racing sailboat tactical compass

Stay in Phase

The Shift is a tactical sailing compass that allows you to easily see your heading and how much you’re headed or lifted. Big numbers and oversized buttons make it simple to use. The Shift’s aerospace-grade motion-processing algorithm makes it smoother and more responsive than any other tactical compass on the market.

See shifts at a glance.

Big numbers and bold arrows make it easy to see your heading and how much you're headed or lifted.

The Shift's 38mm (1.5") high digits can be easily read from over 30m (100 ft) away. The Shift's high contrast LCD will also show up crystal clear through your polarized sunglasses.

Works under pressure.

Oversized buttons allow you to instantly store port and starboard reference angles on the fly.

Solid-state 9-Axis AHRS.

The Shift uses a solid-state 9-axis Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS). The result is aerospace-grade heading indication that is smoother and more responsive than any other tactical compass on the market.

THE PROSTART'S TIMER.

When you hear or see any type of start signal just hit the GUN button. If the timer isn’t running, it will start. If the timer is running it will sync.

Once the timer is sync'ed you can independently adjust minutes while the seconds keep counting down.

The Shift has a red LED backlight that won’t ruin your night vision. The battery's good for over 60 hours of sailing in the dark.

SOLAR POWERED.

The top of the Shift is dedicated to an enormous 26mm x 124mm (1" x 5") solar panel. This keeps the Shift juiced-up and ready for action.

REPLACEABLE BATTERY.

Even the best lithium batteries don't last forever. The Shift was designed to make it easy for you to replace the product's battery yourself.

WATERPROOF.

The Shift is designed to withstand continuous immersion at 3m (9 ft). Every single unit that comes off the assembly line is pressure-tested before it ships.

CLASS LEGAL.

The Shift doesn't use any GPS technology and it even comes with a static-cling Legalizer Label for use in the most conservative one design classes.

COMPASS MODE

Heading on top, reference angle on the bottom and shift indicator on the side. Each shift indicator arrow segment represents 5° of deviation from the set reference angle.

Timer on top and heading on the bottom.

Ready to race?

Best Sailing Racing Compasses

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 7, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• A boat compass is ideal for any sailor out on the water in the event that you become lost
• Calibrating a compass is not difficult but you should consult with the manual beforehand
• A boat compass can damage over time so be sure to check reviews for good ones
• Some sailing compass brands come with brackets while others have various options
• It is important to understand how it works before attempting to purchase one

‍ A sailing racing compass is an important tool in sail races and on the water in general. But what are the best sailing racing compasses?

The best sailing compasses for racing would be TurnOnSport, Plastimo, Ritchie Navigator, and Detuck. Sailing compasses vary in mounted types or handhelds. You can find a perfect compass for racing since there are plenty of options to consider.

Base on my previous experience a lot of marine compasses vary in style and their intended use so each brand will cater to a certain sailor. Depending on the type of boat and racing you are conducting then the type of boat compass will likely differ.

Table of contents

‍ 10 Best Sailing Compasses for Racing

Sailors need a trustworthy boat compass for a variety of reasons but especially in racing. There are many different types of sailing compasses that could work for you based on your budget and desired sailing goals.

TurnOnSport Boat Compass

If you have never used a boat compass before you will be pleased with the quality of TurnOnSport’s boat compass. It can stick or be mounted virtually anywhere but is ideally meant for marine use. It is corrosion resistant and it comes with a shield to block out sunlight.

• 12V power supply to light up
• Magnetic and easy to install
• Might not be sticky enough to stay in place
• Needs a flat surface when trying to stick

Plastimo Contest 130

Plastimo offers an easy to read boat compass that can be seen from just about any angle. You do not have to worry about it getting beat up since the dome is scratch resistant and is also UV protected. It is ideal for boats over 30 feet but can still accommodate smaller ones.

• Scratch resistant
• Easy to read with a crystal clear display
• Can fit to bulkheads
• Might be difficult to find at times
• Higher price point

Ritchie Navigator BN 202

Ritchie Navigator makes an excellent compass like the BN 202 for example. It is proven to withstand a variety of sailing conditions and is arguably one of the best designs among sailing compasses. It is also equipped with an inclinometer to help with steering and windward.

