Cowes Harbour
At a Glance
Download Printable Guide
Cowes has long been known as the epicentre of the English yacht racing scene.
With its position at the centre of the Solent, and interesting and challenging waters to be sailed virtually on the doorstep it's not surprising. The fact that it's on the Isle of Wight adds to that feeling of actually arriving somewhere offshore, as opposed to just coasting.
For the visiting small craft mariner, Cowes harbour offers all
tide access, and berths are relatively easy to obtain and
reasonably priced. Having said that, for the cruising yachtsman
Cowes is best avoided during Cowes week which happens every year at
the beginning of August. The place is packed, prices are higher,
and there is general mayhem on the water. It is suggested that for
a first visit, you do your passage planning carefully and book a
berth somewhere before you even depart; to arrive off Trinity
landing and then start bleating on the radio looking for somewhere
to tie up for the night would be very unsailor-like (unless, of
course you are very big and very rich!!)
For racing types sailing around the Isle of Wight offers very
interesting navigational challenges and winds from just about every
angle in the course of the circumnavigation. For a fast boat an
early morning start can see you back on your mooring in time for
last orders at the pub.
The town has a surfeit of yacht clubs many with a Royal prefix,
much concerned with racing and less concerned with offering
hospitality to the visiting yachtsman. Exceptions to this attitude
dealt are with later.
In the approaches it may be necessary to pass through a large
precautionary area, with moving exclusion zones for heavy shipping
in the area from Bramble Bank towards Egypt Point (covered
elsewhere) and at all times the seaborne visitor must be acutely
aware of the constant ferry traffic, including the fast cat, that
use the narrow channel.
Be aware that the New Breakwater Project is now complete
The town is split into two, East and West, and connected by the
chain ferry, with West Cowes being the yachting centre. Cowes has
long been connected with shipbuilding and other marine related
industries, and away from the main high street lays streets and
streets of small terraced houses and estates housing the
hard-working population. East Cowes again consists of rows of
terraced houses, a few shops and little else. All in all the
first-time visitor wandering around might wonder why such a
workaday place as Cowes became a premier yachting centre.
Approaching from the sea it looks rather promising, but quickly
degenerates into a rather industrial looking scene approaching the
chain ferry. Once past Cowes the River Medina completely changes
character flowing through open countryside as far as Newport.
(Covered in a separate article). Do not let the above descriptions
put you off, Cowes really does need to be visited and virtually all
backup facilities for the boat and crew are available here. Outside
of Cowes week reasonably priced moorings can be obtained, while
skipper and crew can take in the unique atmosphere ashore. The boat
can be watered, fueled and provisioned with minimal fuss and
lugging, whilst good evenings can be spent ashore in establishments
well used to dealing with transient sailors. Perhaps the strangest
thing about Cowes is the mix of sometimes overexcited, well-to-do
yachting types living it up large in what is basically a small
industrial working town. The residents appear to take all this in
their stride happily, and yachting brings much needed work and
money to this town every year.
Cowes harbour commissioners have many mooring options available for
visitors, and it has to be said at a very good price, although
maybe short on facilities. Other mooring options include marinas
with excellent facilities and prices to match. In general the outer
harbour up to the chain ferry used to get uncomfortable and lumpy
in strong winds from a northerly quadrant. The new breakwater
solves that problem. Once past the chain ferry there are a couple
of further mooring options in the Cowes area, before the River
Medina leaves Cowes behind and enters Folly Reach.
This article deals with Cowes (West and East), and a further
article deals with the River Medina from Folly Reach down to
Newport. If anything written here makes you think the writer
doesn't like Cowes you would be quite wrong in your
assumptions...... having lived on the Isle of Wight for many years
and been in and out of the harbour on a regular basis Cowes comes
thoroughly recommended as a potentially inexpensive and very useful
spot.
In fact VisitMyHarbour have based their service centre at Clarence
Boatyard in East Cowes.. so you can pop in and see us !
Cowes Harbour
Approach
Any kind of approach to Cowes from a northerly direction needs a thorough study of Central Solent chart.
Huge and heavy ships make their way to and from Southampton passing through this area of concern. The unfortunately positioned Bramble Bank blocks their direct access to and from Southampton water, and means they have to execute a lumbering turn virtually right off the entrance to Cowes.
Be aware that, if approaching from the West the buoyage changes
direction in the vicinity of Egypt Point.
The photo "Playing with the Big Boys" in our gallery shows the size
of these levithians literally dwarfing the Red Funnel car ferry,
let alone your yacht. The entrance to Cowes Harbour is via a
narrow, buoyed, deepwater channel that runs close to the western
shore. This channel is much in use by fast and slow ferries, and
there are very strong cross tides to be taken into account in the
approach. Pilotage details for the approach are now given:
Associated British Ports are in charge of the traffic and safety in the critical precautionary area, and introduced some time ago the notion of a moving exclusion zone in front of and to the side of ships transiting this area. Forget all ideas about power giving way to sail, these monsters are constrained by draft and wouldn't stop for miles even with their engines full astern. We've quoted direct from ABP Southampton in the interests of safety and avoiding any confusion, find the full text in the expandable "More Information" section of this page.
