Rather than hijacking running threads on "understanding windshear" or "pointing angle to weather" I would like to solicit input on steering wind angles and/or centering the boom when sailing close-hauled under rapidly varying wind and seastate conditions. In particular, I am eager to find affordable sensors and displays capable of integrating wind+log+GPS data seamlessly and near-instantaneously. The long axis of the Vanuatu island chain, where we have spent the past 8 seasons, parallels the predominant SE tradewind directions, Thus, much of our sailing is either very close to the wind or to the jibe. In addition, a chain of relatively small volcanic islands lying some 10-20 miles to windward of our main rhumbline keeps generating 10-30 degree changes in wind and wave directions every couple of hours or so. All in all we have come to appreciate the convenience of being able to steer wind angles, rather than compass headings, especially during tiring overnight stints at the wheel. Our current Nexus/Comnav instruments measure apparent wind angles between apparent wind direction and vessel centerline, rather than between apparent wind direction and COG. Unfortunately, a combination of: (1) wave-stopping (current against wind and/or overlapping wave directions); (2) strong tidal flows and (3) our 5.8' shoal draft (bulbous wing keel) effects often conspires to vary the angle between compass heading and COG (course over ground) by up to 20 or 30 degrees. Consequently, just using the "apparent wind angles" shown by our Nexus/Comnav display leaves considerable room for error in optimal steering and/or boom “centering” . To overstate the argument a bit for the sake of discussion: who cares where the centerline of the boat is pointing when the apparent wind angles aloft are primarily being defined by the true direction and speed of the vessel’s travel over the ground (even when assuming constant true wind direction and speed)! I am especially eager to find out if any of the instrument lines now being offered by major discount chandleries permits instantaneous integration of wind+log+GPS data, preferably by allowing COG/SOG data to be taken off any NMEA 0183 or 2000 input. For our particular nook of the ocean we are pretty well invested in Garmin GPSmap and Bluechart technology. However, Garmin does not offer a full line of compatible wind or log sensors AFAIK. Fair wind angles to all, Flying Dutchman S/V Rivendel II (currently dry-berthed in Port Vila, Vanuatu)