• Comes with night light so that you can travel long distances overnight
• Inclinometer to help with steering
• Five year warranty
• Might be an expensive compared to other brands
• Slightly larger than other compasses

Boat Compass by Detuck

Detuck enters the boat compass game with a cost-effective alternative to other major boat brands. At just under $20 you can have a good quality tactical compass without having to break the bank. It also arrives with a magnetic declination capability so that you can improve the compass accuracy over time.

• Has magnetic declination to be more accurate
• Comes with a money back guarantee
• Backlight enables you to see in multiple lighting conditions
• Cannot be left in the sun for too long
• Plastic might not hold up in rough conditions

Lewmar has a few options for racers trying to find a top quality compass in their boat. Their 135 model comes with a hood that helps protect it from sunlight. It also has a sapphire jewel pivot to allow you to read it from any angle clearly.

• Two different options to mount it
• Ideal for larger sailboats that use 24 volts
• Easy to read compass card
• Might take a while to get it

COSTIN Compass

Costin is one of the best marine compasses out there for the price point. This is a great tactical compass that can also be used in marine conditions which is perfect for sail racing. It is easy to carry and store when not in use.

• Rugged and sturdy even if dropped
• Less than $16
• Comes with pouch for easy carrying
• Might not be the most accurate
• Instructions can be difficult to understand

100BC Compass by Silva

Silva might have the sleekest and smooth design for a sailboat compass. It can be mounted in a variety of positions and read from nearly any angle. It also has illumination capabilities so that you can see it in dark environments.

• Multiple mounting options
• Has protected cover
• Easy to read no matter the angle
• Price might be a little high for some
• No angle for heeling

Clipper Compass

The Clipper compass system is an electric tool that helps with direction. It has seven different levels of lighting so that you can see in all light conditions. It also has an alarm that will go off if you stray off your preset course.

• Various lighting options to read in any condition
• Easy to read
• Alarm to help you stay on course
• Need to keep on battery supply
• Cannot see it in some angles

Odowalker Marine Compass

Odowalker is another entry level compass that you can use for a variety of applications. It comes with an incandescent light to help you see in dark conditions and is easy to read. It is also made out of ABS material and can withstand some shock.

• Adjustable to see from various angles
• Multiple uses outside of sail racing
• Need power supply in order to use backlight feature
• Might need to adjust accuracy when it arrives

Autonautic Deck Mount Compass

The Autonautic CHE-0074 model provides accurate directions on larger boats. It is designed to allow more graduations so that you can see the numbers better. It is also one of the more durable and reliable boat compasses.

• Fairly expensive but has five year warranty
• Has graduation markings to see better
• Best for a steel boat
• Fairly expensive
• Meant for a larger boat

What to Look for in a Sailing Compass

There are various factors you should take into consideration when attempting to buy a sailing compass. You would likely want to read user reviews and potentially test one out yourself to get a feel for what you need.

In addition you should also narrow down your sailing goals to determine what is going to work best for your situation. Buying a sailing compass simply because you think it looks cool is not going to help your situation out on the water.

Size of the Compass

In my experience you should aim for a sailing compass that has a large diameter. It needs to be able to fit properly onto your dashboard at the helm so that you have and easier time reading it.

If it is large enough you can read the numbers easier when the boat is in rough conditions. It does not necessarily have to have a backlight but that would help especially at night.

Various Mounting Options

Depending on the type of boat and the sailing compass you choose it might have different options for mounting it. Various mounting options exist for those that want to mount it a certain way.

Space on the Dashboard

This installation is simply on the dash of your boat if applicable. You will need to cut out and fit a section of the dash in order to keep it secure and it makes it permanent.

Flat Surface Areas

Installing on the surface is likely the easiest and quickest since you can simply place it and be done. A surface mount can either be flat somewhere at the helm or horizontally at the best spot. This also prevents you from having to cut out a section of the dash.

