After the Rio Olympics, the International Laser Class Association changed it's class rules to allow the use of digital compasses. The rule now is that 'Electronic, self-contained, digital compasses using only magnetic input are permitted.'
In conversation with Viking Marine Ambassador Finn Lynch before he headed off to the European Championships, the Tokyo 2020 campaigner discussed how he now uses the Raymarine TackTick micro compass.
"The digital compass takes away a lot of guesswork from Laser sailing"
'I find this to be a game changer for overall performance in Laser racing. At start time I use the compass for checking the exact degree of line bias and also it's a great tool to see what shift you are in straight off the line. Apart from making tacking on the shifts very easy, I also love the digital compass for straight out of the bottom mark for seeing what shift you are in, it makes a very stressful area of the course more simple'. And when asked about its role in winning races these were his parting words - 'Overall, the digital compass takes away a lot of guesswork from Laser sailing and allows you to put more attention to more important things, like making the boat fast!!
The Raymarine range along with others are available in the shop at €379.95 and online here