sailboat electronic 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?

• AROUND THE SAILING WORLD
• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Email Newsletters
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology
• America’s Cup
• St. Petersburg
• Caribbean Championship
• Boating Safety

A Better Electronic Compass

• By Dave Powlison
• June 20, 2023

We first looked at Velocitek’s Prism compass in 2019 and found a lot to like: big, easy-to-read numbers, cut-acrylic lenses that allow the numbers to be easily seen in any daylight situation and not get wonky when viewed through polarized lenses, and at just under five ounces, probably the lightest small-boat compass out there.  So, when we learned a new version was in the wings, we had to see what could possibly have been improved.  

In appearance, the New Prism is identical to the original except for one detail—a USB port on the back, sealed with a half-inch diameter plug that can be screwed in or out with a coin. Out of juice after a long day on the water?  Plug it into your computer or a wall brick, and in about six hours you can go from zero to full charge. Most times, you don’t even need to be at 100 pecent since a full charge will last more than 48 hours, so you probably won’t even need six hours of charging. No more setting the compass out in the sun for hours after racing, hoping the clouds don’t roll in before it’s recharged. 

“The USB is more of a sure thing,” says Velocitek’s Charles Swanson. “Cloudy days don’t affect it, and it doesn’t matter if the compass is tucked up in the shade under the boom.”  With this setup, the solar panel is now just a battery-extending backup.  

The other big difference is inside. The New Prism now houses the same, patented, solid-state geomagnetic sensor found in Velocitek’s top-of-the-line ProStart instrument. Two big advantages of this upgrade, says Swanson. “This magneto-inductive sensor is not influenced by temperature changes and is inherently free from offset drift. This means that the factory calibration remains valid indefinitely and in all conditions. ”

More importantly, the new sensor, combined with the more powerful charging supplied by the USB connection, allows a dramatically improved refresh rate—the number of times the screen is updated—going from the earlier Prism’s once a second to four times a second. Want to see it in action? Go through a tack and watch the numbers change. Undetectable lag time.  

Ease of use?  One button positioned on top of the compass does everything. That should put a big smile on the faces of those who have struggled with multi-button processes on various other electronic devices. Press the button and the left screen says “BAT” and displays the battery level on the right screen. Shortly after, it automatically switches to compass mode. And that’s all there is to it, unless you want to set the damping mode, done by briefly pressing the button again.  Toggle through one of three damping levels by tilting the compass. This was the trickiest part of the compass to use, as you have to press the button again at the exact moment the desired damping level appears. Miss that moment and you’re probably onto another damping level. Not a big deal though, as this is something few would often adjust. Turn off the power by holding the button down for about three seconds. Easy-peasy.

For some, the one hesitation about the New Prism is the lack of a timer. The folks at Velocitek don’t apologize for that. After all, their goal was to create a straightforward, easy-to-operate, top-level compass—nothing more. Perfection embodied. And that’s just fine with a lot of sailors. For instance, in some classes, it’s impractical to have a timer and compass in one unit, such as Nacra catamarans, which mount the compass on the bowsprit, or 49ers, which carry the compass forward of the mast. That’s a pretty inconvenient reach to change modes. Others gravitate to a single-use instrument because of a reluctance to be without compass readings in the starting sequence. Yes, you can toggle between modes, but how many of us have found ourselves locked out of one mode or the other at that critical time, often because we accidentally pressed the wrong button or we held it down too long?  

This compass doesn’t meet the needs of everyone, but if you’re looking for a fail-safe instrument that will give you quick and precise readings as well as eliminate concerns about staying charged, it’s definitely worth considering. $579.

• More: Electronics , Gear , Sailboat Electronics

Wingfoiling Gear: A Beginner’s Guide

Suiting Up with Gill’s ZenTherm 2.0

Gill Verso Lite Smock Keeps it Simple

The Making of A Shackle

One-Design Wingfoil Racing Takes Off

The Wisdom of Augie Diaz

Nautor Swan Has A New Pocket Rocket

Brauer Sails into Hearts, Minds and History

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

• Outhaul Systems Guide
• Outhaul Systems - Normal
• Outhaul Systems - Quick Release
• Clew Blocks
• Outhaul Elastics
• Block Assemblies at Boom
• Block Assemblies at Gooseneck
• Primary/Secondary Assemblies
• Calibration Strips
• Primary and Secondary Lines
• Downhaul Systems Guide
• 6:1 Downhaul Systems
• 8:1 Downhaul Systems
• 10:1 Downhaul Systems
• Primary Line Assemblies
• Lower Strop Assemblies
• Caribiner Attachment
• Kicker Systems Guide
• Kicker Systems
• Kicker Components
• Kicker Primary Line Assemblies
• Ratchet Blocks
• Boom/Traveller Blocks
• Kicker Blocks
• Control Line
• D12 Dyneema
• Wear Protect
• Block Plate and Assemblies
• Cleats and Cleat Assemblies
• Wind Indicators
• Mast Retainer
• Centreboard Strop
• Centreboard Friction Pad
• Centreboard Elastic and Clips
• Self Bailer and Springs
• Transom Bung
• Titanium Mega Bolt
• Silicone Sealant
• Hiking Straps
• Toggles and Dogbones
• Loops and Soft Shackles
• Splicing Kits and Tools
• Universal Joint
• Tillers, Extensions etc
• Gift Vouchers

This section doesn’t currently include any content. Add content to this section using the sidebar.

Add description and links to your promotion

Your headline

Image caption appears here

Your product's name

Add your deal, information or promotional text

Electronic Compasses – which one is right for you?

• by Max Hunt
• September 28, 2018

Updated November 2023.

When the ILCA Rule 22 change came into effect in 2018 allowing the use of electronic compasses, the Raymarine MicroCompass (more commonly known as the ‘TackTick’) quickly became the default choice amongst most of the top sailors – driven in part by the fact that when the rule change came into effect it was, alongside the Nautalytics simple compass, the only choice. Around a year later the Velocitek PRISM was released – a state of the art compass .  All three of these compasses are ILCA Rule 22 approved.

How do you decide between these compasses? This article looks at the factors involved, but first why choose an electronic compass? You only have to look at Laser medal race videos to see that the vast majority of the top sailors have moved from analogue to electronic. Electronic compasses are smaller, lighter, but it is the ease of reading that is the main reason – the digital display is much clearer than the graduations on an analogue compass, isn’t subject to the variation dependent upon viewing angle, and is faster to respond to heading change. All these lead to electronic compasses having greater useable accuracy which make it far easier to see heading changes.

So, what are the factors that need to be considered in deciding which electronic compass is right for you?

MODE   – The first and maybe the most important factor is whether you want to use your compass in tactical or heading mode. The vast majority of analogue compasses used on the Laser had a tactical scale (normally with a secondary 0-360 scale), which divided up the 360 deg scale into 20 or 24 segments. This in theory, gives you the same or similar number on either upwind tack meaning that it easier to remember – for example 2 on starboard/2 on port (for the Plastimo), or 2/12 (for the Silva/Nexus). The secondary 0-360 scale helped with head to wind and line bias. These analogue compasses assumed an 90 degree angle between tacks. In theory fine, but the tacking angle on the Laser is dependent on the wind strength, is affected by wave skew and any ‘tide wind’ generated by current flow. So your tacking angle may not be 90 degrees and may be also skewed relative to the true wind direction from one tack to the other.

