Mental maths for best VMG

[lw395]

I think it was Gary Jobson who summed it up as something like:
If a leg is long enough that you'll get a permanent windshift while you're sailing the leg, there's a strong case for being on the making tack. (highest vmg to mark)
On a short leg with oscillating wind, you just want to be on the lifted tack. (highest vmg to average wind)

 

[savageseadog]

I always consider taking VMG into account to be a global decision rather than something to sail by from moment to moment.

 

[westhinder]

The information the helm and crew need is simply speed and TWA, and target speed and TWA to compare to, either upwind or down. Provided the Nav has done his job of keeping the boat within the cone, then this is all the helm and crew will ever need.
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Why TWA and not AWA?
Forgive me if this is a stupid question, I'm new to racing and trying to learn.

 

[flaming]

Why TWA and not AWA?
Forgive me if this is a stupid question, I'm new to racing and trying to learn.

Try and imagine how you'd put together a set of targets using Apparent wind angle and speed. Given that as you accelerate they change....