Target speed represents the optimal velocity a boat should achieve for a given wind speed and direction, based on its design ‘polars’ (performance charts). For a racing crew, hitting the target speed means the boat is being sailed at 100% efficiency. One specific example involves a navigator calling out ‘Target is 7.2 knots’ to the helmsperson during a steady breeze. If the boat is only doing 6.8 knots, the crew knows they need to adjust the sail trim or the steering angle to find the lost performance. These numbers are specific to every boat model and are used as a benchmark to ensure the vessel is reaching its full potential. It turns the ‘feel’ of sailing into a precise science.
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