Close approach and entry:
The Breakwater Project is, to all intents and purposes complete now and there is a raft of NOTAMs on the Commissioner's web to deal with revised buoyage. We have uploaded the latest UKHO chart and that covers the moved navigation marks. One thing, landing on the new breakwater in anything other than an emergency is prohibited (the rumours of a gibbet for offenders outside the HM's Office is unfounded!)
The regulations mentioned above are there to prevent serious
accidents, and it makes sense to digest them thoroughly if planning
to pass through this area of concern. Once in the approaches to
Cowes switch to VHF channel 69 for Cowes harbour radio.(Harbour
office 01983 293952) Vessels over 30 m are required to radio in
before entering the channel. The speed limit in Cowes is 6 kn over
the ground (not through the water).
If approaching Cowes from the East or West the behaviour of the
tide across the entrance needs to be understood unless you want to
be sailing on the spot for some time, going nowhere. From
approximately one and a half hours before high water Cowes to three
hours after there exists a strong West going set outside of Cowes
harbour, and at springs it can reach 4 Knts. This West going set
can even carry an influence into the harbour itself as far as the
red can number four Buoy (Fl(3)R.5s). Approach from the West is
best tackled after this period, i.e. from around an hour or so
before LW Cowes, and always aiming to be in at least an hour before
HW Cowes.
The five hours of easterly going stream are not as fierce, but
still need attention if approaching from that direction. If
approaching from the East a new Small Craft Channel was been
established in the summer of 2012 in advance of the ongoing work to
build a new breakwater. New buoyage has been placed to give
navigational assistance in avoiding the Shrape Mud and this is
shown on the chart given in this site. Despite this buoyage you
need to be aware that there is not much depth between the new red
Shrape Mud can buoy and the East Breakwater so to arrive there in a
boat with a 2m draft at LWS would not be a good idea. Coming from
the North or NE, shape your course east of the Bramble Bank and
make for the Shrape Beacon aiming to to turn WSW and a half West
about 50 yards off it. Head for the red can (Fl.R.3s) with its
accompaning green conical buoy (Fl.G.3s) at the entrance to the
channel The limits of the new channel are marked by standard port
and starboard lateral marks all lit with different light signatures
(so you'll need your stop watch at night.) leading one
through the Small Craft Moorings and into the main channel. Care
should be taken through these moorings as you can be set into them
by the tide. Approaching from the West keep a good offing from
Egypt Point with its rocky outcrops, taking note of the northerly
black/yellow Cardinal buoy (Q) moored off here. In the summer there
may well be moorings laid in the Solent off the Royal Yacht
Squadron, leave these to starboard and pick up the green conical
number one buoy (Q.G) and it's red can number two
counterpart (Q.R) and turn SSE into the main channel for entry into
Cowes.
When approaching the entrance buoys keep a good eye out for the Red Funnel ferries and fast cats, either preparing to leave harbour or approaching the entrance channel. In summer the entrance always seems extremely busy with small craft, and you can't help noticing the historic Cowes Castle on the Western side (c/w UPVC windows and conservatory, see note in history section). This magnificent building is home to the Royal Yacht Squadron, and the tiny little harbour that has recently sprung up in front of the club is for their use exclusively. Should ferries be moving keep right over to the starboard side of the Channel, and a close eye should be kept on the Jubilee pontoon for any signs of activity by the fast cat should one be moored there (see photo 11). This photo clearly shows what you'll encounter in the approach channel...this is no place to be messing with sails.
Otherwise it is simply a matter of moving in with the clubs, pontoons, fast cat berth, and the marinas all on your starboard side. Near the marinas be prepared for inconsiderate yachtsman emerging without a thought for the traffic, or worse still backing out blind. At night the outside edges of all these pontoons and berths are marked with green lights (check the charts) but note there is no further green buoyage until the region of the Folly Inn. On the port side lie a multitude of small craft moorings just outside of the channel as marked by the red can buoyage. Anchoring is not allowed within these moorings, and strangers should keep out of this area. A westerly going tidal set can in some circumstances be felt as far as the red can buoy number four (Fl(3)R.5s).
With the layering up of the new breakwater Aug 2014, tidal flows
within the harbour have altered, in particular a tidal "shadow" has
developed that could confuse you. See the flow diagram in the
"Navigation Images" and be prepared for corrective helm.
