Description

The Racing Elite 103RE is one of the world’s most popular racing compasses for dinghies. First developed for the Laser, it has become a firm favorite across many dinghy classes. This flush-mounted compass with dial features an offset-edge scale of white numbers and graduation on a red/green card, plus port/starboard “memory arrows.” The unique offset-edge scale allows the helmsman to read the course from three positions in the boat – from the normal seat in the cockpit, on the rail usually slightly aft, and also to the windward side of the compass.

Detecting wind shifts may be the tiny difference between winning and losing. Silva’s tactical scale grades from 0-20, and the figures correspond on port and starboard tack. If the reading on starboard tack is 2, the reading on port after tacking should also be 2. In this way, you only have to remember one figure. This is a great benefit in triangular course sailing, where racers need to watch the wind shifts, rather than their actual course.

The 103RE double scale, divided into a green starboard and a red port scale, allows sailors to read the actual course on port and starboard tack from the helmsman’s normal position at the rail. (You no longer have to add 45° to your reading.) The green and red “memory arrows” on the compass housing remind the helsman to tack from starboard bow if the course decreases, and tack from port bow if the course increases. The top scale allows reading the course on downwind or to check the start line position.

Specifications:

  • All UV-resistant material construction
  • Card graduation every 5°
  • Cone card type
  • Accuracy to plus/minus 0.5°
  • Operating temperature from 14° to 158° F (-10° to +70° C)
  • Lubber Lines – Center (front/back) side view at 45°
  • Heeling angle – 30° Roll /30° Pitch
  • No gimbaled cradle
  • Mounting angle from -10° to +110°
  • Optional illuminator and compensator available
  • 5-Year manufacturer’s warranty

The offset compass card has 3 scales with 3 lubber lines:

  • Top scale 360°, read against the back central lubber line on downwind
  • Starboard green 360° edge scale, offset 40° anti-clockwise from top scale, read against starboard lubber line on starboard tack
  • Port red 360° edge scale, which is offset 40° clockwise from top scale, read against port lubber line or port tack
  • The two front lubber lines are also offset 40° from the central lubber line