Sailaway - The Sailing Simulator

Sailaway – The Sailing Simulator was developed and published by Orbcreation, with its Steam release date recorded as February 27, 2018. The game is available for Windows and macOS, and has remained primarily a PC/Mac title without major console ports. Over time, the developers have continued to support the simulator with updates, community features, and expanded sailing content.

The concept behind Sailaway is to simulate real-world sailing on a global scale. It uses genuine weather data to create dynamic wind, wave, and cloud conditions that affect how your boat behaves. Players can navigate oceans, plan long voyages, or participate in races and challenges. The simulation also supports continuous progression — your boat will keep sailing even when you aren’t logged in, allowing for multi-day trips and long passages that mirror real sailing time. Navigation elements like buoys, lighthouses, and even celestial navigation are incorporated to deepen the realism.

Promotion of Sailaway leaned heavily on its ambition and realism. It was pitched as more than a casual sailing game — one where serious enthusiasts could explore the oceans, learn sail trim techniques, and challenge themselves with long voyages. The developers encouraged community involvement, sharing updates, engaging with users, and supporting club or race events. By framing the game as a living simulation with ongoing development, they appealed to players who value continuity and authenticity in simulation titles.

Reception has been moderately positive. On Steam, the game holds a review score around 69 %, reflecting a user base that appreciates the immersive sailing experience and realism. However, some criticisms arise from technical issues, interface complexity, and the steep learning curve required to master its systems. Because the game is niche and ambitious, it tends to attract players already interested in real sailing or detailed simulation rather than casual gamers. Over time, continued updates and community engagement have helped maintain its relevance in the sailing sim space.