The TackTick is the only one of the three ILCA approved electronic compasses to offer a tactical mode, and the tacking angle can be adjusted on the water to get the same numbers on each tack. However, it still assumes a constant angle from one tack to the other, so if there is skew from one tack to the other the numbers displayed won’t reflect the true wind direction. In tactical mode the sensitivity can be adjusted to 1, 2, 5 or 10 degrees, with most sailors choosing 5 degrees to avoid being distracted by minor shifts.

Some top sailors use the TackTick in tactical mode and others in heading mode. However, I believe that the complexity of using tactical mode simply and effectively, especially when electronic compasses offer greater useable accuracy, has resulted in more sailors moving from tactical mode to heading mode.

Heading mode displays the bearing that the boat is travelling on, so the numbers on one tack are very different from the other and as a result there are two ranges of numbers to remember (or write on the boom)! All three compasses offer heading mode. One potential downside of heading mode on all three compasses is that they display 1 degree heading changes which means that in reality the display is changing a lot. You need to make sure that you are not looking at the compass too much! The PRISM compass does have an adjustable damping rate to help this aspect – the greater the damping value the smoother the heading change will be, as it slows down the response to a change in heading.

TIMER   – The rule change also allowed the use of a countdown timer to be integrated with the compass. This is a feature that is included in the TackTick and Nautalytics compass. The timer on the Nautalytics is simple to use, with a sync function that syncs down to the next minute like most sailing watches. However you may find using the timer mode on the TackTick confusing as the sync function works differently (it syncs to the nearest minute, so it may sync up rather than down). Some people use the timer functions on these two compasses but when the timer is running you can’t see heading information unless you manually change modes. When the timer reaches zero the TackTick compass reverts to the tactical or heading mode that you were in. The Nautalytics reverts to its heading mode.

DISPLAY   – The size and readability of the display is another important factor. The relatively small display on the TackTick probably reflects the age of the design. The viewing angle is also quite small meaning that if you are either sitting in the cockpit in very light airs and looking down, or doing a head to wind and looking straight at the compass from the middle of the cockpit, you will find it difficult to read. The display on the PRISM is both larger and has a far better viewing angle and a non-reflective coating. The single very large display on the Nautalytics is probably the clearest, but it is a large compass in comparison with the lower profile, sleeker TackTick and PRISM.

If you sail using polarised sunglasses the display on the TackTick is like a lot of LCD’s, unreadable. Only the PRISM and Nautalytics are compatible with polarised glasses.

BATTERIES   – All three compasses have inbuilt batteries recharged via solar cells. The Nautalytics batteries are cost effectively replaceable. The earlier PRISM compasses had replaceable batteries.  From early 2021 to mid 2023 PRISM compasses were totally sealed and batteries are not replaceable.  The latest generation of PRISM compasses have a USB charging port as a backup in case solar charging hasn't been sufficient to keep the battery charged or you have had it stored away for months.

MOUNTING   – From a mounting perspective, for the popular TackTick there are a number of mountings available from third party manufacturers such as CarbonParts. For the PRISM mountings are available from CarbonParts and Velocitek. For the Nautalytics the manufacturer offers a mounting. Most sailors choose to mount the compass as far forward as possible without fouling the vang fitting or deck blocks, with the control lines running through the mounting so that if it does become dislodged during sailing the compass stays on the boat! If you want to mount it in front of the mast, attach a security line or, if you run your centreboard elastic to the bow eye, pass that through the mount. Most mounts attach using 3M DualLock – best described as a sort of industrial strength Velcro – it really works.

So how do you choose between these three electronic compasses?

• If you want tactical mode the answer is the TackTick as it is the only one to offer that mode of operation.
• If you want to use an inbuilt countdown timer, the choice is between the TackTick and the Nautalytics.
• If you want pure simplicity, with only heading mode, the PRISM is the compass to go for. There are no buttons other than on/off, so no worry about what mode you have set it in or what tacking angle you should have set it at.  Having used both TackTick and Nautalytics, I quickly moved to the PRISM compass and love it.

About Southeast Sailboats… Southeast Sailboats is a leading supplier of world class control line systems and electronic compass / mountings for the ILCA/Laser. We supply the PRISM and TackTick ILCA Rule 22 compasses and associated mountings and we deliver worldwide.

[email protected]

(+44) 07880 500233

southeastsailboats

southeast_sailboats

Southeast Sailboats

We use cookies on our website to give you the best shopping experience. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies.

Race Compass Smarts: When and How to Use One

Get a race compass! Without a compass, it seems there is a herd mentality, a tendency to go with the crowd. With a compass you’ll know why you are going with the crowd, or not.  Sailboat Racing with Gr eg Fisher

Until you’re pretty experienced and sailing against really good people, just sail in pressure on the tack that is closest to the mark. You’ll do well and don’t need a race compass. “Surf Nazi,” on Sailing Anarchy

In my opinion the compass is a secondary input. A compass only provides information for one spot on the course. More important to look around and read the wind patterns by checking the heading of boats around the course.  “Dog,” on Sailing Anarchy

Since acquiring a compass several years ago, I have experienced the yin and yang expressed in the three statements above. The compass has helped me in many ways, but being too reliant on it has also hurt me. For this post, I collected the existing wisdom on the pros, cons, and techniques for using a race compass.

We have updated this post from the original version with new tips, mental math examples, and refreshed links to compass sources. Unfortunately, our favorite digital compass, the Velocitek Shift is no longer in production.

Pros and Cons of Using a Race Compass

You win sailboat races by sailing faster and less distance than your opponents. To sail less distance, you must have a good feel for the angles. Many sailors develop this feel visually over time. However, not everyone can retain this visual information in the heat of battle.

Pro: precise angles matter

A compass gives you a precise tool for the angles. Winning in One-Designs , by Dave Perry, has a great table showing the dramatic gains and losses due to wind shifts in various situations, even with small shifts.  A 5° shift results gives the favored side an advantage of 12% of the lateral separation. On a 200-yard starting line, that’s a 24-yard advantage. If you sail a 5° header for one minute you will lose at least four boat lengths to a boat on the lifted tack.  For a simple table of advantages, check out this article from Sailing Breezes .

Pro: quick reference tool with many uses

In the heat of battle it’s nice to simplify your life. A compass gives you a quick reference for decisions in the stressful moments, such as after starts and mark roundings.  A compass helps you find marks, check the starting line, and sail the lifted tack.

Con: distraction of dubious value

Many seasoned sailors say that using a race compass is just one more excuse to keep your head in the boat. You should be looking around constantly, integrating all the data about sailing angles, wind strength, and competitors. You can train yourself to recognize slight headers and store a mental picture of the average wind direction in your head. When a permanent shift occurs, your previous compass data on average wind is useless. 

