One for us exploring types

[Armholeeio]

Something we can all relate to , heading out into the unknown with basic tools. I do think Fdev should do something to honour the achievements of this crew and their round the world trip http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-40316930

maybe a research ship out in the black some where?

 

[Kenneth McGrew]

ED (if compared to sailing ) is like constantly staring at a GPS, in non tidal waters no further than 2 miles off shore in a light breeze but still not hoisting the sails because its "gusty" with a qualified skipper holding your hand just in case.

like the bar sailor, talking good tales of sailing but wont go out in a force 5

Traditional navigation with a good old pencil and log book, crossing oceans, and force 8 and above are another world, there is currently a race across the Atlantic where 1 boat sunk, 1 dismasted and numerous abandoned

21 boats started only 7 are still racing...

The ocean is truly a dangerous place that requires dedication skill and endurance - ED pretty much holds your hand all the way both navigationally and with regards to safely returning.

a visual representation could be the picture below, and ask yourself a) where are you, b) what course should I steer to reach land (ED tells you the answer by just opening the galaxy map - the below without GPS is a little more complicated )

 

[Armholeeio]

​well you destroyed any happy thoughts

 

[marx]

@ Kenneth McGrew: those are all good points about sailing and the dangers of the oceans, but I don't think the OP was trying to say that ED is in any way comparable to the difficulty of doing so via traditional methods. It's more about suggesting a good read, and also suggesting that FD put something in-game to honour the Hokule'a's crew's achievement.

Back on that point: I think it's a good idea. Not sure if a megaship would be entirely fitting, but a planetary base or outpost would be great too.


As for your thoughts about the "dangers" of exploring in Elite and how the game holds your hand, I had an interesting thought experiment. Imagine exploring without using the galaxy map. Of course, your jump range is limited to 20 ly then, but heyo. For added difficulty, carry food cartridges in your cargo hold, and jettison one every hour you play. If you run out of supplies, self-destruct.
Now imagine doing a galactic circumnavigation this way.

 

[Orvidius]

Many of the in-game expeditions lose ships along the way too. The reason is completely different, of course. It's mainly a loss of ships/players due to them losing interest.