WOOTTON CREEK 50º44’.09N, 01º12’.77W (ENT) Wootton Creek is one of the lovelier creeks in The Solent, with wooded valleys sweeping down to a winding creek. Midway between Cowes and Ryde, it was once used by trading sailing TTON CREEKvessels visiting the brickworks at Ash Lake, and the tide mill at WOOthe head of the creek where the Sloop Inn now stands. Island Visions, Jamie Russell Today, there is little left apart from the old names. If trading barges could navigate to the head of the creek, then visiting yachts should easily make their way at least as far as the pontoons of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club (RVYC) at the entrance to the creek. It should be remembered that those skippers worked their tides, and even today 70 foot ketches drawing over 8 foot have laid alongside the RVYC pontoons, but have swiftly departed once the tide is on the ebb. An ideal time to visit is when High Water is over a lunchtime, meaning a good height of tide, and time to sample the RVYC hospitality at its bar and dining room. It is well-liked by visitors, and popular with rallies, and as a destination for passage races. Be aware that the direction of buoyage in the eastern Solent is from east to west. Pilotage is straightforward with a compass, dependable echo sounder, and a good lookout. The entrance to Wootton Creek is beset by hazards to the east and west. It is a busy car ferry port, with regular Wightlink sailings throughout the day and night. To the east, are drying gravel banks that have been known to embarrass a passing ferry. To the west are rock ledges coming out from the shore, and the dangerous Wootton Rocks themselves. Yachts close inshore may have local knowledge and lifting keels! The entrance to Wootton Creek is best taken from the north cardinal, Wootton Beacon. It lies approximately 3.5nm from Cowes and only 1.5nm from Ryde Pier. It is best approached an hour or so either side of High Water on the first attempt. The ferry fairway is lit, with an occulting sectored light, and there is plenty of shore lighting on the link-span. No matter from which point of the compass you’re approaching, it is best to stay to the north of Wootton Beacon for your approach. Once at Wootton Beacon, if safe from entering and departing ferries, turn southwest and run down the western side of the ferry channel, staying outside of the channel itself. Keep an eye on the echo sounder, there should be plenty of water, if there isn’t, then you won’t get very far into the creek! Be aware that you may find ferries waiting to dock at the ferry terminal to the west of the fairway. By the time you come to No. 7 dolphin, you’ll see the ferry link-span on your port hand, and the Wootton Creek port and starboard buoys ahead of you; these are maintained and positioned as needed by the 128 solenthandbook.com