Yourbestsailvideo
VMG and VMC
October 31, 2023 · 9 min · 3K views
What this video covers
Velocity Made Good (VMG) measures the speed at which a sailboat closes the distance to a destination located directly upwind. Mathematically, VMG equals the boat's speed through the water multiplied by the cosine of the angle between the boat's heading and the wind direction. While Velocity Made Good on Course (VMC) calculates the speed of approach toward any destination point, optimizing VMG remains the most efficient strategy for reaching any target located within the boat's no-go zone. Sailing at a wider angle may temporarily increase VMC, but this approach often results in a less efficient path to the final destination. Modern wind instruments display real-time VMG, provided the boat's speed log and electronic compass remain accurately calibrated. Maximizing this reading helps sailors refine sail trim, including adjustments to twist and sail depth, to achieve the fastest possible progress toward an upwind mark.
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