E-sailing can help conquer high seas, says Olympic champ

LONDON - Chinese Olympic gold medalist Xu Lijia says e-sailing can sharpen decision-making on the water and open up the sport to a new audience as gamers battle it out to be the first world champion.

Virtual Regatta's free Inshore game offers millions of armchair sailors the opportunity to pit their wits against the forces of nature - all without the need to get wet.

The inaugural e-sailing World Championship, which comprises a series of weekly challenges and playoffs, with the boat types and venues changing on a regular basis, runs from May until October.