Defining the Wind Direction in Tactical Compass Mode

The reference wind direction stored on the SC-1 and used as a basis for calculating your heading to wind in tactical compass mode mode as well as your VMG in VMG mode can be defined in tactical compass mode by sailing upwind and tacking several times while making adjustments to the indicated heading to wind until the same number is seen on both tacks.

This process is illustrated below. Note that in tactical compass the reference wind direction is adjusted to increase or decrease the indicated heading to wind. Heading to wind, defined as the difference between the boat's current heading and the reference wind direction stored on the SC-1, is displayed continuously through the adjustment process.

1. Imagine starting out in the scenario where the reference wind direction stored on the SC-1 is completely misaligned from the actual wind direction.
2. Start sailing a close-hauled course as you would while racing upwind. The SC-1's display will show the difference between your current heading and the reference wind direction stored on the SC-1.
3. Guess your heading relative to the wind and adjust the indicated heading to wind on your SC-1 to that value. 45° is a good starting point for many boats.
4. Tack and sail close-hauled on the new tack. Adjust your indicated heading to wind to the same value used in step 3.
5. Tack again and take note of your indicated heading to wind on the new tack.
6. Adjust your indicated heading to wind to the average of the angles seen in steps 4 and 5 (i.e. split the difference). In this example the average would be (45 + 35) / 2 = 40°. Once you have done this, the reference wind direction stored on the SC-1 will be aligned with the true wind direction.

Please Note: If you begin this process with the reference wind direction stored on the SC-1 closer to the true wind direction than is illustrated in the above example, you may be able to complete the calibration with only one tack instead of two, jumping from step 3 directly to step 6.