I use a "tactic" digital compass for buoy racing. The countdown is OK but a wrist watch is probablly more convenient. The Tactical ratio is never used due to calibration problems (I'm pretty thick). But as it cost a hell of alot of money I have to find it usefull. When......sailing downhill, this is when the thick comes into it. Upwind, I seem to know where I'm going and have a feel for shifts etc. Downwind, I'm not so sure. I obviouslsly feel gusts but I 'm not that good that I can tell whether I should dive or gybe (can you?) So I probably observe my compass more downwind than up. VMG is the name of the game so I'VE BEEN TOLD and a little help via the compass doesn't go a miss.( light-light medium winds) Otherwise, just save it for the longer races or just put it on to sych out the opposition.