What is a sailing polar diagram?

A polar diagram shows expected boat speed at each true wind angle and wind speed for a specific boat design. It is used for tactical decisions about whether to sail closer to or further from the direct line to a mark.

Velocity Made Good (VMG) is the component of boat speed directed toward or away from the wind. On upwind legs, VMG = boat speed × cos(true wind angle). Maximum VMG occurs at a specific sail angle, not the fastest beam reach.

How do racing sailors use polars?

Polars are loaded into sailing instruments to display target speeds at each wind angle. When actual speed equals or exceeds target, the crew knows they are sailing efficiently. Polars enable real-time performance benchmarking.

Sailing Boat Speed Polar Calculator

Calculate sailing boat speed at different true wind angles using polar diagram data, and determine VMG (velocity made good) to find optimal upwind and downwind sailing angles.

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How It Works

Calculate sailing boat speed at different true wind angles using polar diagram data, and determine VMG (velocity made good) to find optimal upwind and downwind sailing angles

Each component has a specific meaning:

Polar diagram data — The polar diagram data recorded for the scenario being assessed.
Determine VMG — The determine vmg recorded for the scenario being assessed.

Note: Interpret the sailing speed polar result against the thresholds and context described above.

How to Use

Enter the polar diagram data, determine VMG for the scenario you are assessing. Calculate sailing boat speed at different true wind angles using polar diagram data, and determine VMG (velocity made good) to find optimal upwind and downwind sailing angles. Use the sailing speed polar result to inform your calculation.

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Sailing Boat Speed Polar Calculator

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sailing polar diagram?

What is VMG?

How do racing sailors use polars?