Playing Shifts with Tactician Compass
May 17, 2023
The Tactician Sailing Compass from Ritchie Navigation was designed specifically for sailors who want to gain a strategic advantage over their competitors—or simply get a better table for dinner at the club. Always ready to double as a navigation device, it’s the ideal addition to any small or mid-sized sailboat.
Made in the USA, the Tactician Sailing Compass is unique from other magnetic compasses. The Blue 3″ CombiDial card has standard 5° marks and 30° numeric references but adds six tactical quadrants on the side. The white bezel with blue degree references can be adjusted and used as a heading memory indicator. These combine with the four bright red lubber lines to provide a fast and easy reference as to whether the wind direction is lifting or heading the boat.
The card is set atop a sapphire jewel bearing on a hardened steel gimbal. Exclusive DirectiveForce magnets ensure the dial doesn’t spin or jump, even when sailing in confused seas.
Because of its compact size of only 4.2″ dia. x 2.8″ H, the compass will fit on a crowded deck. Larger boats often install two, one on either side, for optimal viewing while seated on the rail.
The Tactician Sailing Compass (XP-98W) is 100% repairable and comes with a five-year warranty. It costs approximately $160 and comes with all hardware.
