And, I'm sure they considered what type of VMG to use. ( to determine tide velocity difference )? You could actually sail away from the mark!ĭo these boats have speed over the water as well as ground. Imagine sailing VMG to the wind when it is 90 degrees different to the mark. The guy that sails the best speed to the mark sails the shortest distances and keeps the shift options open and viable. If the wind direction is say 350, (in a oscillating breeze that shifts every 5 min in a 20 min beat), and the top mark is bearing 360 from the start boat why would you want to sail VMG to the current breeze and be taken left of the mark with a breeze that may return to 360. The mark is the object you want to get to first not the wind. I was having this exact argument with some kiwis a month or so ago, and I could not believe these guys sailed VMG to the 'ever changing' wind. If you want to solve for vmg, would you not want to solve for your objective, instead of the variable?Exactly right and well put. So, I'm confused by the choice.But you're not sailing towards the origin of the wind, you're sailing towards a mark/gate.

Wow they're doing it wrong