A fellow senior citizen buddy with failing eyesite is wondering why the class doesn't allow a digital compass with big numbers so we can actually see it. Seems like a good idea. Just saw one in new Sailing World with MSRP of $336. TackTick is a little more. A good Suunto is about $150 and many of us have a hard time seeing it well. He has submitted a request to Chief Measurer for a rules change.
If you agree with this proposal, please email your support to the Chief Measurer at:
[email protected]
Here's what is being proposed:
1. What is the current rule that you would like to modify?
a. Rule number and sub section.
b. Current rule wording.
Rule 23: One compass is permitted mounted on any part of the deck or the cockpit provided that the hull cavity is not pierced by anything other than the fasteners. Compasses shall not be fitted to inspection ports. Electronic and digital compasses are prohibited.
2. What is your proposed wording?
One compass is permitted mounted on any part of the mast, boom, deck or the cockpit provided that the hull cavity is not pierced by anything other than the fasteners. Compasses shall not be fitted to inspection ports.
3. Describe the current situation.
Currently those of us who cannot see without their glasses cannot read a currently Laser legal compass because the numbers are too small. Once it gets windy and the salt accumulates on the lens, we need to remove our glasses. A simple solution is to allow digital/electronic compasses like the Tack Tick that can be mounted on the mast.
4. What are the advantages of the proposed change?
We will have the ability to use a compass that can be read without glasses because of the larger numbers and digital display. This would allow us to compete on a level playing field with those who do not have to wear glasses to read tiny numbers. This could be a Masters only rule if that is easier to get through the system.
If you agree with this proposal, please email your support to the Chief Measurer at:
[email protected]
Here's what is being proposed:
1. What is the current rule that you would like to modify?
a. Rule number and sub section.
b. Current rule wording.
Rule 23: One compass is permitted mounted on any part of the deck or the cockpit provided that the hull cavity is not pierced by anything other than the fasteners. Compasses shall not be fitted to inspection ports. Electronic and digital compasses are prohibited.
2. What is your proposed wording?
One compass is permitted mounted on any part of the mast, boom, deck or the cockpit provided that the hull cavity is not pierced by anything other than the fasteners. Compasses shall not be fitted to inspection ports.
3. Describe the current situation.
Currently those of us who cannot see without their glasses cannot read a currently Laser legal compass because the numbers are too small. Once it gets windy and the salt accumulates on the lens, we need to remove our glasses. A simple solution is to allow digital/electronic compasses like the Tack Tick that can be mounted on the mast.
4. What are the advantages of the proposed change?
We will have the ability to use a compass that can be read without glasses because of the larger numbers and digital display. This would allow us to compete on a level playing field with those who do not have to wear glasses to read tiny numbers. This could be a Masters only rule if that is easier to get through the system.