The verdict

I’ll go with Greg Fisher on this one: use a compass, but learn to use it as one input, and keep your head out of the boat. This is what we should strive for.  The compass has helped me even on small  lakes. As the lake gets bigger, a compass becomes more important, since there are fewer shore references. 

Using a Race Compass: The Numbers

So, you’ve decided to try using a race compass. To use it effectively, you need to “know the numbers.” Use part of your pre-race routine to gather the data and do the math.  

Average headings and wind direction

• Sail on each tack for at least ten minutes. The more time and more portions of the course, the better. Write down or mentally note your headings on each tack.  Caution: when noting a heading, make sure you are trimmed in and sailing a true close-hauled course. If you are pinching or footing, your numbers won’t be accurate.
• Determine the average heading on each tack, and the highest and lowest values as well. Record or remember these numbers.
• Determine the average wind direction. This is the value halfway between the average heading on each tack. Example: 235° average on port, 145° average on starboard. Average wind is 190°.  (235-145 = 90. 1/2 of 90 = 45. 45 + 145 = 190)
• Check the average wind direction against other known quantities: -Go head to wind several times and compare the compass bearing to your calculated average wind. -Check the calculated average wind against the RC radio chatter or posted course bearing. -Check the average wind against the forecasted direction.
• Keep checking the average wind to detect any oscillations or persistent shifts that may be occurring before the start.

Tacking angle

Your tacking angle is the difference of the average readings on each tack. In the example above, the tacking angle is 90°. This is a common tacking angle in medium breeze. Tacking angles might range from 80° in slightly heavier air to as much as 100-110° in light air. As your tacking angle changes, it will affect your average headings on each tack. It’s very important to know your tacking angle in various wind ranges, even if you don’t use a compass.

Starting line bias

With shifty winds, any momentary advantage at one end of the line disappears when the wind shifts. The best strategy is to know the line bias to the average wind direction. Race Committees try to set the line square to the average wind, but they often fail.

Don’t use the windward mark placement to determine the average wind. Race committees don’t often center the windward mark on the course. See our post on ladder rungs for more about why windward mark placement doesn’t matter.

Finding line bias

Sail down the line in either direction, lining up bow and stern with the line flags or buoys. Compare the bearing to a square line. A square line will be the average wind minus 90° when sailing on starboard, or the average wind plus 90° when sailing on port.   Example: Your compass bearing when sailing the line on starboard toward the pin is 85°.  The average wind is 190°.  These figures give you the following insights:

• A square line bearing on starboard tack would be 190 – 90 = 100°
• The 85° bearing on starboard indicates the pin (left) end is 15° low (100 – 85).

Anything more than a 5° bias may be significant, especially if the line is long.

Memory and visualization aids for line bias

• Square line bearing on port equals the average wind plus 90 (p is for port and plus). Starboard is minus 90.
• When sailing the actual line on starboard tack, if heading is higher than the square line bearing, the left-hand side of the line is favored. If heading is lower , the right-hand side is favored. ( SLR – starboard-lower-right).
• A quick way to check this without math is to sail from one end of the line at the heading you determined for the square line. Then see which end of the line is low. This doesn’t give you the actual line bearing, but may be all you need to know.

Mental math examples to try

Here are some examples. Try to do these in your head and fill in the blanks.

• Average upwind headings: starboard tack – 060°; port tack – 140°
• Average wind direction: ________
• Tacking angle: ________
• Square line bearing on port: ________
• Square line bearing on starboard: ________
• Favored end (right or left): ________
• Degrees favored: ________

Click here for answer.

• Average wind direction: 330° (You weren’t able to sail the course to get average headings, but have determined this by going head to wind several times.)
• Tacking angle: 90°
• Starboard tack: ________
• Port tack: ________

Mental math overload?

If you don’t want to do all the mental math, there are options. Some digital compasses can record the average headings on each tack and show relative lifts and headers. Analog race compasses have lubber lines and other accessories to help you do the math. There is also the Tacking Master , which is an adjustable wrist dial showing all the key reference points. 

Interpreting Changes – Puffs, Lulls, Lifts, Headers 

As your compass heading changes while sailing upwind, it’s important to distinguish between a wind shift (lift or header) and a velocity change (puff or lull). Check your ability to interpret compass readings with these examples.   

Sail luffs #1

With a nominal wind of 8 mph at 360°, you are sailing close-hauled on starboard, heading 315°.  The sail begins to luff slightly. The shroud telltales begin to point further aft. The wind speed on your face feels unchanged. You bear off 5° and the boat livens up again. This is a header. You were correct in bearing off to keep the boat in the groove.

Sail luffs #2

With a nominal wind of 8 mph at 360°, you are sailing close-hauled on starboard, heading 315°.  The sail begins to luff slightly. The shroud telltales begin to point further aft. The wind speed on your face feels diminished. If you bear off, the boat doesn’t react much. This is a lull, not a change in true wind direction. The boat will slow down due to reduced wind velocity and your tacking angle will increase, so you will eventually need to bear off if it lasts, but you shouldn’t bear off right away. Sailing lulls properly is not intuitive to many sailors. See our posts – Sailing Lull Tips and Sailing Lulls Tips – Part II  – for more.

Strong Puff

With a nominal wind of 8 mph at 360°, you are sailing close-hauled on port, heading 45°.  You see a strong puff (perhaps 12 mph) approaching on the water. As the puff hits, you ease the sheet to accelerate, but you find that you can’t steer up with the increased speed and your close-hauled heading does not change.  This puff is also a header. The tacking angle decreased as you increased speed during the puff, so you should be able to head up. Since you can’t head up, the true wind direction must also have changed.

Upwind: When to Use (and When to Ignore) Your Race Compass

Getting the numbers and interpreting changes are only the first steps. The hard part is using your compass data with all the other information, including your observations of the wind, your competitors, your overall strategy, and your predictions about what will happen next. Here are some thoughts from the experts on how to solve the puzzle in various scenarios.  

Oscillating breeze

In an oscillating breeze, with minimal changes in wind velocity across the course, you can simply sail the lifted tack, tacking when headed below the average heading. Waiting until you are headed below the average is very powerful. Many sailors tack at the first indication of a header and others follow. This is the herd mentality discussed in the first quote at the top of the article. For more on sailing in an oscillating breeze, see our post on Sail the Lifted Tack – How and When?

Persistent shift

In a persistent shift, you must sail toward the direction of the shift. You may have to sail a header to get there. However, it’s better to take the header early, rather than later, when the wind has shifted even further. So, in a persistent shift, ignore your compass and sail toward the shift until you are closer than your competitors (but not past the layline).

Most race courses are a combination of oscillating and persistent shifts, with variations in velocity across the course. The strategy here is to connect the dots and sail conservatively. Here are some tips for using the compass in these conditions.

