
Post by
zezo | 2020-11-17 | 19:10:28
A polar chart is description of the boat. It shows what speed is possible under various wind speed and angles. Main tool of real-world competitive sailing, and actually the thing that defines the virtual boats.
One of the most important aspects of the polar charts are the VMG angles. At those angles you make best progress towards your destination.
Upwind VMG is obvious because you can't sail directly against the wind.
Downwind VMG is less obvious, but the fact is that downwind every at least a bit sporty boat will move faster towards the goal if it's certain angle off the wind.
Usage should be obvious once you know what polar chart is. You enter the wind speed and check boat speed in certain TWA.