Post by
YourMomSA | 2019-06-26 | 21:01:27
Technically, there are three other possible routes, other than just going around Cape Horn or through the whole Strait. After entering the Strait, I believe there are three options to make a left turn and exit early, without missing the gates. All three are after Gate 3 of the Strait. The first "early exit" would pass through the southern end of Strait Gate 4. The others are after Gate 4.
Very very roughly, it looks like going around the Horn would be ~240nm longer than going through the Strait. Of course, if you can reach the whole way instead of short-tacking upwind at TWA 65, the 240nm will evaporate in a hurry. I think that, aside from what angle is encountered in the Strait, the other big question would be the preferred course afterward. If the preferred course is anywhere near rhumb, then the 240nm difference matters. But if the preferred course is actually to get South first, make some progress West and then turn North, it could be better to go around the Horn and get South early anyway. The 240 nm would become far less of a concern.
Anyway... It seems that once you choose which Gate 1 to go through, it's impossible to miss any of the ensuing gates. For example, I can't see any paths to go through Horn Gate 1 and then sail through the islands to somehow miss the northern end of Horn Gate 2, 3, or 4. I think it's possible in the real world, but not in the game. So I think they've defined the gates well. As long as they show (or hide, actually) both Gate 1 options in the game, it won't be confusing. The confusion will be if one is shown and the other is hidden.