Using Brackets

If your sailing compass comes with brackets this will allow you to place anywhere you desire with some installation required. A bracket mount will typically allow you to move the compass slightly to get a better read and is ideal for placing in vertical spots.

Mounting it Flush

A flush mount installation is where you cut a hole in your dash and expose just enough of the compass to read it. Some sailing compasses are more attractive looking when you install it this way but it does take a little more time than standard surface installations.

Binnacle Mounting

Choosing a binnacle mount is another option that is referred to as a “little house” for the compass. This helps keep it out of the elements or sunlight and are typically larger.

A majority of the sailing compasses you see on the market have a backlight and it is a handy feature if you are in lower light conditions. You will likely need to have it close to a power supply for a lot of these but some come equipped with a slight illumination already to make it easier to read.

Various Types of Dials

There are a few dial options to consider when selecting your sailing compass. Each one could appeal to you based on the way you prefer to read it.

Direct Dial for Upright View

A direct dial has the lubber line in an aft position and are best suited for helms that are closer to eye level when sailing. It is recommended that you have plenty of experience reading this type of dial since it requires some knowledge beforehand.

Dial with Flat Card

A flat card dial has to be read while you are standing or sitting in a seat above the helm since it features a horizontal face. The lubber line is forward so you would need to have the right angle when looking at it.

Hybrid dials are likely what you are thinking which is a mix between direct and flat. These allow you to read the compass from nearly any direction. These are best if you are needing to see the direction from any part of the boat and if you are newer to reading a compass.

Your Knowledge

If you have never used a compass before it will likely take a slight learning curve to get used to it. Consider purchasing one that you can either read from any direction or has simple but precise markers in order to get an accurate reading. Sailors that have plenty of experience might be able to read any compass no matter the quality.

How Does a Sailing Compass Work?

A compass is an essential tool for your boat to help guide you safely during any event at sea. This is especially important because if your power fails on your boat you can use your compass to help navigate back to safety.

How it Operates

Beneath the compass card is a tiny magnet that keeps north and south in line with the help of the Earth’s magnetic field. The compass is encapsulated with a fluid to help keep it stable upon moving on the boat. These are typically an analogue compass but some digital ones do exist usually as a handheld version.

Deviation Process

Deviation is a term used to describe when a compass is thrown off of its accurate reading due to other magnetic influences or too much metal interfering with it. You will need to read the manual or check with a qualified professional to help get it back in check.

Various Styles

Your boat will likely need a specific compass to make it worth the investment. As mentioned a binnacle compass is best for when the view is above and it is likely mounted on the wheel.

Smaller boats that utilize tiller steering are best suited with bulkhead mount that are located at the front of the cockpit. These also generally help with determining the angle of the heel the boat is experiencing.

In other words you should conduct the proper amount of research to best fit your needs. Your budget and boat type will play a crucial role in determining the best one. Your sailing experience can also make an impact on the buying process to help find the best tactical scale on the water.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Tacking Master Sailing Tools

Tackingmaster, write a review.

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Manufacturer part #: TackingMaster TackingMaster™ is an indispensable tool for anyone sailing tactically with a compass - in a dinghy, small keelboats or on larger yachts. The idea to TackingMaster was conceived and developed with the desire to create a simple way to make the tactical game in racing more foreseeable. TackingMaster creators are sailors and have built the functionalities of the TackingMaster with some of the best sailors in the world. The inspiration comes from the "tactic dish" but with the ambition to be able to wear it - and simultaneously make it more manageable.

• Step 1 Reset wind dial
• Step 2 Untighten lock ring
• Step 3 Set the wind direction for compass ring
• Step 4 Set windward mark bearing on mark ring
• Step 5 Tighten lock ring

TackingMaster is nominated to 2015 Yachts & Yachting Awards in the category: EQUIPMENT INNOVATION

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Velocitek Shift tactical compass

• March 23, 2015

Who’s it for? Racing sailors, from tacticians on crewed race yachts to sportsboat and dinghy racers. Tested by solo racer Henry Bomby

Velocitek Shift

Product Overview

Overall rating:.