If proceeding up River the next obstacle to be dealt with is the
Chain Ferry, lurking just around the blind bend, shortly after
passing Shepards Wharf Marina on your starboard side and the car
ferry terminal at East Cowes on your port hand side. The Chain
Ferry now has right of way over most vessels . See the new Cowes
Harbour Commision's directions:
http://www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk/chapter_6_chain_ferry
This is a total change in emphasis and you should visit the
above website to be perfectly clear in your obligations with
respect to the ferry. Main thing is in your approach towards the
ferry from whichever direction be very aware of what the tide is
doing underneath you. Stopping and stemming the tide should the
ferry be moving is a practical solution if the tide is against you.
If the tide is under you it may be necessary to execute a quick
U-turn in order to stem it. In normal circumstances the chains of
the ferry lay submerged in the seabed, but when it is pulling its
way across especially in strong tidal situations these chains can
rise much closer to the surface. The harbour advice is to either
slow down, stop or "if safe and practicable", maintain speed and
pass well clear ahead of the ferry. (So much for the chains!!) The
tide can run outwards through this restricted area at up to 4 kn
and it is not unknown for unwary skippers of sailing yachts to find
themselves ignominiously pinned against the side of this ferry.
Photos number 18 and 19 show the OLD beastie, particularly note in
photo 19 the chains. The new one is considerably bigger.
The chain ferry carries yellow flashing lights on it's
forward going end at all times.
Vessels over 30 m and very large unmanoeuvrable yachts should call
"Chain Ferry" on VHF channel 69 to advise of their approach, and
just because you're past the ferries doesn't mean
you may not encounter ships. The chain Ferry area always seems to
be a bit of a bottleneck.
Once past the chain Ferry the run of the River is very clear with
firstly a large fuel pontoon to starboard, then the UKSA. Opposite
on the eastern bank lies East Cowes Marina. The best water is on
the Western side of the River once past East Cowes Marina, and then
swings towards the eastern bank in the region of Kingston Quay
which is easily recognisable chimneys and power station. From here
on to Newport is covered separately.
£ GMT
Waypoint
Charts
Rules & Regs
Hazards
Tides
Berthing
For the yachtsman or motorboater, Cowes offers a large choice of visitors moorings, many of which are under the control of the harbour authority.
Before you pass the new breakwater you will have been aware of the trots of buoys to the East &West of the main channel; two rows of these trots are for visitors and, if you have a large boat may well be your best option. Once past the breakwater you come into the harbour proper and the berths available are given in the order of their appearance; Trinity Pontoon, the Town Quay, Shephards Wharf. Other mooring options include Cowes Yacht Haven, and past the chain ferry, East Cowes Marina and further harbour authority pontoons. Several boatyards with moorings, and the UKSA complete the picture in the Cowes area. These are all now described with contact details and visitors mooring fees are covered. A word to the wise here; most of the organisations here offering moorings for visitors tend to park them on the outside of their facilities, often rafting two and three deep. On the outside of such a raft as far up as the chain ferry you will be close to the ferries steaming back and forward to the mainland and vulnerable to their wake and any navigational errors they may make. There was an incident here in October 2018 and it was noted that luckily there was no one sleeping on the injured yacht and that a yacht close by (on which the crew were turned in) had a lucky escape.
Dealing with the mooring options in the order you pass them seem
sensible, so the very first little haven you see on your starboard
hand belongs to the RYS and you are not allowed to use it. (Unless
you are a member of the Royal Yacht Squadron or an Officer on her
Majesty's Service (James Bond perhaps???)). 
Next up is the spindly landing stage, Trinity Pontoon .
The outside of this can be used to land and pick up, and certain
areas of the inside can be used for an overnight berth with
permission of the harbour authorities. Water and electricity are
available. These two facilities can be clearly seen in photo number
seven. The disadvantage of the Trinity pontoon is its exposed
position, and the constant wash from passing traffic and ferries.
The cost of the Trinity pontoon (2022) is £2.50 per metre
overnight, with short stays of up to 4 hours (between 10 AM and 4
PM only) charged at £1.50 per metre.
Next up on the starboard side comes the Town Quay , just to the south of the fast cat Terminal. This is really only suitable for smaller shallow draft craft and can be seen in photo number 11. Prices for the Town Quay are the same as at Trinity Pontoon, and Cowes Harbour Control are on VHF channel 69 or 01983 293952. They now have their own very useful website:
http://www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk/
Cowes Yacht Have n with it's wavescreens comes up next, again on the starboard side. The Marina has few residents with plenty of visitors berths and is open 24 hours a day. The place is geared up for " events" and at these and other peak times can become very crowded with much rafting out required, and possibly booking in advance necessary. A berth here during Cowes week will definitely require booking in advance and a fat wallet to go with it. The protection inside is reasonable but in spite of the wavescreen winds from the northerly quadrant and passing traffic can cause a bit of rolling. Berthing prices here for 2022 will be £3.90 per metre per day throughout the week. Shore power is £4.45 per night. Short stays of up to 4 hours are around £1.20 per metre. Contact Cowes Yacht Haven on VHF channel 80 or telephone 01983 299975, with a link to their site below:
http://www.cowesyachthaven.com/
All the normal facilities will be found here with water and
electricity on the pontoons, waste disposal, showers, toilets, and
launderette. The site is very central for the town also. Boat
services include a 30 tonne travel lift, with specialists in all
fields available nearby. Check the directory.
