How to choose your racing compass?
The digital racing compass displays your heading and its variations, manages the start line countdown, and, on GPS models, tracks speed and position relative to the line. Here are the 5 points to check before choosing.
1. The functions you need
First, list the information you will actually use on the water. For a countdown only, a racing stopwatch is enough, such as the Ronstan Clear Start 40mm. To track headers and lifts, a digital compass like the Sailteck SK01 displays the heading on two lines with a countdown timer. GPS models add speed, heel, and other navigation data: the Sailteck SK02, developed in the Morbihan region, combines a racing compass, GPS speedometer, and start timer in a single unit.
2. GPS and start line management
GPS compasses calculate the distance and time to the start line after recording both ends (committee boat and buoy). The Sailteck SK02 displays the distance to the line once both ends have been "pinged," along with the countdown and GPS time. It comes with two interchangeable keypads: the red one gives access to all GPS functions, while the grey one limits the display to that of a standard racing compass for classes that do not allow GPS in competition, while still recording the track.
Sailteck SK02 GPS speedometer compass
The Novasail NS-START Pocket V2 offers a 5-minute countdown, real-time distance to the line, and committee/buoy ping buttons. The Novasail NS360 Pocket V2 adds a 9-axis digital magnetic compass with three sensitivity levels. The Vakaros Atlas Edge also displays heading, speed, leeway, heel, and trim.
Novasail NS-START Pocket V2 racing compass
3. Screen readability
The screen must remain readable in sunlight, through sea spray, and from a distance while hiking or on the trapeze. Compare digit size, contrast, and the ability to customize the displayed information. The Sailteck SK02 displays speed, heading, heel, pitch, and distance to the line in large digits on a dual screen, readable both while hiking and on the trapeze. The Atlas Edge uses an E-Ink display, while the NS360 Pocket V2 uses a high-contrast LCD screen.
Vakaros Atlas Edge racing compass
4. Mounting on your boat
Depending on the boat, the compass attaches to the mast, deck, or boom. Ensure that a suitable bracket exists for your class. For Sailteck, the same brackets fit both the SK01 and SK02: SK04 mast bracket, SK06 deck or boom bracket, and SK03 cradle, which comes with the compass and is available separately for installing on a second boat. For Vakaros: ILCA/Star/Aero bracket, J/70-RS21 bracket, J24 bracket, and universal mount for Atlas 2 and Edge. For Novasail: Type L and Type W mast brackets.
Atlas compass bracket for ILCA, Star, and Aero
5. Battery life, charging, and data
Check the battery life against the duration of your regatta days and the charging method. The Sailteck SK02 recharges via solar panel and claims 200 hours of battery life; the Vakaros Atlas series charges on a wireless charging pad. Some models record GPS tracks for post-race analysis: the SK02 keeps 300 hours of sailing in memory to export for reviewing your races, and the Novasail Pocket V2 models rely on their dedicated app. Finally, verify that the device is permitted under your class rules.
Wireless charger for Atlas series racing compass
Find all models in our racing compass, GPS, and speedometer collection.
