Round the Island race - how to set up exclusion zones

There's a lot to think about for the skipper and navigator in the Round the Island race. Not only are there 1,200 other boats, but there are also waiting areas and exclusion zones to comply with.

We covered how to get the perfect start in a previous blog - but there's no point in getting the best start if you're going to get a time penalty or disqualification for fouling an exclusion zone later on.

Luckily, your B&G chartplotter can help. Download the .gpx file below and your Vulcan or Zeus chartplotter will display the pre-start waiting areas and the exclusion zone off Seaview in bright red, overlaid on the chart, so you'll have no excuse!

Download the file to a blank microSD card, and place it in your chartplotter's card slot. From the home screen, go to Files and locate the gpx file on your memory card, then press Import. With this done, the file will be stored on your chartplotter.

Now go to Waypoints from the home screen, and press on the 'Tracks' tab. Make sure that 'Display' is ticked against 'North Waiting Area', 'South Waiting Area' and 'Seaview Exclusion'. You can also change the colour of the border here.

View the areas on the chart

Pre-start waiting areas

Seaview exclusion zone

You can change the colour of the border by tapping on the border, selecting 'Edit Track' and changing the colour selection via the dropdown option.

With the zones displayed on the screen, you'll be prepared for the race - and can see where your boat is in relation to them at a glance. Good luck from everyone at B&G - we'll see you on the startline!