How do I join the Globe Beta? - Ask for access on MarineVerse Discord in the #globe-beta channel.
What makes MarineVerse Globe special? - While there are mobile games for offshore sailing, what makes Globe unique is immersive virtual reality. It's hard to explain if you haven't tried virtual reality, but here's an attempt: it's like seeing ocean waves in real life versus in a photo—photos always make waves look flat and small. In VR, the waves look big and three-dimensional. You can sit in the cockpit, listen to the boat sounds, watch the ocean swells, and feel like you're really out there. VR offers a level of immersion that flat screens simply can't match.
How do I access MarineVerse Globe? - In MarineVerse Sailing Club: Main Menu → Free Sail → Cruising Yacht → Globe (scroll down if needed).
What devices are supported? - Meta Quest 3, Quest 3S, or SteamVR. Quest 1 and Quest 2 are not supported due to performance demands.
Do I need to be an experienced sailor? - No. If you're new to sailing, you can still enjoy Globe at your own pace. Start with short day-sails between nearby ports and use Globe as a way to learn basic concepts like wind angle, sail trim, and passage planning. If you're already an experienced sailor, Globe gives you a way to practice real-world style cruising and offshore planning in VR.
Where do I start? What should I do first? - It's up to you! If you're looking for inspiration, set a simple passage goal. Use the Globe Map to find a port near you and sail there. When you arrive, your arrival will be registered as a "Port Call".
Your next goal could be sailing to another port—a direct trip between 2 ports is called a Passage, and we track those for you. For passages between ports, we have leaderboards—if you're competitive, try to set a Globe Record for the best passage time (like Sydney to Hobart). Each port combination is a valid passage with a leaderboard. We've also designated some popular routes as Time Trials.
In general, treat Globe like real cruising practice: check weather forecasts, review navigation charts for hazards, plan your passage, think about safety and provisions. Whether sailing solo or with others, Globe is a great way to exercise your passage-making skills.
Sailing & Navigation
What boat is used in Globe? - The Pearson 36 cruising yacht.
Where can I find polar diagrams for the boat? - Generate your own! Enter Free Sail mode, sail different courses and note your max speed. Change wind speed in Quick Menu to get polars for different conditions.
How do I plot a course / navigate? - Use the in-app Ruler tool on Globe Map for bearing and distance. For multi-leg trips, plan routes externally with OpenCPN and follow waypoints manually. No autopilot available—you steer and trim manually.
Can I sync MarineVerse and OpenCPN automatically? - Yes, use the Globe NMEA Server tool.
What's the best way to check the weather forecast? - Use external tools like PredictWind or Windy. Weather in Globe is based on real forecast data for your boat's location.
I don't have access to a VR headset, can I control my boat? - Yes, you can change boat heading on the boat profile on the website. To hoist or lower the sails, you need to use the app. We have an experimental iOS and Android app that you might be interested in.
Offline & Autonomous Sailing
What happens when I am offline? - The boat continues to sail on the current compass heading. It will keep sailing as long as you don't hit land and you are not pointing directly into the wind.
What happens if my boat is pointing directly into the wind? - Your boat will stop sailing until the wind changes or you adjust the heading.
What happens when I hit land? - The boat will stop and your sails will be lowered.
Multiplayer & Social
Is there multiplayer? - Yes, everyone is sailing together on the Globe.
How do I know if another player is online? - You might see their avatar on deck. On the website, there will be a "green dot" next to their boat name.
Is there voice chat / Marine Radio? - Yes, experimental global Marine Radio is available via Quick Menu → Globe Tab.
Can I sail with crew? - Yes, we have experimental support for co-op sailing with crew. Ask on Discord how to add crew to your boat.
How do I rename my Globe boat? - Via the boat details page on the website (same place you can change heading and check stats). Requires a valid Sailing Pass.
How do I change my boat location? - Use teleport, available on the website in your boat profile (same place you can change heading, check boat stats & history). You need to be in a port, have a valid Sailing Pass, and you can only teleport once every 30 days.
Racing
Is there racing in Globe? - Yes, we have both time trials and real-time offshore races.