Connect the dots

The overall strategy for hybrid conditions is to “connect the dots.” This means finding the breeze and then sailing the lifted tack. Work your way up the course by sailing toward the next shift or puff. In this scenario, you may have to take some headers to get in the breeze. Just don’t sail a big header for too long unless you’re certain it will pay off. See our post on  Upwind Strategy: Connecting the Dots  for more.

Don’t get too far to one side

If you get too far to one side, you will lose a lot in an unfavorable shift. On big water, use your compass to help you from getting too far to one side. When sailing away from the center, tack back on smaller headers. When sailing toward the center, only tack back to the sides on larger headers. See our post on  Race with Consistency – Ted Keller Comments  for more.

Sail to the advantage, but not all at once

As the race develops, various areas of the course will become advantaged. You can sail to these areas by footing, pinching, or taking slight headers to get there. Let’s say you are sailing a long lift, but see boats behind and to windward that are beginning to lift above you. Unless you see more wind ahead, you probably want to take a hitch to windward. One way to use your compass is to tack when you are on the least lifted heading. Then tack back when you reach the new wind or get a header.

If you have to go a longer distance toward an advantage, try doing it in stages, taking headers when least costly, and tacking back when you are too far headed.

In flat water with stable winds and minimal steering, a 5° shift will be noticeable and possibly worth tacking on. With difficult conditions, such as waves or highly variable wind, your compass readings will show a lot of noise, and you may not want to act unless the shift is 10° or more. 

Bearing to leeward mark

Determine the bearing from the windward mark to the leeward mark before the race starts. If you can head down to the leeward mark bearing as soon as possible after rounding, you’ll sail the least distance.

To get this number, add or subtract 180° to/from the bearing from the start to the windward mark. Example: Bearing from start to windward mark is 75°. Bearing to the leeward mark will be 255° (75 +180=255)

Sail the headed gybe

The rule of thumb for downwind sailing is to sail the headed gybe. The headed gybe is the gybe that takes you closest to the leeward mark when sailing at your preferred angle to the wind. This usually easy to see visually without a compass. On longer courses, you can use your compass bearing to sniff this out more quickly.

Get approximate average wind direction

Sailing downwind, you can also get an approximate average wind direction. This might come in handy if you don’t have much time before the race and are sailing down to the starting line. To make this work, you must be able to judge when you are sailing dead downwind. A mast-head fly is much better for this than shroud telltales, but in either case, you should test on both gybes if accuracy is important.

Permanent shift

If a permanent shift occurs, you need to adjust your numbers for average wind and heading on each tack. Sailors that focus on the race compass and the old numbers will lose big after a permanent shift. Two ways to do this:

• Watch your upwind headings on each tack and try to determine a new average.
• On the downwind leg, try to determine the new average by sailing dead downwind for a few moments.

Pre-Race Routine – Get a Leg up on the Competition – shows a detailed pre-race routine including compass use; input from Roble/Shea Sailing.

Related Posts

Velocitek Shift: Reviews, Calibration Procedure, Bracket Issues

Leave a comment cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Insert/edit link

Enter the destination URL

Or link to existing content

Free Shipping Over $99* - 366 Day Returns - Dedicated Customer Support

• Call Us +1-503-285-5536
• Sign in & Register
• Recently Viewed
• One Design Parts
• ILCA / Laser Parts
• Upgrades & Accessories

Velocitek Prism Racing Compass

• Create New Wish List

Write a Review

Frequently Bought Together:

Description.

The Prism is a stripped down racing compass. The Prism provides unprecedented accuracy, coupled with a massive display, in a compact package. At a mere 137 g (4.8 oz) it is the world's lightest racing compass. The perfect compass to take advantage of the new Laser class association rule allowing digital compasses!

Need to mount this compass to a Laser? We recommend the Velocitek Prism Deck Bracket. This bracket can be installed on a new or existing Spider Deck Bracket (you'll need to drill new holes) or mounted to the deck with velcro, using your control lines to help secure the bracket in the event of a capsize. See "Related Products" below.

• MASSIVE DIGITS - The Prism has sunlight-readable, high-contrast LCD screen features 29.8mm  tall digits in a font that is optimized for readability. This means that if your boat is under 40ft long you will be able to mount the Prism on your mast and read it easily from anywhere in the cockpit, even if you do not have perfect vision.
• ULTRA-WIDE VIEWING ANGLE - With 250 degrees of visibility the Prism LCDs can be easily read from the helm to the trapeze wire.
• FLEXIBLE & SECURE MOUNTING - The Prism mounts to your boat via the slide-in cradle. The Prism Cradle can be mounted to a wide array of brackets, directly to a mast using the centerline holes and the Mast Bracket Hardware Kit, or directly to a bulkhead. We even included recesses in the cradle in case you need to lash your compass in place.
• CLASS LEGAL - The Prism uses only magnetic input as its heading reference, has no memory, no user inputs, and performs no arithmetic functions. It's legal in all classes that allow electronic compasses.
• WHAT'S INCLUDED - Velocitek Prism, Mounting cradle, Quick Start Guide, EVA storage case.
• DIMENSIONS - Weight 4.8oz / 137 g. Height - 2.2 inches / 55mm. Width - 4.6 inches / 118mm. Depth - 2.6 inches / 67mm.
• BATTERY and POWER - The Prism battery is rated for 40 hours of continuous use with no additional charge from full to empty. It also has a 20 second auto shut off if no motion is detected. This compass is solar recharging or can be recharged using a 3.7 volt battery charger with the correct adapter.

Product Reviews

Shipping & returns.

Delivery Info: Enjoy Free Standard Shipping on most orders* to the Continental United States over $99. Our Standard Shipping method utilizes USPS, UPS, and FedEx to send packages near and far. Oversize/Freight shipping (where applicable), Expedited Shipping (where available), and rates to other destinations will be calculated at checkout.

See our Shipping Page for more information (and exceptions).

Returns Info: Your 100% satisfaction is our goal - we want you to love your sailing gear, but if something doesn't work out, we accept returns on most new, unused items*. Returns can be made within 366 days (1 year + 1 day) of your original order date. Exceptions include (and are not limited to) cut line, Rig Shop products, special order items, numbered sailors, and items used or worn sailing.

See our Returns Page for more information.

Related Products

Velocitek Prism Cradle

Velocitek Prism Deck Bracket

Velocitek ProStart

Velocitek SpeedPuck

2023 Hobie Mirage Compass Kayak

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive exclusive discounts, new product announcements, and upcoming sales.

⛵️ Fast Dispatch - Getting You Back on the Water ⛵️

• Gelcoat Fillers
• Dry Lubricants
• Adhesive Glues
• Hooks & Clips
• Catamaran Launching Trollies
• Jockey Wheels
• Hitch Locks
• Lighting Board
• Breakaway Cables
• Clew Straps
• Upper Masts
• Lower Masts
• Rope Thimbles
• Wind Indicators & Burgees
• Parrel Beads
• Whipping Twine
• Sailmakers Palm
• Digital Compasses
• Laser Products
• Numbers & Letters
• Dinghy Covers
• Under Covers
• Catamaran Covers
• Single Handed
• Double Handed
• 18 Foot Skiff
• Exocet Moth
• Musto Skiff
• Dart 15/ Sprint 15
• Hurricane 5.9
• Laser Bahia
• Laser Cascais
• Laser Funboat
• Laser Stratos

Your Cart is Empty

• £0.00 Subtotal

Tax included and shipping calculated at checkout

Order before midday Monday to Friday and we will ship your order the same day.

