That might be helpful -- finding out when you went the wrong way after the fact, but useful for the future.

I get asked to race on big boats quite often. Most have a fortune tied up in electronics. When I get on the boat, I take my 8-Track tape (presently using a very fast tape -- "Abba") and tied on both side stays, and the end of the bow sprit.
Then I never look at the electronics.

If a night time distance race then I use the electronics. I always try to keep my head out of the boat at all times.
Rick