What one-design class rules allow in an electronic compass and start timer, and where NavTactiq fits.
If you race a one-design, your compass isn’t just a tool. It’s equipment the measurer can inspect. This guide explains how classes like ILCA, 420 and Lightning typically regulate electronic compasses and start timers, what NavTactiq does and doesn’t do, and how to check before you race. It’s written by AJ Sorensen, NavTactiq’s developer, a multi-time ILCA champion and US Sailing Level 3 coach.
Classes that permit electronic compasses tend to allow the same short list: a heading from a magnetic sensor, and a countdown timer or clock. What they prohibit is just as consistent: anything that measures or works out boat speed, wind speed or direction, or the boat’s position. In practice, that means GPS.
ILCA Rule 22 is a good example. It permits self-contained digital compasses that use only magnetic input, permits timing devices, and lets the two be combined in one unit. ILCA also publishes a list of approved electronic compasses, which as of September 2026 includes the Nautalytics Simple Compass, Raymarine T060 Micro Compass, Velocitek Prism and SailTeck Race Compass. You can read the current rule and list on the ILCA class rules page.
Other classes word it differently. Some allow a digital compass with a built-in timer but no heading memory or lift and header display. Some prohibit carrying any GPS-capable device aboard while racing, phones included; the Force 5 class is one. The International 420, Club 420 and Lightning classes each publish their own equipment rules, and the notice of race and sailing instructions for a particular event can add to or change them.
| Function | NavTactiq |
|---|---|
| Heading from the magnetic sensor | Yes, tilt-compensated for heel |
| Start countdown timer | Yes, with audible alerts and one-swipe sync |
| Lift and header indication | Yes, based on heading change only |
| GPS, boat speed or position | No |
| Wind speed or direction | No |
| Records or transmits race data | No |
| Internet or cell service needed | No |
In other words, the app itself stays inside the functions that class rules for electronic compasses are written to allow. If your class prohibits lift and header displays, check the rule wording before racing with that feature on screen.
NavTactiq’s heading comes from the iPhone’s magnetometer alone, and you can prove it. iOS Settings shows NavTactiq has no access to location data, and the app works in airplane mode. It has even been tested in airplane mode at 45,000 feet with no Wi-Fi, where the heading matched the aircraft’s direction of travel.
NavTactiq is designed to meet ILCA Rule 22’s requirement for a self-contained, magnetic-only digital compass, and we’re working directly with the ILCA class measurer to confirm it and add it to the approved compass list, and with other major one-design classes to get it listed with them too. Until a class lists it, the deciding question at most events is simple: are phones allowed aboard? Most class rules and sailing instructions allow them. Where they don’t, leave the phone ashore.
Where sailors race and train with NavTactiq today:
A phone screen is far bigger and brighter than a dedicated dinghy compass, which matters when you’re hiking hard in spray or fog. NavTactiq also puts a start timer with audible countdown in the same app, costs a one-time $9.99, and runs on a phone you already own. Pair it with the NavTactiq deck mount for a secure, readable setup.
ILCA Rule 22 permits self-contained digital compasses that use only magnetic input, plus timing devices, and lets the two be combined in one device. NavTactiq is designed to meet that requirement: its heading comes only from the magnetic sensor, with no GPS or location data. ILCA also publishes a list of approved electronic compasses, and we are working directly with the ILCA class measurer to confirm NavTactiq and add it to that list.
The International 420 and Club 420 classes publish their own rules on compasses and electronics, and we are working to get NavTactiq listed with major one-design classes. NavTactiq provides only a magnetic heading and a start timer, the functions dinghy classes most commonly permit. Check the current class rules and the event’s sailing instructions to confirm a phone may be carried and used.
The Lightning class sets its own limits on electronic equipment, and we are working to get NavTactiq listed with major one-design classes. NavTactiq provides only a magnetic heading and a start timer, with no GPS, speed or wind data. Check the current Lightning class rules and the event’s sailing instructions before racing with it.
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. Training, coaching sessions and practice starts are not governed by class equipment rules, and that is where a big, easy-to-read compass and timer helps most: learning your numbers, spotting shifts and drilling starts.