The compass will indicate changes in your heading which more often than not is the result of changes in wind direction. However it only gives you information about the situation where you are on the course. To get the big picture you have to look around. The compass only provides one very small piece of the puzzle and if relied on to heavily can mislead you. My recommendation for someone just getting started in sailboat racing would be to ignore it. There are much more important skills to develop. Besides who wants to spend their weekend doing mental arithmetic.