Where can I find available time trials? - Any passage between 2 ports has a leaderboard, but we've selected some popular routes. You can find them at Globe Time Trials.
Where can I find offshore races? - We have real-time offshore races. You can find the list at Globe Races.
How do I join an offshore race? - Currently you can join via Discord. Check #globe-beta for upcoming race announcements and registration instructions.
Simulation & Data
Is Globe real-time? How long do passages take? - Yes. Globe runs in real time on a 1:1 scale Earth. Long passages can take days or weeks, just like real cruising. You can step in and out in VR while your boat keeps moving on its last heading.
Are ocean currents simulated? - Yes.
Are tides simulated? - Not yet.
Is sea/ocean depth simulated? - Not yet. Currently you can't run aground in the open sea. We have land outlines, so you will run aground when hitting land.
Are there navigation lights/buoys (ATONs)? - Yes, we have a basic import of sea marks data derived from OpenStreetMap.
Do I need to reef my sails? - Not yet. Reefing is something we plan to add in the future.
How do I anchor? - You can't anchor yet, but you can lower both the jib and mainsail. With both sails down, the boat will effectively be "at anchor" and won't move.
Where does Globe data come from? - See the Attribution section on the Globe page for details on our data sources.
Safety & Disclaimer
Can I use Globe for real navigation? - No. Our data is not up to date, is based on unreliable sources, and is not designed for real navigation. Always use official nautical charts for real-life trips.
Can I use Globe to practice approaches to real ports? - No. Our data is not reliable, doesn't simulate important aspects like ocean depth, and may be outdated. Globe is for entertainment and general sailing practice only, not real-world port approach training.
Will I get seasick in Globe? - Globe simulates waves and boat motion, which may cause discomfort for people not accustomed to VR. If you feel any discomfort, stop playing immediately. Many people develop "VR legs" over time (similar to how sailors develop sea legs), so consider trying again the next day. Note that VR legs are different from sea legs—we've heard from experienced sailors who have no issues at sea but felt queasy in VR. If you can't or prefer not to develop VR legs, you can still sail Globe using the PC version on Steam with keyboard and mouse, or via the mobile app. However, Globe is designed for VR first, and VR offers the best experience.
Ports & Troubleshooting
Why can't I teleport from a port? - Ensure you're in a "port" (not "anchorage"), have a valid Sailing Pass, and haven't teleported in the last 30 days. Ask on Discord for help.
Why can't I see anything (only water)? - Land currently shows as simple outlines only (no buildings or landmarks yet). You may also be too far from shore.
Why is it always dark? Can I change the weather or time of day? - No, Globe is a real-time simulation with weather and time of day based on your latitude and longitude. If your schedule makes it difficult to sail during daylight hours, consider sailing to the nearest port and teleporting to a location with a timezone that better matches your preferences.
My boat is stuck on land, how do I get moving again? - First, point your boat in a direction that is not directly into the wind (so you can sail) and points away from the land. Next, raise your sails—you can start with the jib. The boat should start moving and hopefully get unstuck. If you still can't get moving, ask for help on Discord in #globe-beta.
Sailing Pass
What is the Sailing Pass? - The Sailing Pass unlocks extra content including port teleportation and boat customization. Learn more.
Do I need a Sailing Pass to use Globe? - You can sail in Globe without a Sailing Pass, but some features like teleporting between ports and boat renaming require an active Sailing Pass.
Why should I purchase a Sailing Pass? - Globe is a niche experience built for sailing enthusiasts. Running a real-time global simulation requires significant server costs for weather data, boat tracking, and multiplayer infrastructure. Your Sailing Pass directly funds ongoing development, new features, and keeps the servers running. By supporting Globe, you help us continue building the most immersive virtual sailing experience possible.
Beta, Feedback & Bug Reports
Is Globe finished? - No, MarineVerse Globe is currently in Beta and under active development. Features may change and new content is added regularly.
How can I suggest new features or improvements? - Visit our feedback forum to upvote existing ideas or suggest new ones.
How and where do I report bugs? - First, check the feedback forum to see if it's something we're already tracking. If not, report and discuss on Discord in #globe-beta, and consider creating a feedback forum post.