Alfredo Contaldo · video

What this video covers

Velocity Made Good (VMG) measures a sailboat's effective speed toward a destination located directly upwind.▶ 0:34 To calculate VMG, sailors use the formula: VMG = Boat Speed × cos(TWA), where TWA is the True Wind Angle.▶ 11:59 While a boat may achieve higher absolute speeds on a beam reach, the VMG is zero at 90 degrees to the wind because the vessel makes no progress toward the upwind target.▶ 15:21 On a chart, VMG can be determined geometrically by plotting one-hour vectors for various headings and measuring the distance gained along the direct line to the destination.▶ 10:35 In a theoretical scenario with 15 knots of true wind, a boat might achieve a higher VMG by sailing at a 45-degree angle at 6 knots rather than pinching at 30 degrees at 4 knots.▶ 13:19 While instruments can display real-time VMG if properly calibrated, sailors typically develop an intuitive sense for optimal upwind performance through experience.▶ 19:27 Understanding VMG is essential for efficient tacking and determining when to initiate a maneuver toward a windward objective.

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