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Chapter 9: Using RNS advanced features
9.4 How do I use polars to optimize my performance?
This section explains how to use RNS's Polars plotting functions to analyze and fine-
tune your boat's performance. Intended primarily for the experienced sailor, polar uses
a group of variables (such as apparent/true/current corrected wind angles, boat speed,
heel and pitch, etc.) to determine what heading you should set your boat on to achieve
the best possible speed under varying wind conditions. Analysis results are displayed
using several graph plots and data matrices, which can be edited to suit your needs. A
typical polars plot screen is shown below.
How do I collect data?
The accuracy of any analysis presented by polars is dependent on the volume and
accuracy of the data collected. There are two primary areas within polars where you
can enter and modify data:
• The
values used to plot the polar graph.
• The
advanced, boat/weather performance-related information that you can use to
further fine-tune the analysis.
These screens come pre-loaded with default data, however, it is essential to replace as
much of this information as possible with real performance/ atmospheric -specific
data. You can use RNS's Data Trak and Data Logging functions to record a wide variety
of performance-related data that is ideal for use with these screens. Data from these
screens can also come from such sources as your boat's manufacturer and local
nautical organizations.
Polar
tab - this displays the polar parameters screen, which contains variables/
Data
tab - this displays the data tests screen, which enables the input of
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