It is possible to do swift alphas with out doing super smooth, first rate gybes. A lot depends on entry speed and how fast you get back up to speed.

I am wondering if there would be a way to use the GPS data we already collect to indicate better how well you are actually maintaining speed through the arc of your turn.

What if we had a Gybe Efficiency Metric where we divided the session's best alpha result by either the 2sec, or 5 x 10 speed? The result would indicate how close your alpha was to your top speed.

For example:
20.5 kts (alpha) / 31.5 (2 sec) = 0.65

Or

18.5 kt (alpha) / 24.3 kt (2sec) = 0.76

The second example had a lower alpha speed but it was closer to the 2 sec indicating better speed maintained through the turn because the speeds are closer together. Chasing the ultimate gybe efficiency number of 1.0 could be an interesting exercise. It would also give sailors in rougher waters something to aim for as they are never going to get top speeds.

What do you think?