NavTactiq™ is the magnetic sailing compass and race start timer built by a racing sailor, for racing sailors.
Download on the App StoreNo subscription required. Own it forever.
Big, tilt-compensated heading digits with live lift and header detection, so you can tack first, stay ahead, and own every shift on the race course.
Tap to start, swipe to sync, and hear audible countdowns. Nail every start with a timer that just works, then it flips straight back to your compass.
No subscriptions. No ads. One small price that includes all updates and total peace of mind, because you deserve a tool that’s yours, forever.
Classes that allow electronic compasses, such as ILCA, 420 and Lightning, tend to draw the same line: a heading from a magnetic sensor and a countdown timer, and nothing that works out boat speed, wind or position. NavTactiq was designed around that line. Your heading comes from the iPhone’s magnetometer, tilt-compensated for a heeling boat. There’s no GPS, no speed, no position and no wind data, and nothing is recorded or sent anywhere.
You can verify it yourself: switch off Location Services for NavTactiq and the compass works exactly the same. We’re working with the ILCA class measurer and other major one-design classes to get NavTactiq listed. Until then, check that your class rules and sailing instructions allow a phone aboard. Our class-legal compass guide explains how ILCA, 420, Lightning and other classes treat electronic compasses, and what to look for.
“Before NavTactiq I spent years building a standalone compass and timer. The prototypes worked well, but I was never happy with how small the screens were on a wet, heeling boat. Then it clicked: every iPhone since the iPhone 12 is rated IP68 water resistant, has a big bright screen, and is already in every sailor’s pocket.
I’d also had start timers fail in the middle of the sequence at major regattas, leaving me guessing at the start. So I built the start timer I always wanted: huge digits, audible countdown, one-swipe sync, and the compass right back on screen the moment the gun goes. I race with it myself, and it’s awesome.”
AJ Sorensen, NavTactiq developer, US Sailing Level 3 coach and USCG Near Coastal Master
The perfect racing tool. This is perfect in my Laser, and having my phone onboard is a great safety tool as well. The numbers are easy to read, and I love the option to change colors.
The NavTactiq deck mount and compass app are incredible tools that turn any smartphone into the clearest, most accurate compass available. They help you stay in phase with wind shifts and win races. The larger phone display is a huge advantage in foggy or rainy conditions, and it's much easier on the eyes. I'm very pleased with this setup on my Laser.
It’s the simplest sailing tool, it makes a big difference in my racing and coaching. I love how clear it is, it's easy to read even on the brightest day. Every sailor should have NavTactiq in their kit!
One-time purchase. No hidden fees.
NavTactiq provides only what class rules permit on an electronic compass: a heading from the magnetic sensor and a start timer. It uses no GPS or location data and shows no boat speed, wind or position, and that can be verified: it works in airplane mode, and iOS Settings shows it has no location access. We are working with the ILCA class measurer and other major one-design classes to get NavTactiq listed. Until your class lists it, the deciding question is usually whether your class rules and the sailing instructions allow a phone aboard. Our class-legal compass guide explains what to check.
No. NavTactiq takes its heading from your iPhone’s magnetometer (magnetic sensor), tilt-compensated for a heeling boat. It does not use GPS and never shows boat speed, position, course over ground or wind data.
Yes. NavTactiq runs entirely on your phone’s own sensors and needs no internet or cell service on the water. You only need a connection to download the app and install updates.
Any iPhone or iPad running iOS 15 or later, including older iPhones. For boat use, an iPhone 12 or newer is ideal because Apple rates those models IP68 water resistant. An Android version is in development.
No. NavTactiq is a one-time purchase of $9.99 USD on the App Store. No subscription, no ads, and all future updates are included.