Next on the Western side immediately after Cowes Yacht Haven comes
Shepards Wharf , again under the control of the Harbour
Authorities. Visitors moorings are available here on pontoons with
walk ashore access, water and electricity on the pontoons together
with showers and toilets. Prices here in the summer months are now
(2022) £3.20 per metre per day with a surcharge for multi-hulls.
Short stays are charged at £2.00 per metre. Electricity is
available as an extra (£3.80). There is a large working boatyard
here with a 40 tonne travel lift, and storage for dry sailing.
Other specialist services are based at this yard, see directory.
Not as central for the town, but still an easy walk. Contact
details for the harbour authorities have already been given.
Once past the chain ferry there are two possibilities for mooring
on the starboard side, the first being the Medina Yard . This
yard is now part of the Diverse Marine company; it doesn't
maintain visitors berths as such but will allow visitors to use
it's pontoon if space is available. Prices are £2.00 per
metre which doubles in Cowes Week. This has become an unlikely
place to find room as they have a couple of new contracts which are
using the pontoons. It must be emphasised that this is a working
boatyard rather than a marina so the shore-side facilities are
basic. Call the yard on 01983 203872 to check availability.
The big advantage of berthing here is the shelter available
(which is superior to anything available before the chain ferry),
coupled with walk ashore access on the West Cowes side. Water and
electricity are available at the yard, as well as the ability to
lift vessels of up to 60 tonnes.
The UKSA also operates a similar deal when space permits on
their large outside pontoon. Berthing fees are approximately £3.30
per metre per night, with short stays at around £6.00. They need to
be contacted on 01983 294941 to check availability. The facilities
here include water and electricity on the pontoons, showers,
toilets and bar ashore. Cowes town centre is walkable from here
too. Link to website below:
http://uksa.org/
In the River two isolated pontoons belonging to the harbour
authorities can be used by visitors. These are clearly marked and
called Whitegates pontoons , one on the eastern side before
reaching East Cowes Marina, the other on the Western side off the
Medina boatyard (only available during Cowes week and needs
pre-booking) . No real facilities available on these pontoons, but
a very reasonable £1.60 per metre overnight charge and frequent
water taxi services right to the heart of town.
On the eastern side lies the unmissable East
Cowes Marina , which is absolutely huge, complete with luxury
yachtsman's residences ashore. This Marina can accommodate
around 150 visiting boats of quite some size, certainly up to 20 m.
The setting past the chain ferry is a bit less frenetic, and
certainly more sheltered. The disadvantage of this spot is that
it's a long way to the fleshpots of West Cowes, involving a
hike through an industrialised area, and a trip across on the
clanking chain ferry. The easier alternative is probably the water
taxi providing a regular service for £3.00 single. See their
website at:.
Water Taxis in Cowes Harbour, Isle of Wight
(cowesharbourcommission.co.uk)
There are some local facilities available in the Marina and nearby,
so don't be put off. Berthing charges are £3.75 per metre
per night and. it should be noted that that price is inclusive of
electric hook-up. Contact them on 01983 293983 or on VHF channel 80
callsign " East Cowes Marina". A link to their website is provided
below: (Mind you that is still showing prices from a couple of
years ago when we looked in March 2022)
http://www.eastcowesmarina.co.uk/
All the usual facilities are provided with electricity and water,
showers and toilets as well as laundry. WiFi is available here.
There is a Chandlers nearby, and a pub restaurant virtually
on-site.
This just about concludes your mooring options at Cowes, anchoring
is not really possible anywhere in this area. The other option is
to carry on up River towards Newport and this is described
elsewhere.
Updated March 2022 for the coming season
Marinas and Mooring
Cowes Yacht Haven
Vectis Yard
Marina Walk
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7BD
Cowes Marine Cluster
c/o I.W. Chamber of Commerce
Mill Court
Furrlongs
Newport
Isle of Wight
PO30 2AA
verified by VMH Jan 2011
Facilities
Individual facilities available at each berthing place have
already been described, and this section deals with the more
general facilities available in the Cowes area.
Fuel is available alongside at Lallows and 24 hours a day at the
Yacht Haven but the largest bunkering facility is the fuel pontoon
just south of the chain ferry on the Western side, and this
facility is used by the lifeboat so one can assume the fuel is good
and clean. Gas is available here too.
