hansaclass

Hansa 303 Sets Sail in MarineVerse VR

Hansa 303 Sets Sail in Marine Verse, Making Virtual Reality Sailing Accessible to Everyone

Melbourne, Australia – December 19, 2025 – MarineVerse, the pioneer in virtual reality (VR) sailing simulation, today announced the addition of the licensed Hansa 303 sailboat to its popular MarineVerse Sailing Club platform. This significant integration makes one of the world’s most inclusive and approachable training dinghies the primary training vessel in VR, reinforcing MarineVerse’s mission to make the joy of sailing accessible to people of all abilities.

The Hansa 303 is celebrated globally for its stable design and user-friendly joystick tiller, a control system that translates perfectly to VR hand-tracking technology. By making it the default boat for newcomers, MarineVerse ensures that everyone’s first virtual sailing experience is intuitive, confidence-building, and fun.

“Hansa boats are built on universal design principles, making them accessible and enjoyable for anyone, including sailors with disabilities. Giving sailors a way to learn and practice in the virtual world is hugely valuable. For those in rehabilitation, it can provide not just skills, but motivation and confidence to engage with life and the sport.” — Paul Wager, Trustee of Sailability Auckland and Secretary of the NZ Hansa Class

The project was developed with the enthusiastic support of Hansa founder Chris Mitchell and utilized 3D scans coordinated by Wager to create an authentic digital replica.

“The first time I sailed a Hansa 303, I was struck by how its front-mounted joystick was a perfect match for VR. Its stability and intuitive controls make it the ideal ambassador for sailing. Our goal is simple: let more people sail more often, and the Hansa 303 is a massive step towards making that a reality for everyone.” — Greg Dziemidowicz, Founder of MarineVerse.

Benefits for Sailors and Clubs

  • Accessible Training: The intuitive joystick control and stable design lower the barrier to entry for first-time sailors.
  • Bridge to On-Water Experience: Sailing clubs and Sailability programs can use the platform for year-round training, regardless of weather.
  • Remote Coaching & Community: Multiplayer support allows coaches to join sessions from a PC (flatscreen mode) to assist sailors in VR, breaking down geographical barriers.
  • Cross-Platform Access: Available on Meta Quest and SteamVR, with tablet and phone versions in development to further expand access.

The Hansa 303 integration is more than a new feature; it’s a testament to MarineVerse’s commitment to building the world’s largest and most inclusive sailing club.

“It is fantastic to finally see a sailing simulator catering for sailors with all abilities.” — Chris Riordan, Past President for the Australian Hansa Association

Availability

The Hansa 303 is available now in MarineVerse Sailing Club on the Meta Quest Store and Steam for US$29.99.

About MarineVerse

Founded in Melbourne, Australia, MarineVerse is an international team dedicated to inspiring, training, and connecting sailors globally through authentic and approachable VR experiences.

About Hansa Sailing

Hansa Sailing designs universally accessible sailcraft used in over 30 countries for recreation, training, and competition, including Para World Sailing Championships.

Media Contact: press@marineverse.comwww.marineverse.com

See the YouTube video here.