Go for better current or more wind?

When the current is lined up with the wind, it's relatively easy to make a strategic plan for the beat: just go to the side where the current is pushing you more tc windward (or less to leeward). This side will also have the better wind (because of the current effect). You get two advantages - current and wind - both at once!
When you're going downwind, however, it's a different story. Ifyoi sail to the side with better current, you will have less wind. But if you sail to the side with more wind. you'll have worse current (see the diagram). You can't have your cake and eat it, too, so how do you mak this choice?
If the difference in wind pres-sure is due only to the presence of current, it's usually better to head for the side with better current. That's because the additional wind created by the current will never offset the disadvantage of being in that current.
This is one time on a run wher you shouldn't automatically head for the best wind pressure. If that extra wind is due to current, it's probably better to sail toward the areas of flatter water since these show you where there is less cur-rent flowing against the wind (or more current flowing with it). 

The facts about this situation
• The True Wind (measured by an observer standing on shore) is a steady 8 knots from the north all over the course.
• The Current is running toward the north; I knot near shore; 2 knots offshore.
• The Sailing Wind is the wind felt by a seagull standing on a floating log; it's a vector sum of the true wind and the wind created by current.
• The sailing wind is steadily north at 9 knots near shore and 10 knots offshore.
• There are more waves in the offshore area where the current is running stronger.
• If a boat was racing upwind in these conditions, the obvious strategy would be to go offshore where both the current and wind pressure are better.
• On a run the choice is not so clear - the wind is better offshore, but the current is better inshore. In this kind of situation, it's usually better to sail for less current.

David Dellenbaugh, former starting helmsman for America3, publishes Speed&Smarts, a monthly newsletter of how-to information for racing sailors. For subscription information call: 800-356-2200. To order a new subscription, click