• 01268 222912
• Accessories
• Sails & Covers
• Rope Lengths
• Parts By Boat
• Boat Care & Cleaning
• Splicing Tools
• Boat Covers
• Dinghy Rope Lengths
• Laser Rope Lengths
• RS Rope Lenghts
• Catamaran Rope Lengths
• Laser Performance
• Topper Sailboats
• Other Boats

• Mens Sailing Clothing
• Womens Sailing Clothing
• Repair Kits
• Skiff Suits
• Life Jackets
• Trapeze Harnesses
• Buoyancy Aids
• Hiking Pads & Pants
• Hiking / Toe Straps

Zhik Superwarm

• 100m Rope Reel
• Polyester Ropes
• Control Lines
• Double Braids
• Braid On Braid
• Anchor Lines & Ropes
• Spools & Reels
• Windsurfing

Mini Spools

• Single Block
• Double Block
• Triple Block
• Soft Attach
• Split Rings & Pins
• Inspection Hatches & Covers
• Bungs & Sockets
• Rudder & Tiller Parts
• Bushes & Fairleads
• Marine Screws
• Penny Washers
• VHF Aerials & Antennas
• Marine Tapes
• Traveller Systems And Parts
• Traveller Blocks
• Pico Hull & Deck Fittings
• Hull & Deck Fittings
• Laser Boats
• Laser Sails
• Laser Sail Packages
• Laser Spars
• Laser Rig Packages
• Laser Foils
• Laser Hull & Deck Fittings
• Laser Ropes
• Laser Dinghy Covers
• Devoti ILCA Boats
• ILCA Sail Packages
• ILCA Rig Package
• Devoti KDK Boats

New Devoti ILCA

Search our chandlery

🚚 Fast Dispatch and a 5 Star Rated Service You Can Count On ✅

Digital Sailing Compasses

Devoti models, availability.

• Out of stock

A selection of marine and sailing compasses for your sailing boat. Includes the Velocitek Prism and Raymarine Tacktick compass.

Let customers speak for us

Waterproof, spacious and different ways to carry it

Perfect arrived on time....

nothing to fault it, it’s got ce rating and worked great on a trip down to weymouth

Order placed and boom received in time to get back on the water, class legal, packed accurately in a bulletproof bag with bubble wrap and extra foam to protect blocks and fittings. Any defect? Nope! Thanks all Sailing Chandlery’s staff

Good sized, well made waterproof bag, ideal for sailing

Easy to fit and great feel.

Good quality with novel scull and crossbones adhesive tabs.

I ordered a rope bag for learning knots this item arrived quickly and is much appreciated

Top Notch Service !👍

Great addition to our training fleet - good product backed up by brilliant delivery. Thanks.

Perfect for the job!

Hints and Tips

90˚ Marked Laser/ILCA Main Sheet - Sailing Chandlery

April 05, 2024 2 min read

Pre season Check List

January 12, 2024 3 min read

Where Should My ILCA Tell Tales Go

January 12, 2024 1 min read

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Save up to 40% on your next order.

• New Sailboats
• Sailboats 21-30ft
• Sailboats 31-35ft
• Sailboats 36-40ft
• Sailboats Over 40ft
• Sailboats Under 21feet
• used_sailboats
• Apps and Computer Programs
• Communications
• Fishfinders
• Handheld Electronics
• Plotters MFDS Rradar
• Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
• Anchoring Mooring
• Running Rigging
• Sails Canvas
• Standing Rigging
• Diesel Engines
• Off Grid Energy
• Cleaning Waxing
• DIY Projects
• Repair, Tools & Materials
• Spare Parts
• Tools & Gadgets
• Cabin Comfort
• Ventilation
• Footwear Apparel
• Foul Weather Gear
• Mailport & PS Advisor
• Inside Practical Sailor Blog
• Activate My Web Access
• Reset Password
• Customer Service

• Free Newsletter

Bob Perrys Salty Tayana 37-Footer Boat Review

Tartan 30: An Affordable Classic

Ericson 34-2 Finds Sweet Spot

How to Sell Your Boat

Preparing A Boat to Sail Solo

Solar Panels: Go Rigid If You have the Space…

Leaping Into Lithium

The Importance of Sea State in Weather Planning

When Should We Retire Dyneema Stays and Running Rigging?

Rethinking MOB Prevention

Top-notch Wind Indicators

The Everlasting Multihull Trampoline

Taking Care of Your 12-Volt Lead-Acid Battery Bank

Hassle-free Pumpouts

What Your Boat and the Baltimore Super Container Ship May Have…

Check Your Shorepower System for Hidden Dangers

Waste Not is the Rule. But How Do We Get There?

How to Handle the Head

The Day Sailor’s First-Aid Kit

Choosing and Securing Seat Cushions

Cockpit Drains on Race Boats

Re-sealing the Seams on Waterproof Fabrics

Safer Sailing: Add Leg Loops to Your Harness

Waxing and Polishing Your Boat

Reducing Engine Room Noise

Tricks and Tips to Forming Do-it-yourself Rigging Terminals

Marine Toilet Maintenance Tips

Learning to Live with Plastic Boat Bits

• Marine Electronics
• Safety & Seamanship

Steering Compasses: Show Me the Way to Go Home

Aboard the norseman 447, the skipper had at his command every electronic gadget known to man....

[Updated February 5, 2018]

In a brisk southerly, headed west out of Mackinaw City, the sloop slipped from Lake Huron into Lake Michigan, bound for Beaver Island-which has a marvelous history involving a maniac named Strang who crowned himself King James, ruled libidinously and was assassinated.

As the boat passed under the Mackinaw Bridge, the skipper declared that he had the previous evening programmed everything, including the autopilot.

An hour or so down the track, the sun didnt appear right. The binoculars showed a couple of small islands, named Hog and Garden, too much to the south. Comparing a loose sight over the big binnacle compass with a sneak peek at the chart suggested some intervention.

Because those who navigate electronically tend to suspect mutiny in even a casual glance at the nav station, the question was gently put to the skipper.

“Shouldnt those islands be more on the nose?”

There ensued some activity at the nav station, followed by, “Belay the autopilot, man the helm, harden up to 225 degrees.” Later there was a brief mention of calculations gone awry; the course had been off about 30.

It demonstrated that navigating a boat still requires some seat-of-the-pants feeling for where you are… and a plain vanilla steering compass, programmed only by the earths magnetic field. The magnetic field has plenty of anomalies (localized or even moving), but they are known. Einstein called Earths big, two-pole bar magnet one of physics last great unsolved mysteries.

Along with inexpensive fluxgate compasses, electronic instrumentation has made navigation easier.

