Pilot the Isle of Wight: The Needles to St Catherine’s Point

Navigational tips and beauty spots around the south-west coast of the Isle of Wight.

The Needs to St Catherines Point

Rounding the Needles

Only the boldest dare to pass between Goose Rock and the wreck of Varvassi. Photo: Graham Snook

The boldest and most knowledgeable skippers in the Round the Island Race will attempt to save themselves a few hundred metres by passing through the gap between Goose Rock, 40m from the base of the light bearing 290, and the wreck of the Varvassi, about 110m from the light bearing 250. The gap is about 70m, northeast to southwest but believe me, it feels considerably smaller when you’re approaching it at speed.

Photo: Graham Snook

The great majority takes the longer route around, which guarantees at least 3m. Keep the base of the Old Needles Battery blockhouse in line with the top of the lighthouse to find the safe line.

  1. 1. Introduction
  2. 2. The Needles
  3. 3. Rounding the Needles
  4. 4. Scratchell's Bay
  5. 5. Scratchell's Bay to Freshwater
  6. 6. Sir Robert Holmes
  7. 7. Frenchman's Hole
  8. 8. Watcombe Bay
  9. 9. War Knight
  10. 10. Freshwater Bay
  11. 11. Back of the Wight
  12. 12. Sirenia
  13. 13. Landslips
  14. 14. St Catherine's Point
  15. 15. Pepper Pot
  16. 16. Rocken End
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