Round the Island tactics (2002) pt1

General Information: HW Portsmouth is 1032 BST - 50% Springs Pilotage books: Solent Hazards and White Hazards by Peter Bruce Tidal Information: Solent Tides by Peter Bruce Solent and Isle of Wight Tidal Streams by 'Check Charts' (half hourly tidal streams) First Quarter - Start to the Needles distance approx 13nms Initial Strategy - Plan to aim for Sconce buoy where you can make the most of the 'tidal slingshot' just to the west of Yarmouth. Then continue in the fast moving current towards Hurst Castle, then if you are beating into the expected southwesterly winds, work the area of best current close to the Shingles, prior to peeling off and aiming for the Needles. A Bit of Geometry -The actual start line is 1.2 nm long (from the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) to West Bramble). In simple geometry terms, the shortest distance to Sconce is the perpendicular (rhumb line) to the buoy and is not in the middle of the line, but just a quarter of the distance up the line from the RYS. Starting close to West Bramble is a whole 200m further than at the perpendicular point. There are often good reasons to start elsewhere, depending on the wind, tide and the main body of the fleet, but always remember that extra 200m if you are aiming for Sconce and starting near West Bramble buoy. Osborne Court Top Window - The RYS start line transits and high intensity lights are never more difficult to see, than on the RTI Race in the final 25 seconds to the start gun, as they invariably get obscured by other boats. Brief your bowman to also be aware of the transit of the RYS Flag Staff, in line with the top window in the tower of Osbourne Court apartments. This transit is usually visible above the height of