However, the high-tech stuff never will obsolete a good, carefully-adjusted magnetic compass which when coupled with common sense will get you safely from here to most anywhere.

The Steering Compasses Tested

For this review, Practical Sailor collected, from the hundreds available, 18 steering compasses. Included are binnacle, bulkhead and bracket models, plus several interesting ones shown only in photos. Except for the bronze Telltale compass shown on page 7, all have 12V lighting and gimbal systems.

Ritchie and Rule rule the roost in the United States. Rule owns both Danforth, which has some “classic” models, and Aqua Meter, which because of reasonable prices and an excellent damping system, are said by Rule to be the most popular compasses in the world.

Suunto of Finland makes some high-style compasses. If you can afford to sail a Swan, a Suunto compass is standard.

Sweden markets the Brunton/Nexus line, which are known in other countries as Silva.

Plastimo, the French manufacturer, is owned by Air Guide, widely known for automobile compasses. Plastimo makes an amazing variety of compasses, including so-called tactical models and the widely-known Iris “hockey puck” hand-bearing compass. (The Plastimo catalog is good reading for fans of compasses.)

And, of course, there is C. Plath, of Germany, the only compass maker left that sticks with the very expensive spherical glass domes. The very strong glass domes defy ultraviolet degradation and are vastly superior to any plastic material. Plath guarantees them forever.

Nexus has a five-year warranty; all others are three-year guarantees.

The price range in steering compasses is startling, which may seem strange considering that a compass is a relatively simple device, a magnetized needle or disk that lines up with Einsteins big magnet. Whats difficult, and expensive, is making it (1) turn freely but settle down quickly, (2) easy to read, (3) last a long time in a fairly hostile environment, (4) adjustable to allow for quirks that prevent it from behaving exactly the same on every boat.

The first is accomplished by making the “card,” pivot point, and other internal parts extremely light in weight. If kept feather-light, the moving parts turn quickly and are easier to stop in the proper position. The single bearing point is usually a jewel (as in a watch). Fluid is used both to float the moving parts (giving them almost neutral buoyancy) and to dampen or smooth out the movement. Vanes are sometimes added to accentuate the damping.

The readability of a compass is important because conditions often are not ideal for discerning instantly what can be very important. Individuals with less than perfect eyesight prefer big numbers and marks; they go for cards with 5 marks, rather than the more cluttered-appearing 2 marks or even 1 (which require a large diameter compass just to print them). Traditionalists like at least some cardinal and inter-cardinal points, maybe just eight of the 32. Most of these compasses have card size and color options.

The housing for the working parts depends on the innards. Big “flat card” externally-gimbaled compasses are rarely seen on small boats (other than those with steel hulls). Full globe or semi-globular housings, whether binnacle, bulkhead, bracket or recessed, facilitate either rear-reading flat cards or front-reading domed cards-or both.

A good cover is paramount if the compass is to resist the sun, which tends to yellow the white paint used on the cards, and to at least partially protect the compass from the impact of hard objects, especially booms. Compass repairmen say booms dropped by failed topping lifts or vangs are the biggest threat to binnacle compasses.

The adjustability of compasses is accomplished with magnets that can be moved to compensate for quirks involving their placement on boats. Luck and a skilled compass adjuster often can eliminate, for practical purposes, the need for a deviation table-a permanent record of the difference between what the compass reads and actual magnetic headings. If the differences can be worked down to a degree or two on any heading, thats closer than most helmsmen can steer.

Steering Compass Quality Test Procedures

The Practical Sailor damping test involved pulling the card 90 off with a small magnet, quickly releasing it and measuring the time it took for the card to turn back and settle.

In the accompanying chart (see below), the “Damping” column usually shows three figures. The first number is how many degrees the card initially swings past its original position. This is called the “period.” The second figure is the amount it overswings in the opposite direction. This is called the “half period.”

The third figure, the most important by far, is how long it takes for the card to become stationary. It might be called the “settle time.” On a constantly moving boat, stationary usually is a relative term, but how much the compass jumps around determines how easy, or difficult, it is to steer a reasonably accurate course.

In other columns on the chart, the compasses were assessed for readability and appearance.

Readability is not subjective. Some cards can be read from six or even 10 feet, some from no more than two feet. The placement of the compass sometimes depends on its distance from where the helmsman sits, or how good the helmsmans eyesight is. Remember, it must be readable in a rainstorm or, if you sail at night, with artificial lighting.

Appearance is, of course, subjective. For instance, although many sailors like the very modern appearance of, say, the Suunto compasses from Sweden, few sailors at a boat show can resist slowing down when passing the booth that displays, in its gleaming brass or chromed elegance, the Danforth 8″ compass with the dramatic Skylight Head and a flatcard with 1 marks and all 32 cardinal points. It is a premier showpiece. (The photo on the opposite page shows its near cousin, the 6″ card version with 2 marks.)

However, because it involves the beholders eye, appearance was given less weight in the final rankings than the other factors.

For the final ranking column on the chart, the period and half period were ignored in favor of the settling time, which was melded mathematically with evaluations of readability, appearance and the cover.

Steering Skills

Unless it’s in very flat water with no wind, a small boat is difficult to steer to within a couple of degrees of a chosen course. If the course to steer is 85, an experienced sailor knows to keep the “wander” evenly between, say 82 and 88, so as to average out to 85.

If an inexperienced crew takes a turn at the helm, the skipper should watch for a while to make sure the helmsman understands the relationship of the non-pivoting compass card and the pivoting boat.

A conscientious neophyte helmsman will usually steer a compass course with eyes glued to the instrument. This is a tense way of doing things, and will lead to a headache. Eventually boat sense will increase and the helmsman will be able to stay in the groove well enough to take his eyes off the compass for a look around.

Some looking around is good; too much is bad. It should be made clear to all hands that steering the course ordered is a task to be taken seriously, because the navigator’s dead-reckoning plot depends on it. Thus, in some traditional logbooks there are entries for both “course ordered” and “estimated course made good.” The latter entry is for recording the course the helmsman thinks he or she was actually able to average during their trick at the helm, and this is the course the navigator works with. (If the estimated course made good is identical to the course ordered, so much the better.)

One of the advantages of electronic steering via GPS is that the satellite receiver and autopilot can continually average whats happening, calculate the course made good, make corrections, give a cross-track error, and point confidently at a waypoint. However, machinery is often confident when it has no good reason to be. Even with all those Higgs Bosons (for the uninitiated, these are the smallest of all known subatomic particles… as of press time) zinging around the boat, the prudent sailor keeps an eye cocked on the sun and glances often at the good old binnacle compass.

The Bottom Line

As sometimes happens in the Practical Sailor testing and evaluation, the compasses that worked their way to the top of the rankings were, with one exception, larger and more expensive models.

