The Race Track Editor is not included in Vsk5Online. These features are only available in the original full version of Vsk5 and Vsk5Offline. Since the full version of Vsk5 is no longer available, this makes Vsk5Offline highly desirable, as it preserves these essential tools for custom racing.
Players who use Vsk5Online are limited because the game must connect to Nadeo’s authorization network to run, if it fails to establish an internet connection it will not launch and automatically close. Additionally, Vsk5Online lacks the Race Track Editor, meaning players cannot create their own tracks.
However, there is a workaround,..
Vsk5Offline and Vsk5Online can both be installed separately on the same computer without overwriting each other.
This means Vsk5Online players can use Vsk5Offline to create tracks and then move the custom .Gbx track files to Vsk5Online for online racing.
This provides the best of both worlds, online play with custom tracks designed using Vsk5Offline.
There are many more benefits associated with having access to the track editor, especially for solo racing and training sessions.
To access the track editor in Vsk5Offline click on Editors in the main menu,..
Then click on Create A New Race or Edit A Race,..
Then choose the location. The Tropical and Nordic locations are fully customizable and allow you to change all the parameters to create a completely unique environment. The additional 14 locations only allow for edits to the wind shifts, wind shift timing, time of day, weather, as well many other race parameters, but the terrain, the predominate wind flow, tidal flow and wave height patterns are static and cannot be changed.
After you choose a location, you will see the editor screen,..
A hidden feature in the track editor allows players to add AI boats to their custom races. Before entering the editor, simply:
Hover the mouse over “Editors” in the main menu.
Hold the right mouse button down.
Type “friends” with the other hand.
Then release the right mouse button and left click “Editors”
This unlocks the ability to place AI boats on your custom tracks.
Click on "Params" in the editor and you will see the settings for up to 8 AI competitors. The AI opponents will only appear when using Solo player mode, but the tracks can be used in multiplayer mode.
Another fantastic feature of the Track Editor is the ability to record your own sailing path and then race against your previous performance. Here’s how it works:
Create or edit a track.
Record your sailing path with a proper start time.
Race against your recorded track.
You can record multiple paths and race against all of them at once.
This feature allows for endless training possibilities, as you can challenge yourself and refine your sailing skills over time. However, this only works in the track editor and is not available in standard solo race mode.
The Onscreen Protractor is a very useful for plotting race tracks
The GBX File Dumper is a powerful metadata extraction tool originally developed for Trackmania, another Nadeo game. However, it works universally with all race track .Gbx files, including those used in Virtual Skipper 5 (VSK5). By uploading any race track challenge.Gbx file, the tool reveals a wealth of metadata that can provide valuable insights before or during a race.
Track Creator & Boat Class Identification – Instantly see who designed the track and what boat class it was built for.
Detailed Race Information – View essential details about the track’s structure and race settings.
Wind Shift Insights – One of the most strategically valuable features is the ability to see both:
Wind Shift Angle – The exact degree of shift in wind direction.
Wind Shift Duration – How long the shift lasts before cycling again.
Bypasses Password Protection – Even if the track is locked with a password, all metadata remains accessible.
The GBX File Dumper is more than just a file analysis tool—it’s a racing strategy asset. If you have access to the track file, you can upload it and preview critical race conditions in advance. Understanding the wind shift patterns allows for smarter tactical decisions, such as planning your tacks and gybes around the expected wind changes.
This simple yet powerful tool can make the difference between sailing blind and having an informed race strategy. Whether you're a casual racer or a competitive tactician, the GBX File Dumper provides an edge that can help you stay ahead of the fleet.
More information regarding the Vsk5 race track editor can be found in section 6 of the user manual,..