• • Robust, chunky unit with solar panel on top
• • Large backlit digits
• • Remembers upwind reference angles to calculate windshifts
• • Useful start countdown feature
• • Can be a bit distracting
• • Expensive
• • Not allowed in some classes

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:.

The Velocitek Shift is an interesting new product that can help make the decision about when best to tack. It uses changes in compass heading to let you know if you are headed or lifted. A bit like using a machine to count cards in a game of blackjack, this saves mental calculations or the need to write numbers down on the deck or in your wet notes.

See the official video

It is designed to help make the often-complex job of a tactician that little bit easier. It does require a bit of set-up time, but crucially once you are up and running all you have to do is glance at the display during racing to access all the windshift information you need.

The Shift uses a nine-axis solid-state sensor to provide three-dimensional orientation for the boat and produce responsive compass numbers. It is a robust, standalone display, with chunky buttons and large, backlit digits, which is available with several mounting options.

I found that the Shift gave me the confidence to take smaller gains and cut my losses earlier. And it really comes into its own when you are distracted by other things and aren’t fully concentrating on tracking the wind – which can often happen when sailing a Figaro solo!

On windier days, for example, when it can be easy to forget the numbers because getting round the course and executing manoeuvres is much more of a priority, I found having the Shift to inform me of a lift or header on an easily viewed display a huge bonus.

I did find the device a bit of a distraction at first, but if you and your crew get used to racing with a Shift week-in week-out I believe it would become highly valuable. The set-up process alone is helpful, as it requires you to sail upwind for a few minutes on each tack to evaluate mean upwind compass headings. And the start countdown is a useful additional feature.

The Shift is not cheap, and for keelboat or dinghy sailors it could be a cost too far. But for a crewed yacht with a dedicated tactician on board, it is definitely something I’d recommend.

TackingMaster

A tactical navigation device that works together with any compass. it aims to make it easier to understand and visualize changes and trends of the wind during regatta sailing., the visual overview on tackingmaster helps the tactical sailor to visualize all the most important main bearings in order to be better prepared for the next wind change., basically, tackingmaster aims to add overview and visual and cognitive memory support to the modern complex world of performance sailing..

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THE FINAL BEAT

Sail faster, quicker, sailing compasses for dinghy racing.

• A Simple Guide to Choosing Sailing Compasses

List of Sailing Compasses for Dinghy Sailors

• Books with Information on Using Sailing Compasses

Guide to Choosing Sailing Compasses

Choosing a sailing compass can be tricky if you haven’t used one before. It is difficult to be sure what style will suit you best, and what features will be most useful for your class.

That said, it actually isn’t something to get too hung up about. Most of the sailing compasses listed below will suit anyone with a little practice and a good basic understanding of how to use them. The most important thing when choosing between the sailing compasses on offer is to understand the features they have and how these suit your needs.

Here are some of the features to look out for:

A tactical scale – All of the analogue sailing compasses listed here have a tactical scale. It is so much easier to use a compass for tactical reasons if you are working off a simple scale rather than the 360°. Other similar compasses might be cheaper, but if you’re going for an analogue compass then a tactical scale is pretty essential.

Class legality – Your compass must be class legal, or you’re wasting your money. Check out which compasses are allowed, and have a look at what sailing compasses the guys at the front of the fleet are using.

Weight – It is easy to overplay the importance of weight. a few grams here or there are unlikely to cost most sailors positions unless you’re sailing at the highest level. In an ideal world you’d get the lightest compass with the least windage, but don’t over-think it – it shouldn’t be a deal breaker, but it could be a factor that tips you more one way than the other.

Raymarine T060 Micro Compass

This is a hugely popular sailing compass, and you’ll see it widely used by dinghy sailors in a number of fleets. Light, compact and simple to use it is ideal for most sailors and, as it doesn’t have lots of tactical extras, it is class legal for most dinghies.

United States

UK & Ireland

Nautalytics Simple Compass Laser Set

A superb compass for Laser sailors. Lightweight and easy to use, this compass has a couple of extra features that make it well worth considering. The display panel has AWV (All Weather Vision), meaning that it is designed to be easy to read even when wearing polarized sunglasses – an incredibly useful feature for dinghy sailors.