The top five were the Ritchie Globemaster (the SP-5 may be the most popular steering compass ever made); the Ritchie Navigator binnacle model (a smaller, less expensive version of the Globemaster); the new Danforth 4-1/2″ dual-reading, flush or binnacle mount sailboat-powerboat model that has what the manufacturer claims is a “virtually-indestructible” Lexan dome; the flush-mount Ritchie Voyager (white RU 90s with blue cards often are found in pairs, port and starboard, but unfortunately have neither internal lighting nor compensation), and the magnificent (and magnificently-priced) Plath Venus, which comes closest of all to a “forever compass.”

The second five were the big Nexus 150, the venerable and very popular Constellation binnacle mount, the Nexus 125, the Suunto B95 (an excellent bulkhead tactical compass) and the Plath Merkur.

In the third five were the Nexus Racing Elite, the Plastimo Olympic 135, the Plastimo Contest 101, the Plastimo Contest 130 and the Aqua Meters Saturn.

The data and comparative figures in the chart, along with the photos, are guides to whatever compass may fit your boat or suit your needs or preferences.

STEERING COMPASS COMPARISON CHART:

Click here to view the Steering Compass Value Guide .

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Safety At Sea Full Interview With Joe Cooper

Medical Emergency on a BVI Charter

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Log in to leave a comment

Latest Videos

Tartan 30 | Boat Review

Fuel Contamination? The Baltimore Francis Key Bridge Collapse

Safety At Sea For You & Your Family – The Joe...

What’s The Best Vinyl Window Cleaner for Your Boat?

• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Online Account Activation
• Privacy Manager

Welcome to The Sailing Store | Sailing Season is Here | Gift Certificates 🎁 | FREE SHIPPING 📦

Velocitek Prism Compass

$ 600.00

The Prism is lightweight pro racing compass. Class legal anywhere an electronic compass is legal, officially legal in the Laser Class in 2018, the Prism provides superior accuracy, and a massive display all in an ultralight, compact package.

Description

The Prism is a simple pro racing compass made in the USA. Class legal anywhere an electronic compass is legal, officially legal in the Laser Class since 2018, the Prism provides superior accuracy, and a massive display all in an ultralight, compact package.

What’s Included:

• Velocitek Prism
• Quick Start Guide
• EVA storage case

Tech Specs:

• 4.8oz / 137 g
• Heading Repeatability: ±0.5°
• Display Update Rate: 4Hz (four times a second)
• Water Resistance: Complete immersion for 30 min. at 3m / 10ft (IPX8)
• Display: 29.8mm / 1.1” digit height 250° viewing cone
• Battery: 600mA
• Warranty:  Two years

Is the Prism GPS based?

No. The Prism is strictly a magnetic compass.

Does the Prism have a timer?

No. The Prism does not have a timer. We wanted to make the easiest electronic compass to use and the input we received from pros and Olympians in developing the Prism was that a timer was OK to leave out for two reasons. 1) Most sailors wear a watch or mount one on the mast or boom. 2) Having to switch from timer to compass and back to timer in pre-start to take a wind shot is really inconvenient on a boat with 1 – 3 crew.

Does the Prism have a backlight?

No. The Prism does not have a backlight.

You may also like…

Velocitek Prism Deck Bracket

Related products.

Velocitek ProStart

Velocitek Speedpuck

× You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

We Ship Worldwide! | FREE SHIPPING! for US Continental orders over $99. Click for details.

Shopping Cart

Your cart is currently empty..

FREE SHIPPING! for US Continental orders over $99 click for details

GPS Compasses

GPS Compasses the best heading data alternative in regions where magnetic compasses are not reliable (south seas).

MAURIPRO Sailing, your direct access to GPS Compasses and all your other sailing and boating needs.

Copyright © 2024 MAURIPRO Sailing LLC.

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.

Related Articles

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.

by this author

Personal Health and Gear

Most Recent

Best Sailing Duffle Bags: Top Picks For Boat Travel

September 27, 2023

Best Sailing Racing Electronics

July 5, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Similar Posts

Best Boating Watches For The Avid Sailor

May 1, 2023

Best First Aid Kits For Boat Safety

April 18, 2023

Who Has To Wear A Life Jacket On A Boat?

April 10, 2023

Popular Posts

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

December 28, 2023

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

June 15, 2022

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

Top Rated Posts

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. (866) 342-SAIL

© 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy

• Shopping Cart 0

Marine Compasses

Despite the wide use of GPS chartplotters and other complex electronics for sea navigation, good old marine compasses are still actual, and there are several strong reasons why. The main reason is that they offer a proven, most reliable method of aiding in following the right course. The loss of electrical power on the vessel is not so critical, as most compasses are mechanical and need just the Earth's magnetic field to operate. Besides, you don't have to rely on a satellite connection or deal with possible software failures.

However, a compass has to be properly installed, protected from occasional damage, and, if necessary, isolated from the metal parts of the hull. Most marine compasses are mounted on a gimbal that makes them stay in a horizontal plane even under heavy rolling and pitching. But anyway, this device has to be of high quality. Properly calibrated and filled with special fluid, it allows you to find the way at sea no matter what. A wide range of these great navigational tools is available on our virtual shelves. Offered in many stylish designs, they utilize different ways of mounting and may feature extra benefits such as a protective cover or LED night lighting.

Featured Brands

Related Categories

Please verify you are a human

Access to this page has been denied because we believe you are using automation tools to browse the website.

This may happen as a result of the following:

• Javascript is disabled or blocked by an extension (ad blockers for example)
• Your browser does not support cookies

Please make sure that Javascript and cookies are enabled on your browser and that you are not blocking them from loading.

Reference ID: a3d6e030-f6f0-11ee-b48c-49cb1da9cd36

Powered by PerimeterX , Inc.

• About ParkNews
• Privacy Policy

FEIG ELECTRONIC: Moscow-City Skyscrapers Streamline Parking Access and Control with Secure RFID

Feig electronic partners with isbc group to deploy ucode dna rfid security and parking access control solution in moscow business district.

Weilburg, Germany  — December 3,  2019  —  FEIG ELECTRONIC , a leading global supplier of radio frequency identification (RFID) readers and antennas with fifty years of industry experience, announces deployment of the UCODE DNA RFID security and parking contactless identification solution in the Moscow International Business Center, known as Moscow-City, one of the world’s largest business district projects.

The management of Moscow-City not only selected long-range, passive UHF RFID to implement in its controlled parking areas, it also chose to implement UCODE DNA , the highest form of secure RAIN RFID technology, developed by NXP Semiconductors.

Panoramic view of Moscow city and Moskva River at sunset. New modern futuristic skyscrapers of Moscow-City – International Business Center, toned

“Underscoring NXP’s innovation and leadership in developing advanced RAIN RFID technologies, our UCODE DNA was chosen to be incorporated with the FEIG and ISBC implementation of the contactless identification system in the prestigious Moscow-City,” said Mahdi Mekic, marketing director for RAIN RFID with NXP Semiconductors. “This exciting project represents yet another successful deployment of NXP’s contactless portfolio, and showcases our continued ability to meet the high-security requirements of highly demanding applications without compromising user convenience.”

