America's Cup Mobile Racer sets sail on mobile

Sailing games are not exactly overly-plentiful, so news that THQ Wireless is teaming up with Be Tomorrow to publish America's Cup Mobile Racer is welcome. The game puts you at the helm of an official IACC boat, and sees you commanding a crew in an effort to win the America's Cup sailing trophy.

But don't expect a simple arcade racer with a nautical spin. Races are governed by the official rules, and there is an involved set of nine training modes that will teach you everything from basic manoeuvres such as steering, buoy turns and laylines to complicated sail masking.

Once the core skills have been mastered, you're into the tactical play. For example, you can use wind shadows to literally knock the wind from your opponent's sails, or force them into breaking the rules to win the regatta. (There are a few terms in there that are beyond our knowledge of sailing jargon, but hopefully the training mode offers some explanations for landlubbers like us.)

A range of adverse weather conditions such as typhoons and tropical storms and other obstacles like icebergs and reefs will also challenge your skills as skipper.

As for longevity, Competition mode pits you against 11 challenger teams. Successfully out-sail them and you'll earn the right to race in the final against defending champions, Team Alinghi.

It all sounds pretty deep, but America's Cup Mobile Racer is no oily tug in the superficial visuals department either. Judging from the screenshots we've seen, it looks as appealing as a calm sea and a strong back wind does to a sailing fanatic.

Click 'Track It!' to keep a weather eye on the horizon for updates on this potentially unique mobile offering.