Improving Your VMG

In speed sailing jargon, VMG (Velocity Made Good) is the measurement of time it takes to cover a distance between two points. This measurement combines your boat’s speed, angle, and distance. Footing, or sailing lower, can adjust your angle and sufficiently increase your speed, depending on wind conditions and the craft you’re sailing. To find out what you and your boat are capable of, experiment with footing off (when you are moving upwind) and reaching up (when you are heading down wind). Set marks for both and try out different angles. Be sure to time yourself and keep a record. GPS units are a great took for marking your VMG.