Water is available at the Marinas, and if on a harbour authority
pontoon with no facilities it should be possible to water up at
Shepards Wharf, the best plan is to enquire with the harbour
authority.
Bottled gas is available at East Cowes Marina, the fuel pontoon
mentioned above, and various other outlets including Hursts
ironmongers.
Virtually all kinds of hauling and specialist work can be carried
out in Cowes, as a glance at the business directory will show (I
have had a 60 Ton MFV hauled and repaired in West Cowes). Sail
makers, riggers, upholsterers, engineering, hydraulics,
electronics........ just about anything you can think of can be
fixed or built here.
An impressive list of yacht clubs make Cowes their home, but as far
as I'm aware only two welcome visiting yachtsman (arriving
at Cowes on board their own vessel) to use their premises and
facilities. The Island Sailing Club is at the south end of Cowes
Parade, telephone 01983 296621, link to website below:
http://www.islandsc.org.uk/
The other welcoming club is the Cowes Corinthian YC, just south
of the Yacht Haven. They have their own private pontoons outside
the clubhouse, but unfortunately non members will need to find
somewhere else to park their dinghies. They can be contacted on
01983 296333, and a link to their website is provided below:
http://www.ccyc.org.uk/
Any other clubs in the Cowes area will be found in the directory,
and should any of these offer hospitality to visiting yachtsman if
they let us know they can be included here.
Shoreside facilities are a bit thin on the ground in East Cowes,
however there is a Co-Op and Waitrose for provisioning and a cash
machine, post office and pharmacy.
West Cowes Warning: All the banks have gone , (Meaning
no facilities to change currency). Cash machine at Sainsburys
(two, one inside and one outside), one outside the closed NatWest,
one outside the Vectis Tavern. Cash regularly runs out on Bank
Holidays. Post office went too, but has now been replaced with a
tiny unit, opposite Pier View tavern.
West Cowes can fulfil all provisioning needs, with a reasonable
sized Sainsbury's in the High Street and Marks and Spencer
food hall (excellent for pre-prepared meals to warm up on-board) by
the bus terminal. Internet access ashore can be found...Costa
Coffee and various cafes. There are any number of Chandlers, mainly
of the fancy yacht clothing variety. Useful stuff for the boat may
be found at Pascall Atkey, an interesting and ancient looking shop.
Slightly away from the main drag in the non pedestrianised bit will
be found Jolliffes chandlers, who have a excellent large stock,
inc. paints. Just a bit further on is Becken of Cowes, the
photographers. Some of the specialists may take a bit of tracking
down, but they are here... check the directory.
AND..last but not least WE are here in East Cowes. Top floor
office, Clarence Boatyard. Call 01983 293757 M-F 11-4
Transport islandwide is covered by Southern Vectis, with a small
bus station at Terminus Road, and Newport bound buses call at the
Red Jet terminal. Ferries go to Southampton, but unfortunately
there is no direct rail connection by the ferry terminals, with the
station being a cab ride away.
There are several slipways in Cowes, including Watch House Lane,
Market Slip, Sun Slip and Spencer Thetis Wharf. In general these
are all small and tight of access, okay maybe for dinghies. More
popular perhaps is the slipway at the Folly Inn, covered in a
separate article.
Boatyards & Boatyard Services
Eddie Richards Boat Services
The Boat Shop
Clarence Boatyard
Clarence Road
East Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO32 6EZ
Emblem Enterprises
Clarence Boatyard
Clarence Road
East Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO32 6EZ
Victory Marine Services
Unit 11 Medina Court
Arctic Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7XD
Seaward Marine Ltd
1 Prospect Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7AD
Chandlers
Pascall Atkey Chandlery
29 & 30 High St
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7RX
Aquatogs Chandlery
115 High St
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7AX
Jolliffes Chandlery
11 Shooters Hill
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7BE
Brent Marine Services
Odessa Boatyard
Little London
Newport
Isle of Wight
PO30 5BS
A Member of the Nationwide Marine Sales & Service Network. verified by VMH Jan 2011
What to Do
The visiting sailor will find no shortage of things to do in
Cowes. Museums include the Sir Max Aitken Museum, in the Prospect,
a prominent pink building in Cowes high Street. This houses an
impressive collection of maritime memorabilia. The Cowes Maritime
Museum (Beckford Road) has on display two of Uffa Fox's
boats. (Uffa Fox was a real Isle of Wight character, and a great
designer being responsible for the Fairey Atlanta an extremely
unusual and capable boat).
For the kids the Isle of Wight Model Railway Exhibition and Museum
at the parade may be worth a visit.
Eating out is well catered for in Cowes, with anything from a
donner kebab up to fancy Italian all on hand. From fish and chips
through to Indian and Thai, not forgetting seafood... it's
all available here, as are pub meals.
