What are the rules on electronic compasses? I know most people seem to use the tactick micro, but would the tactick race master be allowed? If it is why isn't everybody else using them?

Are there any others that I coudl look at?

We have a prize of a Tacktick Micro for the first boat without compass at the Nationals - if you can wait that long.

Basically under the NMROA the rule states under 17(b):

Electronic aids are prohibited except that a racing Merlin Rocket may use an electronic digital compass with chronograph (timer and/or clock). The compass must be entirely self-contained with either and internal battery an/or solar power. The compass shall have no external connection. This includes power supply and data inputs such as wind information, boat speed or navigational features. It shall not have the ability to compute between time, compass and VMG.

Hopefully this answers your question?

I think we need a little clarification on this rule.

The race master is listed on the tacktick web site as MR legal.

There is at least one MR with a race master, but I suspect the reason why many don't is that they already have an original and at over £500 versus about £220 the race master is expensive if your old tacktick isn't broken, and they do seem to last many years.

I am conerned with
"It shall not have the ability to compute between time, compass and VMG"
as teh race master can give how far you are above or below the mean course, which in my book menas it must be computing between time & compass (but not VMG). 

What was the intention of this sentence, as a stand alone self contained compass and timer, by definition has no way of computing VMG without speed or position input, an dwith no GPS (if it had one it wouldn't be a compass and timer) or any inputs suchs as a log ....

Hmm...

Thank you for your responses.

So, I think Alan is saying that the RaceMaster is legal because it doesn't compute VMG?

Is there an argument for paying the extra, and are there any alternatives? Is the benefit that much more than a non digital compas and stopwatch?

The standard Tacktick micro compass seems excellent:
 - quick to read, for either helm or crew
 - Shows start time clearly for you both: so either can see how long to the start, without needing to twist you arm / wrist just when you want to be sheeting in or out.
 - Crew can call windshifts, and / or helm can check quickly.
 - Easy memory of "normal" direction, so easy to compare bends etc.

So: yes, I would say better than a non-digital and stopwatch.

I will consider this enquiry and advise asap.
Dan Alsop
Committee Member, Rules

Didn't help me much at Midland this weekend!  I got blown straight by a F11 puff followed by a flat calm - all mixed with large windshift.

I looked over the transom at one point to see my old boat chasing me up the beat going in exactly the same direction 50 yards behind me on the opposite tack -and we were both sitting out!!

Funny though, the usual culprits still won :-)

Perhaps they got their tackticks right!!