Although many regattas around the world have been cancelled because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, eSailors now have the opportunity to compete in virtual versions of famous races.

Last week eSailors were able to compete in a virtual Trofeo Princesa Sofia Iberostar, an annual regatta held in Majorca in Spain.

Upcoming virtual events for eSailors include the Hempel World Cup Series in Genoa from April 11 to 18, and at Kiel Week, a regatta in Germany from June 20 to 28.

Other virtual regattas will be launched at a later date.

World Sailing has reported a significant increase in active daily users on Virtual Regatta Inshore.

At the start of 2020 virtual sailing attracted around 5,000 users but this week the platform has attracted around 25,000 users.

At each regatta, the 49er and the Nacra 17 will be available for players to race at virtual replicas of real-life sailing venues.

The first few days of each event will consist of challenges. 

Ranked medal races will then take place over the final two days, open to all players.

No qualification for these races is necessary, but results will count towards the world and national rankings for eSailors.

Meanwhile, the virtual Hempel World Cup Series in Genoa will qualify as a "blue challenge", meaning the opening challenges will also count towards the official eSailing World Championship ranking.

The medal races in this event provide an opportunity for two eSailors (one from the 49er and one from the Nacra) to qualify for the eSailing World Championship playoffs

Through the playoffs, eSailors have the chance to qualify for the live final, where the 2020 eSailing world champion will be crowned.

In a statement World Sailing said: "In the current climate, it's more important than ever for us to feel connected with the rest of the sailing community.

"Making these world-famous Olympic class events accessible to everyone online gives us the chance to engage sailors of all ages and backgrounds, allowing all involved to continue to share their passion for the sport."