Using the Compass: Advanced Sailing Video Lessons

Video Transcript

" Knowing where you are, whether you are on the land or the water, is important. But it especially important in the water. Having a good compass on board is critical to a sailor. One of the way to figure out to best use this thing is to make a upwind leg on starboard tack. Start off on starboard and make a note of the reading of the compass. Then tack over on port and make another reading with that one. After you done a succession of two or three of these, you should get a good average reading about how close your boat can sail into the wind. You'll easily be able to spot by checking your compass and checking your readings. If you are sailing on starboard, write a S on a sheet of paper, or I often write mine on the bulkhead with a grease pencil. Then make a note of the heading, tack over, sail in port for awhile, get close-hauled, make sure everything is flowing, and write down that reading. Compass placement is also an important consideration. What is the use of having a compass on board if you can't see it. Many people will put theirs on the mast, which is mostly visible from anywhere you're sitting. But some people will put them on the bulkhead, and that would give you a fairly decent read out. Easy to spot. But not necessarily as accurate as the mast position."