Little Ship Club

‘BACK OF THE WIGHT’

MAYRALLY

Saturday, 28 to Monday, 30 May 2011

Sailing Directions and Log

Sailing directions

Saturday, 28 May (HW: 08.51 BST)

Yachts should sail from home ports to Gunwharf Quay marina at Portsmouth, arriving at 1500-1700 hours, where berths have been pre-booked.

Please be aware that there are restrictions to small boats navigating in Portsmouth Harbour. It is no longer possible to enter the harbour on the east side of the main channel and all yachts must enter via the Small Boat Channel, south of the main channel, between No 4 Bar buoy and the Ballast Beacon, which should be left to port. After passing the Ballast Beacon call Queen’s Harbour Master (QHM) on Channel 11 for permission to cross the main harbour before proceeding to Gunwharf Quays Marina. It is advisable to monitor Channel 11 when approaching and while in the harbour. Call the marina on Channel 80 for berthing instructions.

Sunday, 29 May (HW: 09.44 BST)

The starting point for the passage south of the Isle of Wight is about one mile north-east of Nettlestone point, Sea View, between Ryde and Bembridge, and about 4 miles south of Portsmouth harbour entrance. Yachts should gather at about 08.30 near the prescribed starting line, which is a transit, bearing 070˚- 250˚, between the flag staff of Sea View Yacht Club at Nettlestone point and the Warner PHM, which is the outer distance mark. Please remain south of the line between Warner and No Mans Land Fort, out of the main channel, in the region of waypoint 50˚43.58’ N, 01˚05.00’ W.

The starting ‘window’ is between 09.00 and 10.00. Please do not start before 09.00 and all yachts should cross the line before 10.00 hours. Please record your time accurately as your bow crosses the line.

Yachts will then sailto the first mark, the Bembridge Ledge ECM,and thence along the south and west coasts of the Isle of Wight to Yarmouth, leaving all marks of the course to starboard, except for West Princessa WCM which should be left to port.

Marks of the course to be: Bembridge Ledge ECM,West Princessa WCM, Dunnose Head, St Catherine’s Point, Needles lighthouse (avoid the wreck of the Varvassi - 50˚ 39.666’ N, 01˚ 35.516’ W !!), Sconce NCM, and the finishing mark, approximately one cable north of the northernend of Yarmouth pier. After crossing the finishing line yachts should proceed into Yarmouth Harbour where berths have been reserved. There will normally be a member of the HM staff in a dory to give berthing directions. Berths are only reserved until 18.00 and anyone arriving later will have to take their chance!

In the event of a wind stronger than force 5, or wind over tide, skippers should be aware of the potential for steep overfalls off St Catherine’s point and may wish to give it a wide berth - at least 2 miles south. If the wind is forecast to be greater than Force 6 we will sail an alternative course through the Solent and marks of that course will be notified Saturday evening.

All skippers are required to complete the following log and note the time of passing the marks and/or waypoints at the places listed. Please maintain listening watch on channel 77, plus 16 if you have dual watch.

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‘BACK OF THE WIGHT’

MAYRALLY

Saturday, 28to Monday, 30 May 2011

Log

Yacht: ……………………………………………………………………………..

Skipper: …………………………………………………………………………….

Verified by skipper: …………………………………………………………...

Date: ………………………………………………………………………………

Note: The above waypoints are listed for guidance only – skippers should check these waypoints and verify their course keeps them clear of all hazards.

Note: useful reference is “Wight Hazards” book by Peter Bruce.