The Data menu contains commands for setting the hull and rig parameters used in the VPP.

Use this menu item to open a dialog which will allow you to enter (or edit) the data which defines the hull. The nomenclature used is that of the IMS.

Use this menu item to open a dialog which will allow you to enter (or edit) the data which defines the main rig: mainsail and jib. The nomenclature used is that of the IMS.

Use this menu item to open a dialog which will allow you to enter (or edit) the data which defines the mizzen sail. The nomenclature used is that of the IMS.

Use this menu item to open a dialog which will allow you to enter (or edit) the data which defines the wind conditions for which you wish to calculate the performance data. The default values are set to those of the IMS VPP.

A maximum of 7 wind velocities may be defined.  Two sets of true wind angles may be defined.  The first is the wind angles for which the upwind sail set will be used, and the second the wind angles for which the downwind sail set will be used.  Wind angles must have a minium spacing of 3 degrees.  Upwind sailing angles may be defined from 35 degrees to 110 degrees and downwind sailing angles may be defined in the range of 80 degrees to 180 degrees.

A variety of metric and imperial units may be used in Span. This command gives you a dialog box where you may choose your preferred units.

Irrespective of the default units specified the Markers window will accept dimensional data in any units. For Example, if the default units were metres, all of the following input would be accepted and converted accordingly:

Selecting Generate Measure Hull instructs Span to calculate the necessary measurements form the Maxsurf design file. A dialog is presented, and the user may specify AGS and SBMAX or ask Span to search for these values. In addition, the VCG must also be specified.