VMG Upwind and Course Selection

Velocity Made Good (VMG) is the central metric for every course decision on the windward leg. Those who focus only on maximum boat speed and sail too high or too low lose to competitors who choose the optimal wind angle course. On the other hand, those who understand the relationship between True Wind Angle (TWA), boat speed and progress toward the windward mark build a systematic lead in regattas – without risky layline decisions or unnecessary tacks.

This guide explains how to optimize VMG upwind in practice: from the basic formula to wind-strength-dependent course angles, tactical course selection and crew communication. You will find the terminology basics under Courses and VMG; an overview of upwind technique under Upwind Technique.

What VMG Upwind Means

VMG describes the speed component toward the target – on the windward leg, toward the windward mark or the next strategic zone. Mathematically:

VMG = boat speed × cos(deviation from target course)

A boat at 6.5 knots on a course only 5° off the direct line to the mark achieves a VMG of about 6.5 knots. Another boat at 7.2 knots but 15° off the optimal VMG course has roughly 7.0 knots VMG – despite higher boat speed it may reach the mark more slowly.

Upwind, VMG optimization differs fundamentally from downwind sailing: instead of using apparent wind, you work against the wind and seek the course that achieves the greatest progress toward windward. The highest course (smallest TWA) is rarely optimal – just as the lowest course with maximum speed is not either.

Understanding True Wind Angle and Course Angles

The True Wind Angle (TWA) measures the angle between the bow direction and the true wind. Upwind, typical regatta courses lie between 35° and 50° TWA:

1. TWA 35°–40° – „Pointing mode“, higher course, less speed, closer to the wind
2. TWA 40°–45° – frequent VMG optimum in moderate wind strength
3. TWA 45°–50° – „Footing mode“, lower course, more speed, more distance from the layline

Course Over Ground (COG) can deviate from the steering course due to current, waves and leeway. Helmsman and tactician must evaluate VMG based on actual movement over ground, not only compass course or TWA display.

Pointing vs. Footing

In practice, two basic modes are used:

• Pointing (high mode): Higher course, smaller TWA, less speed – useful in a lift, before the layline or when the left/right side is favored
• Footing (low mode): Lower course, larger TWA, more speed – useful in a header, in light air or when more pressure on the jib is needed

Switching between both modes is not a rigid rule but a continuous fine adjustment controlled jointly by helmsman, tactician and trimmers. Details on sail trim can be found under Telltales and Sail Shape.

VMG Polars and Boat Classes

Every boat class has a characteristic VMG polar: a diagram showing TWA with maximum VMG for various wind strengths. An ILCA 7 sails differently in 8 knots of wind than a 470 with trapeze or a J/70 with a large crew. Polars come from:

1. Manufacturer specifications and class association documentation
2. Own training with GPS, wind instruments and logbook
3. Comparison with experienced sailors of the same class
4. Analysis of regatta tracking data after races

Course Selection in Practice

VMG optimization and tactical course selection are inseparable. The fastest course to the wind is not always the fastest course to the mark – especially on windward-leeward courses.

Wind Shifts and Course Adjustment

In a lift (wind shifts favorably) a higher course often pays off – you „point“ into the lift and maximize VMG toward the mark. In a header (wind shifts unfavorably) you often sail lower to maintain speed and VMG instead of staying too high and leaving the polar.

1. Lift on current tack → sail higher, reduce TWA
2. Header on current tack → sail lower, increase TWA
3. Lift on other tack → consider tacking (tactical decision)
4. Header on other tack → stay on current tack

Pressure, Waves and Side Selection

More wind pressure on one side often allows lower sailing with higher VMG. Less pressure forces higher sailing or a side change. Waves and chop also influence the optimal TWA:

• In flat water: sail closer to the VMG optimum of the polar
• In chop: slightly lower, more speed, adjust crew weight and trim
• In swell: use rhythm, sacrifice VMG briefly for surf phases, then return to optimum

Instruments and Feedback

Modern regatta boats use wind, speed and GPS instruments. What matters is not the display of individual values but their interpretation as a team:

• Observe TWA and BS simultaneously – VMG results from both
• Compare VMG display (if available) with polar
• COG vs. compass course – recognize leeway and correct course
• Trend displays for wind – change mode in good time

Helmsman and tactician should agree on clear commands: „Two degrees lower“, „Pointing mode“, „VMG test to port“. Role distribution is described under Helmsman and Tactician.

Common Course Selection Mistakes

Typical sources of error:

• Pinching: Sailing too high, speed drops, VMG decreases despite „good“ course feel
• Footing without reason: Sailing too low, unnecessarily far from the layline
• Instrument fixation: Only watching TWA instead of VMG combination of BS and course
• Layline fixation: Tacking too early or too late instead of holding VMG until the optimal zone
• No polars: Sailing the same course in every wind strength

Crew Work and Trim

VMG upwind is a team result. The helmsman sets the course, trimmers keep sails in the VMG window, crew weight affects hull balance and speed.

Important trim levers:

• Mainsail twist: More twist in gusts, less in pressure phases
• Jib tension: Finer jib for pointing, slightly looser for footing
• Hiking/trapeze: Maximum righting moment without speed loss
• Rake and mast: Rig tuning per class requirements and wind strength

Mainsail and jib basics can be found under Mainsail and Jib Trim. Upwind: every trim change should be linked to a measurable VMG response – not by feel alone.

Training and Self-Assessment

VMG course selection can be trained specifically – alone or with training partners on the course:

1. Build polars: Note TWA and BS per wind strength in logbook
2. VMG comparison: Parallel to training partner, who holds higher VMG to the mark?
3. Mode changes: Consciously 2 minutes pointing, 2 minutes footing, compare VMG
4. Video/drone: Analyze course and speed from outside perspective
5. Debriefing: After each windward leg discuss average TWA and VMG

Checklist: VMG Upwind Before the Windward Leg

• Polars ready for current wind strength
• Wind trend (lift/header) assessed
• Base TWA agreed
• Instruments calibrated
• Trim set for VMG mode
• Layline plan coordinated with tactician
• Commands for mode changes clear
• After layline: tack timing defined

Upwind vs. Downwind

VMG logic applies in both directions; the optimal TWA differs fundamentally. Upwind you seek the highest course with sufficient speed; downwind the lowest course with sufficient VMG toward the target. A comparison can be found under Optimizing VMG and Angles (downwind leg).

Summary

VMG upwind is the art of combining speed and course angle so that you progress fastest toward the windward mark. Those who know polars, consciously switch between pointing and footing and integrate wind, pressure and laylines make better course decisions than pure speed or pointing sailors. Windward mark rounding builds directly on a successful windward leg – VMG optimization is the first step to a clean overstand and a good rounding.

Frequently Asked Questions About VMG Upwind

• What is the difference between TWA and VMG? – TWA is the course angle to the wind, VMG is the rate of progress toward the target.
• Should I always sail as high as possible? – No, only as long as boat speed stays in the VMG optimum.
• How do I find my VMG optimum? – Polars, instruments and short pointing/footing tests in training.
• When to sail lower? – In a header, light air, little pressure or when speed falls below the polar.
• When to sail higher? – In a lift, before the layline or when there is more pressure on the side.

Related Topics

• Courses and VMG
• Upwind and Reaching
• Telltales and Sail Shape
• Windward-Leeward Courses
• Optimizing VMG and Angles (Downwind)