# NavTactiq

> NavTactiq is a digital sailing compass and race start timer app for iPhone and iPad. It shows a large, tilt-compensated magnetic heading from the phone's magnetometer, lift and header detection, and an audible start countdown with one-swipe sync. It uses no GPS and shows no boat speed, wind or position data. One-time purchase of $9.99 USD, no subscription. Built by AJ Sorensen, a racing sailor, multi-time ILCA champion and US Sailing Level 3 coach.

## Key facts

- Name: NavTactiq (trademark of Sorensen on Sound LLC, Milford, Connecticut, USA)
- Category: sailing compass app, sailboat race start timer, tactical compass for one-design racing
- Platforms: iPhone and iPad, iOS/iPadOS 15 or later. Android version in development.
- Price: $9.99 USD one-time on the App Store. No subscription, no ads, updates included.
- App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/navtactiq/id6743174726
- Website: https://navtactiq.com
- Support: andrew@sailing-store.com (typically replies within 24 hours)
- Boat mount: https://sailing-store.com/product/navtactiq-deck-mount-bracket/

## What it does

- Large-digit magnetic heading, tilt-compensated for a heeling boat
- Heading from the phone's magnetic sensor only; no GPS, boat speed, position, course over ground or wind data
- Live lift and header detection based on heading change
- Race start timer: 5:00, 3:00, 2:00, 1:00 and custom countdowns; audible alerts; swipe right to sync up, left to sync down; sync to the 5, 4 and 1-minute signals, or to sound signals down to 30 seconds in sequences of 3 minutes or less; switches back to the compass automatically at the start
- Color schemes and brightness control for sun, fog and night
- Landscape-locked so the display never flips when the boat heels
- Works fully offline; no internet or cell service needed on the water

## Class rules and approval status

NavTactiq provides only the functions one-design classes allow on an electronic compass: a heading from the magnetic sensor and a start timer. It uses no GPS and no location data: iOS Settings shows no location access, and it works in airplane mode (tested at 45,000 ft with no Wi-Fi, heading matching the aircraft's course). It is designed to meet ILCA Rule 22's requirement for a self-contained, magnetic-only digital compass, and the developer is working directly with the ILCA class measurer to confirm it and add it to ILCA's approved electronic compass list, and with other major one-design classes (including 420 and Lightning) to get it listed. Until a class lists it, it can be used wherever class rules and sailing instructions allow a phone aboard, which most do, plus PHRF/handicap racing, training, coaching and practice starts.

## Why it exists

AJ Sorensen built NavTactiq because he wanted a larger heading display and because his start timers had failed mid-sequence at major regattas. After many standalone prototypes, he realized an iPhone (IP68 water resistant since the iPhone 12, up to 6 m for 30 minutes per Apple) already offers a bigger, brighter screen and is in every sailor's pocket. He designed, coded and tests the app himself and races with it.

## About the developer

AJ Sorensen: competitive and professional sailor, multi-time ILCA champion, US Sailing Level 3 certified coach, USCG-licensed Near Coastal Master, chemical engineer (Clarkson University), iOS/macOS developer, based in Milford, Connecticut.

## Roadmap

Android version, vertical split-screen mode, fine-tuning controls, optional course tracking. Features that are not class legal in some classes will be optional and can be switched off for racing.

## Pages

- [Home](https://navtactiq.com/)
- [Class-legal sailing compass guide (ILCA, 420, Lightning)](https://navtactiq.com/class-legal-sailing-compass.html)
- [Sailing race start timer](https://navtactiq.com/sailing-race-start-timer.html)
- [Features and how-to guide](https://navtactiq.com/features.html)
- [FAQ](https://navtactiq.com/faq.html)
- [About the developer](https://navtactiq.com/about.html)
- [Support](https://navtactiq.com/support.html)
- [Privacy policy](https://navtactiq.com/privacypolicy.html)