The Classic Boat Museum has been awarded a £9,900 National Heritage Fund Lottery Grant to promote sailing for new audiences – without getting cold and wet!
For all those who have never sailed before – come and learn to sail without getting cold and wet! For experienced dinghy sailors perfect your technique.
Using gaming technology, sailors sit inside a life-sized cockpit and experience the physical sensations of steering and controlling the boat, whilst seeing the results of their actions live on screen. Sensors automatically respond and relay visually what is happening as they steer the boat left or right. They can increase or decrease speed by controlling the virtual sails and experience the effect their position has on keeping the boat level and counter-acting the heeling force of the wind.
With interchangeable seats, the Dinghy Simulator is versatile enough to be used by young people and disabled visitors. It will challenge both novices and expert sailors.
Located in the Columbine Building in East Cowes, it is a key part of the museum’s new education programme. Visitors will enjoy the virtual experience of operating the simulator together with viewing models, artefacts, paintings and photographs, all of which display the Island’s rich maritime history.
Commenting on the award, Deputy Chair Victoria Preston, has said:
“We are thrilled to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players and are confident that the simulator will attract many young people and new visitors into the museum.”
