Sails

  • LaughsManiacaly
    Master
    Founder

    Now i know where only alpha / beta at present but can't help but notice all these ships have broadsails and no dorsal sails.
    For those with sailing background or who have looked at pictures of the old tall ships you'll know that the dorsal sail was prominent in most designs of all sizes as it can catch wind without completely obscuring the view from the helm.

    If your not aware broad sails are those that pivot on the main mast off both sides of the boat port and starboard often in segmented pockets rather than a whole sail however the dorsal sail is one that runs aft to stern (or front to back for you and i) these were to catch cross winds and were the primary sail on all smaller class vessels. This partially due to the angled nature not blocking a helmsmans line of sight.

    I did some research on this and basically every sail on a standard sloop would likely have been a dorsal sail although some sloops were also fitted with twin masts.

    Just some food for thought although have to say sailing the sloop wasn't really that difficult as is.

    Would love to see some more ship and potentially sail varieties in game tho.

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  • Entinome
    Lord
    Insider
    Boatswain
    Founder

    On the Galleon, having the sails fully unfurled is meant to block the view of the helmsman in order for the helmsman to rely on the rest of his crew to help with navigation. Most of the things on the Galleon are made with the intention of having to work together.

    On the sloop, the sails (even if fully unfurled) don't block the direct view infront of you so that you don't have to rely on a crew. Everything on the sloop is designed with the intention of being manned by one/two people.

    So, I think their choices have to do with gameplay rather than going for something slightly more realistic. I'm going to go google those sails now, I just thought I'd shed some light on why it is the way it is in-game :)

    *Edit. Ooooh, I see what dorsal sails are now. I've sailed in one of those small 1 person sail boats (I had nightmares for years, big spider in my neck didn't make it a pleasant experience as a child) I get what you mean now. I agree, it would be cool if there were multiple ships, each with their own advantages/disadvantages.

  • Cpt Erebos
    Founder

    yeah and the eyes are much to big in proportion to the face, you counted the fingers already? Maybe they have 4 fingers instead of five. BTW you can shoot yourself out of a cannon! OMG! Game has to be canceled!

  • Entinome
    Lord
    Insider
    Boatswain
    Founder

    @absorbedgecko90
    Not in any way did he suggest that the game has to be canceled because the sails aren't dorsal sails. The OP is just making an observation, no need to act out just because you don't like his observation.

  • Str4ightEdg3
    Seafarer
    Founder

    @laughsmaniacaly interesting observations. I sail, and have sailed in both square rigged boats and those that have the more modern configuration of sails

    It would be an interesting dynamic to bring in different sail configurations. It would allow, for example, for potential mechanics such as square rigged boats being quicker down wind yet slow to tack (turn through the wind) vs a 'dorsal finned boat' (I'm a yacht master and for some reason the real name is escaping me...) being able to point better (sail closer to the wind) yet be slower and less stable downwind.

    Who knows where suggestions like this might go! :)

  • DonYasson
    Founder

    @laughsmaniacaly I think this would work perfectly for an upgrade to the sails... this could be a high tier upgrade, so you'd only have this once you had played the game for a long time, so then your team can focus on the cannons rather than direction.

  • LaughsManiacaly
    Master
    Founder

    Thanks for the support on this one guys.

    As i was trying to drive at in the first part what I'd love to see is variety and looking at the old styles of ship this was my first thought. I know that the huge man-o-wars had some sails on the sides aswell although i have no idea what these were called could again be interesting.

    Also what are peoples thoughts on climbable rigging in bigger ships rather than a straight ladder?

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