[From Quiggin's IoM Almanack and Tide Tables for 1861, printed and Published by M. A. Quiggin, Douglas]

Mariners' Guide - Isle of Man

The ISLE OF MAN lies in a N.E. by E. and S. W. by W. direction, and is about 30 miles in length and 11 in breadth. The Northernmost Point of Ayre is in lat. 54 deg. 27 min. N., and long. 4 deg. 20 min. W. The

Calf Island,

At the S.W., is in lat. 54 deg. 3 min. N. and lon. 4 deg.50 min. W. On this Island are Two Lighthouses, 187 yards distant from each other, bearing N.E. 1/3 E. and S. W. 1/3 W. The higher Light bears from the dangerous sunken rocks called the Chickens N.E. ½ E., distant about a mile and a quarter: when the Lights are in one they lead on the Chickens. These Lights are DOUBLY revolving, without color, making their revolution in 2 minutes, and becoming gradually fainter during that time, until, at a distance, they appear totally obscured. At their brightest period they may be seen seven leagues off, resembling a planet. Between the Chickens and Calf is a passage about a mile broad, through which the tide sets from the W. round the Calf Point very strong outside of the EYE Rock, and also through the passage between the Island and S.W. Point of Man. There has been erected in the Sound of the Calf, on the "Thusla Rock," a Large Oblong Beacon. 2½ miles to the east is PORT ST. MARY, where there is good anchorage behind the Pier, which has been lately very much improved, but a dangerous rock called Carrick, lies about ¾ of a mile S.S.E.½E. from the Village. This harbour has about 9 or 10 feet water at neap tides, and 14, 15, 18, &c. at spring tides., In running for it, keep Scarlet Head to the S. of Castletown, a good sail's breadth open, to avoid the Carrick Rock. On entering, take the quay as close as circumstances will admit. A LIGHT is exhibited throughout the year, on the larboard hand on entering the harbour. Five miles E. from the Chickens and 2¼ from Port St. Mary; is Scarlet Head, the westernmost point of

Castletown Bay.

The bottom towards the entrance is generally rocky, and there are three shoals or rocks dry at low water, the largest of which, .Lheeahrio, is a quarter of a mile long and 500 feet wide, and is marked on the east end by a large Black Buoy. A RED stationary light, to be kept on the larboard hand on entering, is erected on the new pierhead, which lies 80 yards outside the old pierhead, in a S.S.E. direction therefrom. The Buoy on Lheeahrio Rock is placed in five fathoms at low water, having Langness Point,by compass bearing S. ¾ E., and the lighthouse on the pierhead, N. ¾ E. On entering the Bay, be careful to leave the Buoy on the larboard hand, and in working into the Bay from the Westward, you must not bring the Buoy to the Southward of E.S.E. ; nor open Spanish Head to the Northward of the Stack of Scarlet until Eastward of the Buoy, or until the lighthouse on the pierhead bears N. ½ E, then steer for the harbour. The anchorage is sheltered from N. W. round by N. to S.S. E., the marks for which are, Spanish Head just open to the Southward of the Stack of Scarlet; the Steeple of Castletown Chapel in line with the Eastern part of a Gap in the Mountain bearing N. by W., and King William's College N.E. by N., where there are 9 fathoms at low water, spring tides, and safe anchorage.

Langness Point,

An isthmus running out from the main land, 2 miles to the S.W., has a turret on the point to identify its situation. There are SUNKEN rocks all about it, and the tide sets like a race upon the Point from the Chickens, at the rate (spring tides) of 6 miles an hour, and runs E.N.E. from 2 to 5 or 6 miles from the land, diminishing in. strength to Maughold Head. To avoid the inset between the Chickens and Langness Point, it is advisable for strangers on no account to come within 3 or 4 miles of the land. On the E. side is

Derbyhaven,

Affording anchorage for large merchant ships, and sheltered from all winds except E. to S.E. The best ANCHORAGE is on the N. side of St. Michael's Island, in 3 or 4 fathoms, the castle (or fort) on it bearing S.E. by S. Small vessels may run further up. There are two LIGHTS, one at the entrance of the harbour, and one on the S.W.end of the breakwater. The stream, or rather eddy, along the E. Side of Langness runs 10 hours S., from 2 hours of flood to the last of ebb on the shore. About 3 miles to the E. of Derbyhaven is St. Ann's Head, from which to

