Now its the Round the Island Race!

No respite for us peaceful anglers! Last week it was the start of the Round Britain Powerboat Race, now on Saturday 28th June marks all around the Island will be unfishable because of the annual Round the Island race. You can find details of the RTI course here; and the following warning notice was issued by QHM Portsmouth today:

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS

No 15/08

ROUND THE ISLAND YACHT RACE: 28 JUNE 2008

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth in conjunction with Associated British Ports Southampton and the Cowes Harbour Master (Notice 10 T / 08) that the “Round the Island” (Isle of Wight) Race will start from Cowes between 0600 – 0740 Saturday 28 June 2008. Around 1700 yachts are expected to take part in this event.


2. The anti-clockwise course around the Isle of Wight will be from Cowes starting West-about around the Island and back to Cowes. Turning marks for the race are at the; Needles Lighthouse, Saint Catherine’s Point, Bembridge Ledge Buoy and No Mans Land Fort, all marks being left to Port.


3. Due to the number of competitors taking part the starting times have been staggered to take place at approximately 10 minute intervals between 0600 and 0740.


4. Starts will be from the Royal Yacht Squadron’s Westerly Transit Line, off Cowes, between the Squadron and the West Bramble Buoy.


5. The main bulk of the fleet of yachts is expected to pass the Bembridge Ledge Buoy between 1500 and 1800 whilst the peak finishing times at Cowes is more likely to be between 1600 and 2000, these times are nonetheless wind and weather dependant. Should the weather forecast indicate light airs the finish line may be adjusted to be within the vicinity of Bembridge Ledge. All yachts taking part will be equipped with VHF and will keep a listening watch on Channel 16 and 37A (M).


6. Cancel this Local Notice To Mariners Sun 29th Jun 2008 (6 days)