Info from member Gary Flashman:
Let's assume you have berthed at Sheppards, settled down and are ready for a stroll into town:
Duke of York
Tel 01983 295171
Dukeofyorkcowes.co.uk
The Duke is close to Sheppards and the chain ferry (when it's
working), and an easy walk from the town centre. As a pub it's old
fashioned and friendly with a range of well kept ales, and the
restaurant is again traditional with a good kitchen and serving
hearty portions. They offer B&B with en-suite rooms, useful
for crew changes etc.
Cowes Ale House
Tel 01983 294027
Cowesalehouse.co.uk
Their strapline is 'How pubs used to be- and should be'. Their
ales come from barrels on stillage behind the bar (they also offer
a range of interesting lagers as well as wines etc) and their food
is good old fashioned pie and a pint. Thankfully their sandwiches
don't actually curl up at the edges. It goes without saying that
the beer is excellent, the welcome warm and the ambience quirky.
They often have live music - think folk or Irish rather than heavy
metal - which can be great fun.
The Coast
Tel 01983 289574
Thecoastbar.co.uk
It's worth a trip to Cowes just to have a meal at Coast. It's that
good. They offer Pizzas - the oven opens into the restaurant - as
well as a more general menu. Their breakfast is excellent, with
arguably the best coffee around (if you're not up for a full
breakfast just pop in for a cup) as is their main menu which among
other things is high on Vicki's ranking one of the best crab
salads. This comes dressed in its shell, claws and all, with chips
and garlic mayo. It's a casual sort of place, jeans and tee shirt
rather than jacket and tie, with a great atmosphere. It is very
popular, needless to say, and although it is quite large, booking
is a good idea, especially in the summer.
The Anchor
Tel 01983 292823
Theanchorcowes.co.uk
One of the most popular pubs in Cowes, the Anchor is huge,
complete with a small garden. Nonetheless it has a very
traditional ambience and a reasonable selection of ales. The
kitchen offers good pub grub in decent portions. They routinely
have live music. Again it gets very busy in the summer.
Pier View
Tel 10983 294929
www.pierview.co.uk
Opposite the pier - you can only just see it, despite the pub's name - this is another traditional pub with a selection of ales and a good kitchen, and it's popular with race crews. There is a small pavement area outside where you can watch the buses go past
Fountain
Tel 01983 292397
Oldenglishinns.co.uk/our-locations/the-fountain-inn-cowes
Part of the Olde English Inns network, the Fountain is as much a
hotel as a pub. It has a good traditional bar, a reasonable
kitchen, good ales and a patio where you can see the pier and the
marina. It is well placed for a crew change and right alongside
the Red Jet terminus for the passenger service to
Southampton.
Island Sailing Club
Tel 01983 296621
www.islandsc.org.uk
If you follow racing you will be familiar with the Round the Island
race, which the ISC organise. It is tucked away down an alley-way
so you need to look out for the entrance. They welcome visiting
yachtsmen, you just sign the book, and have what must be the best
outlook in Cowes. Looking out over the harbour mouth you have a
commanding view of the passing waterborne traffic from the club
room or in good weather the large patio. The kitchen offers a full
restaurant menu with table service as well as bar meals. It goes
without saying that the food is excellent. If all this sounds a bit
formal it isn't, although you might prefer to change out of your
more weather-beaten sailing gear.
Union Inn
Tel 01983 293163
www.unioninncowes.co.uk
A small pub with a basic kitchen, the Union offers
accommodation, again basic and a little on the expensive
side.
The Globe
Tel 01983 506053
www.theglobe.bar
Although the Globe has the potential to be a very good destination
with a fine view of both the harbour mouth and the Solent, to my
book they miss the point. They have a rooftop bar which could be
the best in Cowes, however the place is set up as a sports bar with
the emphasis on big screens rather than good beer or food.
Woodvale
Tel 01983 292037
www.the-woodvale.co.uk
Take a stroll westwards along the coast, past the Royal Yacht
Squadron clubhouse - it's more like a small castle, complete with
bronze cannon which are fired to start and finish races - and after
about half an hour you'll find yourself in the village of Gurnard.
Up the hill, to your left, is the Woodvale. Well worth the walk,
which is very pleasant in its own right, the Woodvale has what must
be one of the best outlooks on the Western Solent. With a lawned
park sloping down to the foreshore and slipway there are normally
dinghies, kite-surfers and assorted other small craft at play,
together with yachts and commercial traffic in the middle distance.
It's perfect for a sundown drink.
They have a good kitchen, a variety of ales, and offer
accommodation.
Just past the Chain Ferry:
Leaving Cowes and heading South your first challenge is the
chain ferry, the main link between East and West Cowes for both
passengers and vehicles. Up until a couple of years ago it was a
minor inconvenience to river borne traffic, you simply kept a wary
eye on it and passed astern when it was under way. The old ferry
came to it's sell by date, needed to be replaced, and as often
happens the replacement had to be bigger and better. The resultant
vessel is so big that it simply doesn't work.
