Noob with a question

[Barkerov]

I am running RFB + RSRD.
So I get some patrol orders to head into the East China Sea in my old S class boat. The instruction is to "make your best speed" to some latitude and longitude about 1500 NM away.

Exactly what does make your best speed imply? Most fuel economical? All ahead standard? Flank? I can't imagine its going to be Flank since that will use up diesel too fast.

[THEBERBSTER]

Hi Barkerov

Personally I would use Ahead Standard depending on the amount of fuel I had.

Peter

[Rockin Robbins]

And remember, no matter what they say, you are the skipper of your boat. So you get to define "best speed." If they wanted you to go ahead flank they would have had to say so. Proceed with confidence, sir!:salute:

[ColonelSandersLite]

You know about the maximum range at current speed, range to course end, and time to course end buttons right?

[fireftr18]

"best speed," doesn't necessarily mean fastest. You are to take in distance, fuel economy,future possible situations, etc. into consideration and decide the "best speed" for your boat and the mission needs.

[Barkerov]

You know about the maximum range at current speed, range to course end, and time to course end buttons right?

Yeah. I use those buttons after I leave port to figure out my best economy speed. I start with 9kts, TC until my speed stabilizes and then ask my navigator. For my S-class it was about 6.5 knots (15000NM). I didn't think they had that sort of range but whatever I'll take it.

"best speed," doesn't necessarily mean fastest. You are to take in distance, fuel economy,future possible situations, etc. into consideration and decide the "best speed" for your boat and the mission needs.

So its deliberately ambiguous then. I wondered if it had any specific Navy meaning but in the end I took no notice and just went for economy. I was curious if it had something to do with the timing of a convoy or something though.