When we introduced Sailteck, we said the Race Compass was the start and the GPS Compass would follow. It is here. The Sailteck GPS Compass (SK02) has arrived in Rotterdam and is ready to ship across Europe.
If you already know the Race Compass, here is exactly what the GPS Compass adds on top, how it works, and how to decide which one belongs on your boat.
The same compass core, with a bigger picture
The GPS Compass keeps everything that makes the Race Compass good, then builds on it. You still get:
- Genuine 1° heading accuracy, from the same solid-state magnetic sensor
- No recalibration. Out of the bag, on the boat, racing
- Two-line display with 30 mm super-bold digits, readable from the hiking strap or through polaroid sunglasses
- Three-button countdown you can adjust while it runs
- Solar power with 200 hours of battery backup
- Submersible to 20 metres, floats, triple shock protection
On top of that magnetic core, the GPS Compass adds a high-precision GPS receiver. That single addition is what unlocks speed, heel, trim and distance to the start line.
How the GPS Compass works
The heading still comes from the magnetic sensor, exactly as on the Race Compass. The GPS receiver runs alongside it and tracks your position many times a second. From that movement, the compass works out the rest:
- Speed over ground. Derived directly from GPS, so you have a live speed reference for tuning and mode.
- Distance to the start line. Ping each end of the line once on the water, and the compass shows how far you are from it and counts you toward it. No more guessing your run-in or the bias by eye.
- Heel and trim. Boat attitude on the display, useful for setup and for holding the boat in its groove.
- Bluetooth sensor support. External sensors can feed the display.
- RTK-capable GPS. With correction data the position resolves to centimetre level, which is where start-line calls stop being approximate.
At a glance: Race Compass vs GPS Compass
| Race Compass (SK01) | GPS Compass (SK02) | |
|---|---|---|
| Heading accuracy | Genuine 1° | Genuine 1° |
| Sensor | Solid-state magnetic | Solid-state magnetic + high-precision GPS |
| Countdown | Three-button, two-line | Three-button, two-line |
| Speed over ground | No | Yes |
| Heel and trim | No | Yes |
| Distance to start line | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth sensors | No | Yes |
| RTK-capable GPS | No | Yes |
| Keymats for class rules | Fixed | Interchangeable (red and grey) |
| Sailteck LIVE ready | No | Yes (system launches November 2026) |
What the GPS layer changes on the water
At the start, line distance is the headline. Ping the line, and you know in metres how far you are from it with the gun coming. Combined with heading you can read the bias and time your final approach instead of trusting your gut.
Upwind, speed over ground gives you a number to tune against. You can see straight away whether a mode change made you faster or just felt faster.
For setup, heel and trim turn the compass into a basic tuning tool, on top of its tactical job.
The point is the same as the Race Compass: one clear number at the right moment, eyes on the boat.
Keymats and class rules (read this before you buy)
This is the most important difference, and it is not a spec. GPS speed and positioning are not allowed in every class during racing. Sailteck's interchangeable keymats (red and grey) exist precisely because different classes have different rules.
So the GPS Compass is not automatically permitted everywhere the Race Compass is. Before you buy for a specific class, check your current class rules, or send us a message and we will tell you what is allowed.
As a rule of thumb: if you sail a strict compass-only class, the Race Compass stays the safe choice. If your class permits GPS data, or you want the full picture for training, the GPS Compass gives you far more, and you still have it for every practice session regardless of class rules.
Coming with it: Sailteck LIVE
The GPS Compass is built ready for Sailteck LIVE, the track-sharing and race-management system launching in November 2026. When it goes live, your GPS Compass plugs straight into it.
Which one is right for you
- Race Compass: strict class racing, sailors who want heading, countdown and shift on one bulletproof display, and the lowest-fuss setup.
- GPS Compass: classes that allow GPS, performance training, coaches, and anyone who wants speed, line distance and trim alongside the compass core.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Sailteck Race Compass and GPS Compass?
The GPS Compass keeps the full Race Compass feature set (genuine 1° heading, no recalibration, two-line countdown display, solar power) and adds a high-precision GPS receiver for speed over ground, distance to the start line, heel and trim, and Bluetooth sensor support.
How does the GPS Compass measure distance to the start line?
You ping each end of the line once on the water. The GPS then calculates and displays how far you are from the line, so you can time your approach instead of judging it by eye.
Is the Sailteck GPS Compass class legal for ILCA or Optimist?
GPS speed and positioning are restricted in many dinghy classes during racing, so the GPS Compass is not automatically allowed everywhere the Race Compass is. Check your current class rules, or message us and we will confirm what your class permits.
Does it show boat speed?
Yes. The GPS Compass shows live speed over ground, derived from GPS.
What is Sailteck LIVE?
Sailteck LIVE is Sailteck's track-sharing and race-management system, launching in November 2026. The GPS Compass is ready to connect to it.
Does the GPS Compass need recalibrating?
No. Like the Race Compass, it uses a solid-state magnetic sensor that is not affected by transport. Take it out of the bag and race.
Which should I buy for training versus racing?
For strict compass-only class racing, the Race Compass. For training, coaching, and classes that allow GPS, the GPS Compass gives you speed, line distance and trim on top of everything the Race Compass does.
Ready to race
The Sailteck GPS Compass is now available on LiveWatersports, alongside the Race Compass, with free delivery on Benelux orders from €75, free European delivery from €99, and fast shipping from Rotterdam.
Not sure which compass or mount suits your class? Send us a WhatsApp and we will guide you to the right setup.
Because life feels better on the water 💦
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