Speed Made Good

The component of a vessel’s velocity over the ground in a specified desired direction.

Speed made good can be measured along the intended track, towards a waypoint or in another stated direction and is the rate of change of distance made good. A vessel may have high speed over the ground but low or negative speed made good if its course, current or tacking pattern carries it away from the objective.

The reference direction must be stated because the term is sometimes confused with velocity made good to windward. It is calculated from ground-referenced movement and therefore incorporates current, leeway and steering effects.