“UCODE DNA is considered the only identification technology to match the physical protection of a barrier with the cybersecurity necessary to truly protect entrances from unauthorized access,” said Manuel Haertlé, senior product manager for FEIG Electronic. “As a respected contactless payment technology company, FEIG applies security know-how from its payment terminals, which are fully certified according to the latest high-class security standards, into our RFID systems. FEIG vehicle access control RFID readers incorporate advanced secure key storage elements, supporting various methods for secure key injection.”

FEIG’s partner ISBC Group provided the knowledge and support for this successful implementation using  FEIG’s long-range UHF RFID . The resulting system enables authorized vehicle entry into areas reserved for private residential use or corporate tenants, while also allowing availability of temporary, fee-based visitor parking. Thanks to the cryptographic authentication of UCODE DNA, both the tag and reader must go through an authentication procedure before the reader will validate the data from the tag, which is transmitted wirelessly. This level of authentication is typically used in the most secure data communication networks.

“The system’s two-step authentication means that only authorized equipment can handle the secure protocol and the data exchange with the UCODE DNA based tag. Without the required cryptographic secrets, other readers would query the tag in vain, because the tag’s response cannot be interpreted or understood,” said Andrey Krasovskiy, director of the RFID department at ISBC Group. “On top of this, each data exchange in the authentication process is unique, so even if a malicious actor were to intercept the communication, the transmission is only good for a single exchange and the tag’s unique identity is protected from cloning.”

Established in 1992 and still growing, Moscow-City is the revitalization and transformation of an industrial riverfront into a new, modern, vibrant and upscale business and residential district. A mix of residential, hotel, office, retail and entertainment facilities, it is located about four kilometers west of Red Square along the Moscow River. Twelve of the twenty-three planned facilities have already been completed, with seven currently under construction. Six skyscrapers in Moscow-City reach a height of at least 300 meters, including Europe’s tallest building, Federation Tower, which rises more than 100 stories.

Partnering with ISBC and deploying FEIG Electronic RFID solutions, the Moscow International Business Center is delivering security and access control to its city center today, as it grows into the city of tomorrow.

About FEIG ELECTRONIC

FEIG ELECTRONIC GmbH, a leading global supplier of RFID readers and antennas is one of the few suppliers worldwide offering RFID readers and antennas for all standard operating frequencies: LF (125 kHz), HF (13.56 MHz), UHF (860-960 MHz). A trusted pioneer in RFID with more than 50 years of industry experience, FEIG ELECTRONIC delivers unrivaled data collection, authentication, and identification solutions, as well as secure contactless payment systems. Readers from FEIG ELECTRONIC, which are available for plug-in, desktop, and handheld applications, support next-generation contactless credit cards, debit cards, smart cards, NFC and access control credentials to enable fast, accurate, reliable and secure transactions. For more information, visit:  www.feig.de/en

Founded in Moscow in 2002, ISBC Group provides knowledge and support to integrators for their successful implementation of RFID and smart card-based solutions. The company specializes in the distribution of smart card equipment, contact and contactless card manufacturing, smart card and RFID personalization services, and information security.  Its Research and Design Center is focused specifically on RFID, primarily HF and UHF solutions with NXP tags, and software development for the smart card industry. For more information visit:  https://isbc-cards.com/

← Previous Post

Next Post →

Privacy Overview

F5 Recognized by KuppingerCole as a Leader in Web Application Firewall Market in 2024 Leadership Compass Report

Jenna Becker F5 (415) 857-2864 [email protected]

Holly Lancaster WE Communications (415) 547-7054 [email protected]

F5 Showcased for its Overall, Product, Innovation, and Market Leadership

SEATTLE – F5 (NASDAQ: FFIV) today announced that it has been positioned as an Overall Leader in the 2024 KuppingerCole Leadership Compass Report for Web Application Firewalls (WAFs). The report provides an overview of the WAF market and assesses vendors based on innovation, market presence, and technology. F5 is spotlighted as a forerunner, setting the bar for excellence in cybersecurity defenses.

Applications are at the heart of all digital experiences, and when they are secure, they unlock value and potential. But just as apps have become critical for life online, they have also become harder to protect. Today’s apps are built on multiple architectures, distributed over various cloud environments, and connected by an exploding number of APIs – complexity that requires more skill and resources to manage, while creating more points of vulnerability for cybercriminals to attack. 

To address these challenges, F5 offers the most comprehensive WAF solutions on the market and is the only solution provider that secures, delivers, and optimizes any app, any API, anywhere. F5’s WAF capabilities -- across all of its product families -- are designed to solve its customers’ most difficult hybrid and multicloud pain points.

“F5 is well known for their application protection solutions, including F5 Distributed Cloud WAAP, NGINX App Protect, and BIG-IP Advanced WAF evaluated in this Leadership Compass,” said Osman Celik, research analyst at KuppingerCole and author of the report. “F5’s solutions offer versatile deployment models and integration with major platforms, making it a strong candidate for enterprises with complex, multicloud environments.”

The report covered multiple products within F5’s portfolio, and highlighted the leadership of F5 Distributed Cloud WAAP, noting that the solution distinguishes itself with an impressive suite of capabilities that deliver robust protection for any application. The Leadership Compass report identifies F5 as outshining competitors in multiple expanded critical areas including API security, bot management, and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) defense.

The report also emphasizes F5’s sophisticated approach to integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) within its WAF solutions. This strategic use of AI technology enables F5 to offer dynamic protection mechanisms that are both predictive and adaptive, safeguarding digital assets against a multitude of threats.

The Leadership Compass Report highlights F5’s strength in several areas:

• Comprehensive DDoS mitigation infrastructure designed to defend against sophisticated attacks.
• AI and ML-powered behavioral analysis that enhances threat detection and response.
• Scalable deployment models that support cloud, on-premises, containers, serverless platforms, and VM instances.
• Superior API security that safeguards against the OWASP Top 10 for APIs, addressing critical vulnerabilities with precision.

“We are honored to be recognized by KuppingerCole as an overall leader in the 2024 Leadership Compass Report for WAFs,” said Greg Maudsley, senior director, product marketing at F5. “Our WAF solutions stand at the forefront of safeguarding web applications as we continue to integrate advanced AI and ML technologies to deliver proactive, adaptable defenses in a rapidly changing cyber landscape. This acknowledgment reaffirms that our solutions deliver the capabilities that most effectively meet customers’ needs in protecting any application or API.”

For additional perspective on this news, please see a companion blog post from F5.

F5 is a multicloud application security and delivery company committed to bringing a better digital world to life. F5 partners with the world’s largest, most advanced organizations to secure every app—on premises, in the cloud, or at the edge. F5 enables businesses to continuously stay ahead of threats while delivering exceptional, secure digital experiences for their customers. For more information, go to  f5.com . (NASDAQ: FFIV)

You can also follow  @F5  on X (Twitter) or visit us on  LinkedIn  and  Facebook  for more information about F5, its partners, and technologies.

F5, NGINX and BIG-IP are trademarks, service marks, or tradenames of F5, Inc., in the U.S. and other countries. All other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.