As much as I enjoy flight, I have also enjoyed sailing since I was a young boy. I was inspired by the likes of Robin Lee Graham (who sailed the Dove around the world), Robert Manry (who sailed the tiny Tinkerbelle across the Atlantic) and others. Some months ago I became familiar with a program popular among sailing enthusiasts called Virtual Skipper. They have a few products in release, but one of them is on a subscription based model so I opted (after enjoying one of their demos) to purchase an earlier (but still excellent) product called Virtual Skipper 4.I have purchased many software titles online and I feel blessed--I never once had a problem with support or getting a product activated from any vendor. But my experience with Focus/Gamesplanet has been a nightmare. After purchase of the product, I received an email with a download link. But the link goes to a blank page. I have emailed their support several times. No one has replied outside of an automated reply I received.This is a sorry and sad issue where there is an excellent product, but no support.I posted a thread on their website--although I suspect they will delete it at some point:http://www.virtualskipper-lejeu.com/forum/...opic.php?t=4692As of this time I plan on putting a dispute on file with my credit card company, but since I know we enjoy simulations of all types as flight sim hobbyists, I wanted to give forum members a heads up regarding my experience. Live and learn, I suppose.Regards,John

You seem to have been robbed. I know it's disheartening/angering to be completely ignored after giving your hard earned money. :(

Thanks for the heads up.I used to enjoy sailing with my brother when I was younger and Ive considered getting Virtual Skipper. I seem to recall seeing a boxed version at MicroCenter last time I was looking at things like that (been quite a while). sad to know you cant always trust what seems to be a reputable company.

Shame you can't get it downloaded as Virtual Skipper is a fun simulation. Being a glider pilot, I'm quite fond of sailing, as the use of weather knowledge to stay aloft has similarities with getting the best out of sailing boats.I don't have VS 5 (the current version) but I do have VS 3 and VS 4. I bought the boxed CD versions, so I can't say I know of the company website or download versions. I'd take it up with your credit card company, get a refund and then order the boxed one off of amazon or some such site if I were you, as it is a good fun and challenging simulation and worth having.Al

Shame you can't get it downloaded as Virtual Skipper is a fun simulation. Being a glider pilot, I'm quite fond of sailing, as the use of weather knowledge to stay aloft has similarities with getting the best out of sailing boats.I don't have VS 5 (the current version) but I do have VS 3 and VS 4. I bought the boxed CD versions, so I can't say I know of the company website or download versions. I'd take it up with your credit card company, get a refund and then order the boxed one off of amazon or some such site if I were you, as it is a good fun and challenging simulation and worth having.Al

Thanks Al, that's a great suggestion and I have always had luck with Amazon.com.So far the charge from Focus shows as pending on my account, but hasn't posted. It is possible on their end that they could only get as far as the auth then something failed. But I would still have investigated and returned my emails, even if only to say "we're looking into it".I remember when I first saw the VS demo, I was just floored by the graphics. VS 5 is a tad better in graphics compared to VS 4, but when Focus/Nadeo decided a yearly subscription would have to be paid, that's what steered me towards VS 4.Glad to see I am not the only pilot that also considers floating over the seven seas as flying :)Regards,John

I also have VSK5, but i bought the box. Great simulation and great graphics.Maybe you should have posted on the technical issues forum instead of the main forum. You can still try posting there.Hope you get your problem sorted.Cheers.

I also have VSK5, but i bought the box. Great simulation and great graphics.Maybe you should have posted on the technical issues forum instead of the main forum. You can still try posting there.Hope you get your problem sorted.Cheers.

The good news is it seems the charge is going to drop from my card. They just sent an email saying they could not process the charge, in spite of a pending sale showing on my card. No reason as to why.I wish VSK 5 did not have the stupid subscription method of payment. Once entertainment companies start treating casual users like big corporations that can pay annual subscription fees for their products, I think it will be the end of the entertainment software genre for many.I understand the first release of VSK 5 did not require one to pay an annual subscription fee, but application of the patch changed that. I might be wrong however. I am going to search Amazon.com and see if I can get the title that way. It's a great way to relax, and one of those software titles that is pure genius in my opinion.Regards,John

John I think in the case of VS5 only the multiplayer functions are charged a subscription, the first year being included, not the game itself which is charged the one time price.