Round the Island - Walking the Course part 4

Mike Broughton talks us through the final stage from Bembridge back to Cowes

Peel Wreck - The remains of a Mulberry Harbour lie one-mile northwest of Wootton Creek. It is marked just to the north of it by Peel Wreck buoy and should be given a wide berth to port.

Osborne Bay - Is a great anchorage for lunch, because it offers good shelter! Exactly the reasons, you should avoid it when racing, particularly in a light west/southwest wind (see diagram). The area of calmer winds can extend quite a way to the east (further in the lighter winds).

However, there are two reasons to carefully route around the edge of this calm zone. Firstly if the tide is against you, and secondly in the prevailing southwesterly wind, the wind bends around Old Castle Point, generating gains for the sailor that heads for the inside of the bend.

Norris Rocks - As you route around Old Castle Point, beware Norris Rocks if you are close into the coast. They cover an area about 30 metres wide, extending about 80 m out from the western part of the gap in the trees, on the shoreline next to Norris Castle itself.

And finally: read the Sailing Instructions - Highlight your finish line and declaration procedure if you are not joining the party in Cowes on Saturday evening.

Have a safe and enjoyable race.

Mike Broughton