Another Class Legality Question (compass)

Robertngoodson

Robertngoodson

New Member
Reading the rules it appears that electronic compasses are legal now to use. Does this include the tacktick? I have one from a Melges 24 my dad used to own and I wanted to see if anyone else uses them in regattas.

Thanks,
-Robert
 
I tried to find relevant info, but all I found was the following in the 2019 Minutes of the ISCA World Council meeting:

Chief Measurer – John Butine reported that the most asked question is about the use of digital compasses. Rich Chapman will discuss this issue with World Sailing.

Perhaps there is an update by now?
 
The current class rules (in force since 1 January 2021) say "Non-recording magnetic analog or digital compasses or stopwatches may be mounted on the deck..." but also "NOT FOR USE ... Electronic navigation devices".

So it depends on which Tacktick model we're talking about. The Melges 24 allows "tactical and navigational instruments", so your compass may include functions that aren't legal in the Sunfish. But if it's the one that today goes by the name Raymarine Micro, then it's fine:
1_copy675.jpg

(The Laser class rule interpretations list the exact models of digital compasses that are allowed. Would probably be smart for the Sunfish to do the same.)

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LaLi said:
The current class rules (in force since 1 January 2021) say "Non-recording magnetic analog or digital compasses or stopwatches may be mounted on the deck..." but also "NOT FOR USE ... Electronic navigation devices".

So it depends on which Tacktick model we're talking about. The Melges 24 allows "tactical and navigational instruments", so your compass may include functions that aren't legal in the Sunfish. But if it's the one that today goes by the name Raymarine Micro, then it's fine:View attachment 52848
(The Laser class rule interpretations list the exact models of digital compasses that are allowed. Would probably be smart for the Sunfish to do the same.)

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Click to expand...
Thank you for the detailed reply. I will have to put my hands on it to see which version it is. I'm mainly concerned with how "electronic navigation" is defined. Once I'm able to check the capabilities I will update.
Thanks!
-Robert
 
The only thing the compass is allowed to do is show you compass headings. It can also have a built in timer. That is it.

Among other things, it is not legal to have a compass that shows you if you are headed or lifted (you have to figure that out yourself) or determines favored end of the starting line.
 
OK; I contacted the class measurer (John Butine) via the US Sunfish Class Facebook page and his response was identical to what LaLi already posted.
Magnetic: YES
GPS: NO

The three digital compasses that are legal in the ILCA are also legal in the Sunfish class:
Nautalytics
TackTick Micro T060 (by Raymarine)
Velocitek Prism
 
FAF2B4C7-DDCB-462C-A829-B24F84F1C6BA.jpeg

Turns out it was one of the original tackticks with the lift/header function. So I’d assume this is illegal. That being said….anyone want to buy it?
 
That model sure has that one apparently illegal function, BUT... now after reading the rules of some other classes, it looks like "NOT FOR USE" means equipment that you actually may have on board but not use while racing. There may even be mandatory stuff listed under "not for use" (such as the towing line on 470s)! :confused:

What I'd do: tape heavily over the header/lift indicators, and go racing. If some measurer comes along and claims you shouldn't use it, then don't... and then have a conversation how the class should write these rules a bit better.

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That's a great idea, seeing as it has no resale value, I wonder if painting with a strong epoxy paint over the lift header lenses would render it just a compass and timer. Then it falls within the rules.....i'll give it a shot! Thanks for the idea @LaLi!
 
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