Douglas Head,

E. is about 2 miles, upon which a LIGHTHOUSE has been erected, the light from which is STATIONARY, and appears like a star of the first magnitude at the distance of 14 miles. The Bearings of the light are as follows:-From CLAY HEAD, W. by S. ¼ S., 4 miles; from LANGNESS POINT, E. by N., 7½ miles. The light will not be visible from Langness Point; but with an offing of 3 miles from that Point, the light will be seen bearing N.E. ¼E., and the Calf Lights at the same time bearing N. W. by W. ¼ W. Vessels running for Douglas, between E. by N. ½ N. to W. by S. ½ S., will see the light at 5 miles' distance. Blowing fresh from the W. and bound for the bay, a vessel should keep pretty close to Douglas Head, or she will be thrown to leeward of St. Mary's Rock, by the strong and variable gusts off the high land to the S.W., where she will be exposed and in bad anchorage. On this rock a TOWER has been erected, the appearance of which in the night is like a square-rigged sloop under sail. Anchor in the bay between St. Mary's and the S. shore, 3 -or 4 cables East of the pierhead, where there is a LIGHT exhibited throughout the year, to shew ships into the Harbour; to enter which keep close to the pierhead. Four miles E.N.E. from Douglas Head is

Clay Head,

Round which is Laxey Bay, where there is good anchorage in 6 fathoms depth. From Clay Head to Maughold Head the course is N.E. ½ E. 7 miles, and round the latter to

Ramsey,

N.W. N'ly. 2½ miles. To the E.S.E. of the town is Port Lewague. There is excellent anchorage and shelter from 1 to 1½ miles .. opposite the town, as the bottom is good stiff clay; but there is generally a heavy sea and hard riding in it with winds from S. to E.N.E., to all of which it is open. The harbour, which is a dry one, will admit vessels drawing 17 or 18 feet water at spring tides, and 11 or 12 feet at neap tides. There is a lighthouse on the quay, and the light, which is stationary and of a RED colour; is exhibited throughout the year. In the bay the stream runs nine hours N. and three hours S., beginning at 2 hours' flood. There are three banks off this bay that deserve notice. The BAHAMA BANE, or RIG, bears N.E.2leagues from Ramsey town, and is about 6 miles in length from S.S.E. to N.N.W., with only 6 feet depth of water at the S. end, differing in other parts from 9 to 12 feet, and is rather more than i a mile broad. TheBAHAMA FLOATINC LIGHT, exhibiting two BRIGHT FIXED lights, is moored a mile off the S.E. tail of the shoal, in eleven fathoms, low water, spring tides, and with the following compass bearings :-King William's Bank Buoy, E. by N. ½N. nine miles; Point of Ayre lighthouse, N. by W. ¾ W.; Maughold Head, W. by S.; Clay Head, S. W. by W. ¼ W. WHITE STONES BANK, called from its composition, lies S.S.E. miles from the extreme Point of Ayre, ith a good passage between them; it ears N.N.E. from Maughold Head, and ½ a mile in length N. and S. and a ¼ - r breadth E. and W., with 6 feet at low water spring tides. POINT OF AYRE BANK a ridge extending ½ a mile from the 'oint to the distance of 1 mile E., and hence circularly to the S. and E., always, with a considerable ripple, nearly in a line with the BAHAMA BANK. KING.. WILLIAM'S BANK is 8 miles in length from `. S.E: to N.W., and ; a mile broad: the N. N. end is E. 6½ miles from the Point of Ayre, and N.E. 11 miles from Maughold Head, from which the S.E. end bears E. N.E. ½E. 13½ miles, and from the Point of Lyre; E. S.E. 12 miles distant. The least depth of water on it is 18 feet. The

Point of Ayre Lighthouse

bears N.N.E. ½ E. from Maughold Head, distant 8 miles, and the lantern is 106 feet above the sea. It is REVOLVING, showing alternately a BRIGHT and RED coloured light becoming from a star-like appearance gradually stronger, until the attainment of the utmost brilliancy every Two MINUTES. The light of the common colour is to be seen 4 or 5 leagues off; but the RED one is not distinct at so great a distance. Maughold Head prevents the Light being seen by a navigator S. of it, as does Rue Point when he is W. of it. N. by W. ½W. 1½ miles from the Point of Ayre is STRUNAKILI BANK, bearing from Jurby Point E.by N. 5 miles; it is 11 miles long E.S.E. and W.N.W., and nearly ½ a mile broad. There area fathoms on the shoalest end, but the sea breaks and the tide sets strong upon it; keeping WITHIN 1¼ miles of the land will clear the whole. From the point of Ayre to Jurby is 7 miles to the W., and hence to the Peel Light, S.W. ½ W. 11 miles; 4 miles from Jurby W. ½N. and about 9 miles from the land abreast, is a BLIND ROCK, and from

Peel Light,

N.E. by E., 9 miles. This light is stationary, is exhibited throughout the night, and is visible at a distance of eight miles in clear weather. The harbour at Peel is a dry one. Between Jurby and Peel, off Ballabui, lies a shoal 1½ miles from the land, and 3½ miles N.E. i. E. from the light. A vessel may ride in the bay with the Castle bearing from S.S.W. to S.w. in 6 or 7 fathoms' depth of water.

