How to use a compass for racing, Part 1

by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt
My 28-foot keelboat came with a bulkhead mount Ritchie dial compass, but with the numbers spinning the opposite way on the front dial, I struggled to use it for tracking windshifts. When I got around to replacing it, I wanted a digital compass that had big numbers, could be easily mast-mounted, and was affordable.

I disagreed with how some digital compasses had additional features to locate the start line and track windshifts as I felt those were skills that belonged to the sailor. I also didn’t want to pay the high price for those features, particularly since our focus was on casual PHRF races.

When I learned about the Nautalytics Simple Compass, I found it checked all my boxes, plus it was an American company. Nearly two years later, it has lived up to my expectation of providing sound simplicity.

Nautalytics has teamed up with Mike Ingham, 2016 US Sailing’s Sailing Coach of the Year, to produce this video on how to use the compass while racing. They additionally are featuring a 10% Summer Sale; use the code VIDEO for free shipping. Enjoy: https://www.nautalytics.com/