It also has a small solar cell for battery back-up, keeping it topped up with power so it won’t run out of battery when you need it most.

A really useful bit of kit for Laser racers.

United States UK & Ireland

Velocitek Shift Tactical Compass

A very clever piece of kit, the Velocitek Shift tactical compass makes picking shifts a whole lot easier. The large numbers appear in high contrast, making them easily legible even when wearing polarized sunglasses, whilst the large buttons mean it is easy to use even when the breeze is up.

Even though it doesn’t use GPS technology, you need to check the most recent class rules if you’re sailing a strict one design as the shift detection technology may not be allowed. The compass does come with a static-cling label to cover the wind-shift indicator, but if you are intending to sail in major championships it is essential that you check you are allowed to use this compass.

Velocitek Prism Ultralight Racing Compass

Features include:

• Large digits – The display features large numbers in an easy-to-read font that is sunlight-readable.
• Wide Viewing Angle – the prism design means that the compass can be read easily when hiking out
• Flexible and Secure Mounting – mount it to your boat or the mast with a range of flexible fittings
• Class legal – legal in a wide range of dinghy classes, including some of the strictest.
• Solar Powered – Battery powered with solar charging

Find out more here

CarbonParts Laser Compass

Designed in conjunction with multiple-Olympian Phillip Buhl, the CarbonPArts LAser compass is lightweight and small. It features a clever variation on the tactical scale, utilising a multicolour system to make it even easier to remember your numbers, helping you to spot shifts quickly, accurately and easily.

Find out more here . 

Carbon Parts Opti Compass

Class legal and developed specifically with Optimist sailors in mind  (and in conjunction with the Norwegian Optimist team), this is ideal for competitive racers.

Find out more here .

Nautos Iris 100 Tactical Compass by Plastimo

I used an earlier version of this as an Optimist sailor, and it is a very useful little sailing compass. Using a simple click-bracket it can be moved from boat to boat very easily. It is small and relatively lightweight, making it ideal for small dinghies, and the price is great when compared with other tactical compasses.

Ideal for small dinghies or as a first tactical compass.

Ritchie Compass X-Port Tactician Compass (Xp-98W)

Relatively cheap compared to other tactical compasses, the online reviews of this are pretty good. I have no experience with this compass, but it has all the basic features that you might want from a tactical compass.

Nexus Garmin (Silva) Racing Elite Sailing Compass

This is an excellent compass for dinghies, and you see a lot of Laser sailors use it. The tactical scale makes it very easy to use, and I personally have had one for years without any issues at all. A very safe bet if you’re unsure what to go for.

Books with information on using Sailing Compasses

Ben Tan – Complete Introduction to Laser Racing , page 19

Dick Tillman – Complete Book of Laser Sailing , page 34

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Mastering Sailboat Racing Tactics: A Winning Approach

By: Zeke Quezada, ASA Sailing Races

Sailboat racing demands a unique blend of skills and expertise. The dynamic nature of racing, with its ever-changing winds and currents, requires sailors to excel in various aspects to secure victory. One of the biggest challenges is dealing with the fluid playing field upon which we play.  At North U, experts understand that sailboat racing success is built on a pyramid comprising Boat Handling, Boat Speed, and Tactics, with Tactics reigning supreme at the pinnacle.

Building the Foundation: Boat Handling and Boat Speed

Before delving into the intricacies of racing tactics, it’s crucial to lay a solid foundation. Boat Handling forms the base of the pyramid, emphasizing the importance of mastering the art of sailing. Without proficient boat handling skills, even the best tactics would falter. Next in line is Boat Speed, a universal requirement across all forms of racing. Whether it’s bicycles, bobsleds, or sailboats, speed is the essence of victory in any race.

