Access Dinghy sailing simulator at Sydney Boat Show

by Media Services on 1 Aug 2004 Frank Bethwaite of Virtual Sailing Pty Ltd, Chris Mitchell of Access Dinghy Foundation, Jonathan Binns of Australian Maritime College and Norman Saunders of University of Melbourne have worked in collaboration to produce the Access Dinghy simulator (Code named (VS-AD1) is on display at the Sydney Boat Show for the first time and has proved a great success with non-sailors wishing to experience the feeling of sailing without the need to get on the water.

The Access Dinghy Sailing Simulator, developed by the internationally known aeronautical engineer and boat designer, Frank Bethwaite, is a development of the latest technology employed on the new VS-C1 Simulator using a pneumatic ram to generate roll and controlled by computer software. These Virtual Sailing Simulators are the world’s first and only ride on sailing simulators.

Whereas previous models have been built around a Laser hull and heel to around 15 degrees, the new Access Dinghy simulator (code named VS-AD1) has an Access 2.3 hull with a Liberty seat and heels to 45 degrees port and starboard.

The VS-AD1 is equipped with a hoist to transfer sailors with any level of disability in and out of the cockpit. The simulator can be sailed manually, with electronic joystick controller or by sip and puff control. The VS-AD1 will have many roles, among them being:

Fitting sailors to seating, testing seat belts, positioning thoracic supports, headrests, padding and testing for comfort and security at high heel angles.


Testing suitability of various controllers to suit individual sailors needs, positioning controllers to best suit a sailors needs.


Fast and efficient fitting of SDS and VSDS into boats at regattas.


Testing a sailor’s classification as it applies to functionality in an Access Dinghy.


Facilitating research projects revolving around rehabilitation, classification and functionality, the therapeutic aspects of sailing, the efficiency and development of control systems etc.


Introducing disabled people to sailing in a controlled indoor environment.


Introducing the general public to sailing at boat shows.


Demonstrating the joys and unexpected simplicity of sailing at schools, to schoolchildren.

See http://www.bethwaite.com/virtualsailing

http://www.accessdinghy.org