Velocitek releases world's lightest racing compass
by Charles Swanson 31 Jan 2018 18:29 AEDT
Prism Etchells Hero widescreen © Leslie Richter / Rockskipper Photograph
California-based performance instrument maker, Velocitek, has announced the release of the PRISM, a stripped down racing compass. The Prism provides unprecedented accuracy, coupled with a massive display, in a compact package. At a mere 137 g (4.8 oz) it is the world's lightest racing compass.
The Prism was developed with input from members of the US Olympic Team and has already been used to win the Etchells World Championship.
"The Prism is an indispensable tool on our Etchells. From the helm, the digits are large and easy to read. The compass heading is accurate and precise, which allows us to capitalize on each and every shift." Steve Benjamin - Olympic Silver Medalist, Multiple World Champion, US Rolex Yachtsman of the Year.
"The Prism's digits are large enough for everyone on the Etchells team to read easily and it's so light that it was also an obvious choice for the 470. The Prism is easy to read, at a glance, from the wire on the 470 and that is a huge competitive advantage at the international level where every detail counts." Dave Hughes - Olympian (US Mens 470 Crew), Multiple World Champion, US Sailing Team Member
How it works
The Prism uses a high precision 3-axis solid state magnetometer designed for aerospace applications to provide better accuracy than any other small boat compass on the market. The Prism uses only magnetic input as its heading reference, has no memory, no user inputs, and performs no arithmetic functions. It's legal in all classes that allow electronic compasses.
Full Features
The Prism's 29.8mm (1.1 in.) tall compass digits can be read from over 40 feet away. The Prism is solar powered with a backup battery. The backup battery will power the Prism for over 24 hours of sailing without solar power. The Prism uses No GPS Technology and complies with the rules of any class that allows electronic compasses.
The Prism is now available for pre-order at major marine outfitters and online at www.velocitek.com/prism. It will begin shipping to customers on April 16.