Reaching the Summit: Racing Tactics

Atop the Racing Pyramid stands Tactics, the ultimate decider in the world of sailboat racing. Once you’ve honed your boat handling and achieved exceptional speed, mastering tactics becomes the key to clinching victories. Tactics, in its broadest sense, encompasses Strategy and Tactical execution, each playing a pivotal role in the race.

Understanding Strategy and Tactics

Strategy is the overarching plan that revolves around wind, wind shifts, and current. It is an overall gameplan detailing how a sailor would navigate the course independently while factoring in the complex interplay of natural elements. On the other hand, Tactics involve the practical implementation of the strategy and the adept handling of other boats in the race. Understanding and adhering to Racing Rules are part of Tactics, as the rules dictate your rights and obligations as you deal with other boats.

General Tactical Tips: 

• Craft a Comprehensive Strategy: Formulate a game plan based on your expectations of the wind’s behavior. A well-thought-out strategy provides a roadmap for your race.
• Get a Good Start: While a perfect start is ideal, it’s not mandatory for victory. Focus on launching at full speed from the starting line, ensuring you have clear air near the favored end. A strong start sets the tone for the race.
• Chase the Wind: Seek out areas with more wind and navigate your boat towards these pockets. Sailing in favorable wind conditions gives you a significant advantage over competitors.
• Embrace Speed: Sailing at maximum speed is a game-changer. Position your boat in a way that allows you to maintain top speed throughout the race. Sometimes, the simplest strategy is the most effective.
• Master the Shifts: Tacking and jibing strategically based on wind shifts is crucial. Upwind, tack when you’re headed away from the mark and sail on the lifts that push you towards it. Downwind, jibe when lifted away from the mark and sail on the headers, guiding you in the right direction.

Sailboat racing tactics are the culmination of strategic planning, meticulous execution, and adaptability to the ever-changing elements. By mastering the art of strategy and tactical maneuvers, sailors can elevate their racing performance. 

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Online Classes

Learn more about how to form winning racing strategies at the Racing Strategy, Tactics and Rules Online Class. This 4-session series hosted by Bill Gladstone starts October 17, 2023.

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• Racing sailboat tactical compass

Racing sailboat tactical compasses

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Manufacturers

• Novasail Ltd  (5)
• Ritchie Navigation  (1)

Application domains

• for sailboats (6) for racing sailboats
• magnetic (6)
• electronic (1)

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racing sailboat tactical compass XP-98W

... Tactician Features Course Minder Movable Bezel with Heading Memory Indicator Remembers the Way 3″ (76 mm) CombiDial with Tactical Quadrants to show Wind Shifts and Headers. Low Mounted Height Surface ...

racing sailboat tactical compass NS-START.Pro

The NS-START.Pro is a all-in-one multi constellation GPS receiver (GPS+GLONASS+GALILEO+BEIDOU) digital speedo compass . It delivers precise and reliable heading information to help you to tack and jibe at the most suitable ...

racing sailboat tactical compass ns360.pro

True magnetic tactical compass with "3 levels of sensitivity" The NS360.Pro is a all-in-one multi constellation GPS receiver (GPS+GLONASS+GALILEO+BEIDOU) coupled with a 9 axis gyro gimballed magnetic ...

racing sailboat tactical compass NS360 Pocket V2

... (BLE). True magnetic tactical compass with "3 levels of sensitivity" The NS360 Pocket V2 is a all-in-one multi constellation GPS receiver (GPS+GLONASS+GALILEO+BEIDOU) coupled with a 9 axis gyro gimballed ...

racing sailboat tactical compass NS-START pocket V2

... sailings. PC connectivity is now enhanced with the latest generation Bluetooth low energy transceiver (BLE). GPS speedo and compass The NS-START Pocket V2 is a all-in-one multi constellation GPS receiver (GPS+GLONASS+GALILEO+BEIDOU) ...

racing sailboat tactical compass 9 axis AHRS E-Compass

The 9 axis E- COMPASS is a new generation inertial measurement unit featuring a GNSS receiver (GPS/GLONASS/etc.) coupled with a 9 axis AHRS unit providing 3D orientation by integrating gyroscopes and data fusing with accelerometers ...

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Discussion: Moscow Compass

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