Whitestone Bank facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Whitestone Bank |
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 Whitestone Bank
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| Crown dependency | Isle of Man |
The Whitestone Bank is a large underwater sandbar. It is located about 1 mile (1.6 km) east of Point of Ayre on the Isle of Man. A narrow waterway called the Whitestone Channel runs between the island and the bank.
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What is the Whitestone Bank?
The Whitestone Bank is a natural formation made of sand. It sits under the water near the northern tip of the Isle of Man. It's like a long, shallow hill on the seabed.
Why are sandbanks important for sailors?
Sandbanks like Whitestone Bank are important for sailors to know about. They can be dangerous, especially when the weather is rough. Waves can break over them, making it hard for boats to pass safely.
How do sailors find the Whitestone Bank?
Sailors use special maps called maritime charts to find the Whitestone Bank. These charts show the depth of the water and where sandbanks are located. Some charts that show the Whitestone Bank include:
- AC 2094 Kirkcudbright to the Mull of Galloway & Isle of Man
- AC 1826 Irish Sea Eastern Part
- AC 2696 Ramsey Harbour
- SC 5613.21.1 Isle of Man East Coast. Ramsey
- Imray C62 Irish Sea
- Imray Y70 Isle of Man (Harbour Plan of Ramsey)
The strong currents around the Point of Ayre have created several sandbanks over many years. Sailors are advised to avoid these banks, especially in bad weather.
What are the challenges for sailors near Point of Ayre?
One challenge is that some older maps of the west coast near Point of Ayre might not be accurate. The water depths shown on these maps can be off by as much as 2 meters (about 6.5 feet). This means the water might be shallower than expected.
What is the safest route to Ramsey?
For sailors heading to Ramsey from the north, the best way is to sail north of the Strunakill Bank. Then, they should stay close to the Point of Ayre. This path allows them to pass safely through the Whitestone Channel, inside the Whitestone Bank.
If sailors are coming from Peel, they should sail away from Rue Point (southwest of Ayre). Then, they can set a course to pass between the Strunakill Bank and the Point of Ayre. Sailing around the outside of the Whitestone Bank to the east would make the journey much longer. It would mean going all the way around the Bahama Bank.
Other Sandbanks in the Area
Besides the Whitestone Bank, there are other notable sandbanks nearby. These include:
- The Ballacash Bank
- The King William Bank
- The Strunakill Bank
- The Bahama Bank
