Learn how to read your tack/gybe graphs second-by-second — and turn every maneuver into free speed.
Our goal during maneuvers is simple: maximize total distance and VMG distance, while keeping the maneuver short and minimizing distance loss.
When we analyze a maneuver, we don’t jump to the peak or only look at the exit. We go from the first second to the last second, step-by-step, so we understand what caused what.
The boat has inertia. The speed curve often reacts to what happened a moment earlier — so we always connect actions to delayed effects.
Speed alone rarely tells the full story. We cross-check Speed with Heel and Turning Rate (and later TWA and Pitch).
Follow this order. It keeps the debrief clean, quick, and consistent — and it’s easy to repeat for every tack/gybe.
The first thing we check is entry speed. A higher entry speed usually means a more efficient maneuver: you can use less rudder, the boat keeps flowing, and you travel more distance in the same time.
In most cases, the boat that enters faster already has an advantage.
Next, we watch how speed changes second-by-second. In general: the later the speed starts dropping, the better.
Because the boat has inertia, the speed graph reacts to actions you already did a moment earlier.
Common reasons for an early speed drop
On the heel graph, we want a smooth transition from our target heel toward 0° right as we enter the maneuver.
On exit, we want one of two patterns
Excess leeward heel on entry often creates a mismatch between the center of lateral resistance and the center of sail force, adding drag and slowing the boat. Some boats can benefit from the turning moment, but for most classes it’s not worth the speed loss.
Turning Rate is how fast the boat rotates, measured in degrees per second (°/s). At the start of a maneuver you’re moving faster than at any other time inside it — so you usually need less rudder than when you’re slow.
Think of it like driving: on a highway you barely move the wheel; at parking speed you turn it a lot.
Goal: a clean, dome-shaped curve — smooth build-up, peak in the middle, smooth release — without wobbling at the start or the end. This usually means less water resistance and a more efficient maneuver.
In the middle of the maneuver, the key is that the boat doesn’t “sit” at minimum speed. The deceleration phase should switch into acceleration as quickly as possible.
A common reason for slow acceleration is either heel issues or an exit angle that’s too high into the wind.
Open True Wind Angle (TWA) and compare the value at maneuver entry vs after the maneuver is completed. If the difference is large, it can explain why the boat struggles to build speed again.
Another common reason for slow acceleration is crew positioning and timing.
To spot it, compare entry vs exit using Heel and Pitch (fore–aft trim). Even without video, these graphs often show whether the boat stayed flat and flowing — or got “stuck” because of movement at the wrong time.
If you’re short on time, these checks often get you to the right conclusion in under a minute.
Gentler speed drop and quicker recovery usually means a better maneuver.
Peak in the middle, smooth entry and exit — no shaking or corrections.
Speed + Heel + Turning Rate + TWA is the fastest combo for finding the real cause.
Use the same step order every time. It keeps your debrief consistent and easier to improve.
Upload a session, open Maneuvers Analysis, and start with entry speed — we’ll take it from there.