A bit of background. The ferry is located at the narrowest point
of the river, sensibly enough, but this is also where the tide runs
fastest. To make life even more entertaining it's on a sharp bend
(to Stbd heading South). The new, larger craft has different chain
characteristics as result of which their catenary is longer and
shallower, and the navigable depth of the river significantly less.
Being larger it also obstructs the sightline around the bend,
making it much more difficult to manoeuvre around the ferry itself
and completely obstructing the view of oncoming traffic whether
from the North or South.
Needless to say the ferry has been withdrawn from service and the
whole project is subject to litigation. (November 2017)
Navigate with caution, hopefully without incident.
As you pass the moorings take a moment to admire the wonderful
traditional yachts moored either side of the river, and reflect on
the brilliant work of the UKSA training budding sailors, from kids
in dinghies to RYA Yachtmaster Ocean. They have some of our very
best sailors to their credit.
East Cowes Marina
Tel: 01983 293983
This is a great place to hole up. It's modern, very professionally
run and with most of the facilities you might need, and good
showers. The Lifeboat pub, as near as dammit part of the marina,
is again modern, clean and with a competent kitchen.
Getting to or from East Cowes on foot is bit of a hike past the
back of factories, work shops and small yards but when you get to
town there's a decent Waitrose, a small Co-Op, the car ferry
terminal and a passenger ferry to take you across to West Cowes
proper. Alternatively you can take the water taxi from the
marina.
Yacht Clubs and Associations
Royal Corinthian Yacht Club (1)
The Parade
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7QU
Dress Code: Smart Casual During The Day & Jacket and Tie After 8pm. verified by VMH March 2011
Cowes Combined Yacht Clubs
Regatta House
Bath Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7QN
History
Cowes is an English seaport town on the Isle of Wight, an island
south of Southampton. Cowes is located on the west bank of the
estuary of the River Medina facing the smaller town of East Cowes
on the east Bank. The western town is sometimes referred to as West
Cowes where distinction is needed - such as at the two differing
ferry termini. However the unqualified name 'Cowes'
invariably means the western town. This article describes both
towns.
Leland's nineteenth century verses described the towns
poetically as "The two great Cowes that in loud thunder roar, This
on the eastern, that the western shore".
The two towns are linked by the Cowes Floating Bridge, a chain
ferry. The combined population was 16,925 in the 1991 census, a
figure that is easily doubled during the regatta in early August
(see below). Each town comprises a civil parish.
Cowes is renowned for sailing, Cowes Castle being home to the world
famous Royal Yacht Squadron, which ranks amongst the
world's elite yacht clubs. The town gives its name to the
world's oldest regular regatta, Cowes Week, which occurs
annually in the first week of August. Later on in the summer,
powerboat races are held.
East Cowes is the site of Norris Castle, and Osborne House, the
former summer residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The
Prince had a major influence on the architecture of the area, for
example on the building of St Mildred's Church in
Whippingham, East Cowes, which features distinctive turrets
imitating those found on a German castle. Both towns'
architecture is still heavily influenced by the distinctive style
of ornate building which Prince Albert popularised.
Transport and links to the mainland
Cowes and East Cowes are gateway towns for the Isle of Wight.
Travellers to Southampton are served by a high speed catamaran
passenger ferry from West Cowes and a vehicle ferry from East
Cowes. Visitors arriving at East Cowes find it hard not to notice
the world's largest Union Flag on the hangar doors of the
building used originally by Saunders Roe and then by successive
marine and aerospace manufacturing companies. From Cowes Pontoon
(the Red Jet terminal) Southern Vectis buses take travellers on to
other Island destinations. In the summer, the open-top bus route
"The Medina Tour" serves East Cowes.
For the more athletic, Cowes is often considered the start of the
Isle of Wight Coastal Path.
History
There are two theories about the origin of the name:-
Cowes and East Cowes derive their names from the time of Henry
VIII, when fortifications called cowforts or cowes were built on
the east and west banks to dispel a French invasion.
Cowes and East Cowes were named after two sandbanks, one on each
side of the River Medina estuary, and recorded in 1413 as Estcowe
and Westcowe, which were named after a supposed likeness to cows
(that is, the bovine creatures).
Early history
In earlier centuries the two settlements were much smaller and
known as East and West Shamblord; the East then being more
significant settlement. The settlement of Shamblord at East Cowes
was first recorded in 1303. The Isle of Wight had been a frequent
target of attempted French invasions with some notable incursions.
The west fort survives to this day, albeit without the original
Tudor towers, as Cowes Castle but the east fort disappeared in the
eighteenth century and should not be confused with East Cowes
Castle built subsequently by John Nash.