On entering the Harbour, keep the point of the Jetty close on board on the starboard hand and run in, keeping the light on the pierhead on the larboard hand. The Mull of Galloway light adds considerably to the importance of this Harbour, being visible from tire Castle, and only distant N. by E. 26 miles. The Peel Light is about 300 yards S.S.W. from the N.E. point of the Castle. The streams of flood that come to the E. from along the S. coast, and. along the N. coast of Ireland, meet about a mile W. of Contrary Head, so called from this circumstance, and there divide into two branches, one of which runs N.E. to the Pointof Ayre, and on to Maughold Head, the other S.W. to the Calf: one proceeding round the Calf at 6, the other round the Point of Ayre at 4 miles an hour, meeting off Maughold Head. From Contrary Head to abreast the Calf Lights the course is S.W. 10 miles; and 4 ½ miles from the W. end of that Isle is

Port Iron,

a good little Harbour, easy of access, and affording shelter against all E. winds. At the entrance of the bay, between the headlands, there is a depth of about 15 fathoms water; here the tide runs very strong at the rate of 6 miles an [lour. In the Sound of the Calf the stream runs W. 2 hours before high water. on the shore, and continues 6, i.e., two hours before it ebbs on shore. Keep the Calf Lights well open when passing Langness Point.

TIDES.

On the full and change days, it is high water on the shore at Peel at 10h. 48m. ; in the Calf Sound, 10h. 57m.; at Douglas, 10h. 48m.; at Ramsey, 10h.; and at the Point of Ayre, 10h. In the Isle of Man, spring tides rise 18 or 20 feet perpendicular; neap tides 9 or 10.

Magnetic Bearings & Distances,

FROM THE HEADLANDS OR HARBOURS IN THIS ISLAND, TO OTHER HEADLANDS OR HARBOURS IN THE CHANNEL.

Free Harbours

No tolls are exigible on vessels entering my of the Harbours in the Isle of Man.

Abstract of the Bye-Laws for regulating the Harbours.

1. Any vessel, through mismanagement, injuring the quays, &c., such injury to be repaired, under penalty of double the value of the damage.
2. No chain cables to be used for mooring vessels, under penalty of £2.
3. No ballast to be discharged without a port sail, under penalty of £2.
4. Vessels heaving ballast or stones into the harbours, penalty £2 per ton.
5. That no person heave stones, dung, &c., into the harbours, under the penalty of £2. and if not removed when ordered, a further penalty of £2.
6. Masters of vessels not obeying Hatrbour Masters in mooring vessels, penalty £2: all expenses incurred by the Harbour Master in mooring vessels to be paid by master or owners of said vessel. Any person obstructing Harbour Master in executing his duty, penalty £5.
7. No person to make a fire on the quays without permission, penalty £3.
8. No clog fenders to be used, under penalty of £1, unless hung lengthways,
9. Any person throwing offends or cutting hawsers, besides paying the damage to the owners, to forfeit £5.
10. That all gunpowder be landed immediately after arrival, under penalty of £10 for every 24 hours it remains on board; and no fire or light to be kept on board while such gunpowder remains in the vessel, further penalty £20.
11. Any dock made for repairing vessels in harbour to be filled up in 24 hours after removal of the vessel, under penalty of £5 for every 24 hours it lies open.
12. No vessel to unload ballast at night under penalty of £10.
13. That no timber, iron, &c. (unless for repairing vessels) be left on the quays longer than two days, on penalty, for every day longer than the said two days, after notice given by the Pier Master, of £1.
14. That no vessel be allowed to take ballast from another, penalty £1 1, unless by leave of the Harbour Commissioners.
15. Ballast notto lie on the quay longer than 24 hours, under penalty of 5s. per day.
16. All vessels unloading merchandize to have preference of berth in turn.
17. Vessels taking in goods to have any unoccupied berth, but to give it up on the arrival of a loaded vessel.
18. & 19. One person at least to be on board every vessel when afloat, in har. hour or bay, under penalty of £2.
20.&21. No person to act as pilot with. out commission, under penalty of £10. No vessel compelled to take a pilot.
22. Proprietors of lime-kilns to screen their lights, if liable to be mistaken for harbour lights, under penalty of £5.
23. Persons firing on pier, &c., (except on days of public rejoicing,) penalty 10s.
24. Boats plying for passengers without licence, penalty £2; and owners to be accountable for breach of harbour laws by any of the crew.
25. No person to erect stalls on the [Rays to cure fish, or deface the quays, &c. under penalty of £2 for every offence.
26. No person to enforce higher rates or pilotage than as follows, which include attendance of boat and four men ; Vessels of 40 Tons----,------£ 0 5 0 Vessels above 40 and under 60- 0 7 O Vessels above 60 and under 100- 0 13 0 Vessels 100 Tons and larger--- 1 0 0
27. Vessels must allow ropes or warps if other vessels to be made fast to them, Cider penalty of £2.
28. All vessels in harbour must keep in heir jib and mizen booms, under penalty it £2.
29. No lumber to remain on the quays or steps, under penalty of £1.
30. No conveyance having wheels shod with iron, allowed on Douglas pier, under penalty of £2.