly interact with the environment takes a lot more tech, money, etc.

I've also been reading where VR is now being used as a therapeutic device - even in dentistry. There are dentists who put the sets on particularly anxious patients and they need less anesthetic.

Overall, it feels like something that is just now finding its best application.

And if I could sail back to California from Cabo using VR instead, as Don C L mentioned, I'd consider it!