Well, I did admit it was idiotic... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
I don't know where I got this habit, but here's the dilemna. I use the string (got that from PU) as a weather vane to point into the wind. I need to have this out to see the direction with the compass. So far, this is a good plan...
The problem is, I have a Kestrel meter, which is only accurate if it's facing directly into the wind (OK, it's not as accurate in light air either, but that's a different issue). So, I hold the stick at a 90-degree angle to the meter to make sure it's facing the wind (this is easier to see in person, but it works). This is a good plan until the string gets too close to the impeller. (I think I got this idea from PU or Means, not sure because it's been a while since they've used this type of meter.)
The good news is, the Kestrel impellers are replaceable for much less money than a new meter. The bad news is, if you don't have a spare with you, the meter is useless.
I've seen a better idea in Newport, along the lines of a fraternity (hazing?) paddle, where the compass sits in one end, and a tell tale is sticking up from the other end. I can hold both of these up at the same time without fouling the impeller, especially if the tell tale isn't a string (Davis shroud tell tales work well). Of course, only a string is worth using in light air...
Back on the thread topic, since I forgot to ask Santa for a paddle, or a Windtronic (which will always be superior to the Kestrel-type meters), I got the car GPS...
Mike
