Process for Compilation of Polars

[Dockhead]

So in the event I did not buy a B&G H5000, and I'm on the fence about Expedition.


Last year I used OpenCPN Weather Routing plug-in with reasonable results, but the polar I used (from a Hylas 54) was way off, so I really need proper polars for my boat in order to get reasonable routing and tactics.


What's the best process for this? What I have in mind, just as an idea so far:


1. I will use OpenCPN Weather Routing and Tactics plug-ins.


2. Intense calibration of my instruments, to start with. I'm using a CV7 ultrasonic wind instrument and have a couple years experience with it. I have just acquired a super accurate satellite compass (Furuno SCX20) and an ultrasonic speed log (Airmar UST800).


3. Do a lot of sailing in different conditions, and sail a bit on every point of sail, every time we go out, while recording the results using the VDR in OpenCPN (or strip chart or whatever it's called in Expedition). Note down in the log time and date when we think we are sailing optimally.



4. Analyze this, populate polars with the data from the VDR from the times noted in the log as optimum sailing. Interpolate as necessary.


5. Then sail to these polars in a variety of conditions and correct as necesary.




Does that sound about right? Any tips?