Tactical Compass Compared

[Jackdaw]

We spent most of last year going back and forth on what tactical compass to use on our boats while racing and cruising. If anyone is interested, I've written up the comparison here:

http://rarerarebird.blogspot.com/2014/01/tactical-compass-compared.html

 

[Gunni]

I'm thinking one of these things could eliminate A LOT of arguments about when to tack. The mythical lift being so elusive.

 

[kloudie1]

Good article, Jack. Thanks

 

[Jackdaw]

I'm thinking one of these things could eliminate A LOT of arguments about when to tack. The mythical lift being so elusive.

Gunni,

LOL I hear you.

We help out at our club's new racer program, and wind shifts are a popular topic. One of the things that I believe is that an attentive helm is vitally necessary to detecting shifts. If the driver is not sailing 100% of the time to the telltails, they will simply miss the lift and drive right through it.

There is a saying in the racing community that you can watch cruisers to 'see the knocks, but not the lifts'. Its so true. An inattentive driver will know when he gets knocked (the sails starts to luff), but will most often not 'take his ups' when he gets lifted. The telltails are showing lift, but because the boat does not change, the driver simply takes another sip of his beer and plows on! ;^)

 

[Gunni]

You are way advanced. I usually have to settle for a driver that simply steers to our trim. The worst are the guys who go off course and then try to sell me on "the wind shifted" BS. 2 demerits and denial of beer.

 

[Jackdaw]

You are way advanced. I usually have to settle for a driver that simply steers to our trim. The worst are the guys who go off course and then try to sell me on "the wind shifted" BS. 2 demerits and denial of beer.

Denial of beer??? You are WAY too hardcore. ;^)

 

[Gunni]

Denial of beer??? You are WAY too hardcore. ;^)

The Captain is a hard man, but a fair man!