How many of us use a compass when bouy racing? I used one religiously when I sailed monos and dingies, but have yet to strap one on the catamaran. What's the consensus and why.

Sometimes. I use it mainly to measure gradual shifts. ie - look at a heading this lap and compare it to last lap. It can help in deciding which side is best. It is usually a confirmation of "gut feel" for me

Reaper

This is, of course the main use on any boat, but I've found it nearly impossible to read a "bubble" compass. It seems like the only really functional option would be a digital model mounted to the spin. pole or on the cross bar.

Steve,

Better leave that pole at home, we're on the weigh-in and inspection crew at Texoma <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Some related discussion here best course

Sorry - Yes, I use a digital compas attached to the front beam. I only have to glance at it briefly to watch the numbers and could see that the traditional compasses may be more difficult to read.

Tiger Mike

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.