KK,

If we're flying in the same contest, my suggestion is to slow down in
the sink and speed up in the lift

Paul Remde has an excellent Excel spreadsheet on his web site that
contains all kinds of nifty polar plotting and manipulation.

My flight computer (LX7007) includes wind component in STF
calculations. I tend to follow its speed suggestions but not too
aggressively. Some pilots believe in flying a constant speed going to
the next thermal but I've never understood why you would want to
continue at an MC=whatever speed if you're in a large area of gnarly
sink. I push my stick forward and get my ass out of that as quick as I
can. Similarly I like to slow down if I find myself in buoyant air and
I think this is what most pilots do.

But more experienced pilots have forgotten more about this topic than
I will ever know -- I think BB has some excellent articles on this at
his web site. John what's the link?

..02NO