Royal patronage creates a yachting centre
It is believed that the building of an 80 ton, 60 man vessel called
Rat O'Wight[6] on the banks of the river Medina in 1589 for
the use of Queen Elizabeth I sowed the seed for Cowes to grow into
a world renowned centre of boat-building. However, seafaring for
recreation and sport remained the exception rather than the rule
until much later. It was not until the reign of keen sailor George
IV that the stage was set for the heyday of Cowes as 'The
Yachting Capital of the World.' In 1826 the Royal Yacht
Squadron organised a three-day regatta for the first time and the
next year the king signified his approval of the event by
presenting a cup to mark the occasion. This became known as Cowes
Regatta and it soon grew into a four-day event that always ended
with a fireworks display.
Great houses
In Cowes the 18th century house of Westbourne was home to a
collector of customs whose son, born there in 1795, lived to become
Dr Thomas Arnold, headmaster of Rugby School.
Northwood House was the home of the Ward family. It was donated
under trust to the town in 1929, the grounds becoming Northwood
Park. William George Ward was a close friend of the poet Tennyson
and in whose memory the poet wrote six lines.
During the reign of Queen Victoria, who made her summer home at
Osborne by acquiring and rebuilding Osborne House, East Cowes was
the subject of planned estate of grand houses, groves and parks.
The scheme, not finding the finances it needed, was folded, but a
few residences built in the early stages still survive to this day
such as the former Albert Grove residences of Kent House and Powys
House on York Avenue.
In East Cowes Norris Castle was designed in the Norman style by
James Wyatt in the late eighteenth century. The building survives
and today remains a private home. In 1798, the architect John Nash,
began building his home, East Cowes Castle, where he later
entertained the Prince Consort and other prominent guests. East
Cowes Castle was notable for its Gothic towers and turrets, and
elaborate castellation. Nash died in 1835 and is buried in the
tower of East Cowes Church which he also designed. East Cowes
Castle was demolished during the 1960s, although the ice house
remains and is visible in Sylvan Avenue.
World War II and the Blyskawica
Its industry and proximity to Southampton and the Royal
Navy's home at Portsmouth made the Island a frequent target
of bombing during World War II. The shipyard of J. Samuel White was
badly damaged by air attack in early May 1942 but, when rebuilt,
innovative ship construction methods had been introduced. The first
warship completed by the renewed yard was HMS Cavalier. During the
air raid, the local defences had been fortuitously augmented by the
Polish destroyer Blyskawica (itself built by White's),
which put up such a determined defence that, in 2002, the
crew's courage was honoured by a local commemoration
lasting several days to mark the 60th anniversary of the event. In
2004 an area of Cowes was named Francki Place in honour of the
ship's commander.
To celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the Queen's coronation
in 1977, the main hangar doors of what was then the British
Hovercraft Corporation (a successor to Saunders Roe) were painted
with the world's largest image of the Union Flag, which can
still be seen today.
Industry
Local industry in both Cowes and East Cowes has always centred on
the building and design of marine craft and materials associated
with boatmaking, including the early flying boats, and sailmaking.
It is also noted as the place where the first hovercraft was
tested. East Cowes was also once home to the manufacturer Saunders
Roe, who built the flying boat The Saunders-Roe Princess, as well
as the Black Knight rocket and the Black Arrow satellite carrier
rocket. Major present-day employers inclde BAE Systems Integrated
System Technologies (Insyte), which occupies the site of the old
Somerton Aerodrome at Newport Road, Cowes; and GKN Aerospace in
East Cowes. The former Saunders-Roe factory at Venture Quays- which
still boasts the world's largest Union Flag now produces
wind turbines, which can be seen laid on the for shipping out. Due
to local objections no wind turbines have been allowed to be
erected on the Isle of Wight.
East Cowes
East Cowes has been more characterised by industry than West Cowes
in which yachting predominates, which some would argue has produced
a cultural rift, leading to East Cowes being referred to derisively
as Narnia by the West, due to the alleged eccentricity of its
inhabitants.
The text on this HISTORY page is covered by the following
licence
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_the_GNU_Free_Documentation_License
Footnote:
Mention was made in general description section about the UPVC
Windows installed in Cowes Castle, home of the Royal Yacht
Squadron..... which caused a bit of uproar in the Isle of
Wight.
A good few years ago an interesting story emerged in the Isle of
Wight County Press......... some jobsworth in the Isle of Wight
Council started harassing an elderly lady living in Brading (I
believe) because she had changed her leaky, draughty, wooden window
frames for smart new UPVC ones. Her crime was that she lived in a
conservation area, and the council insisted she remove her new
Windows and reinstall wooden framed ones...
Well it wasn't long before some wag pointed out that the
RYS had installed UPVC Windows in their historic Cowes Castle,
without asking for or receiving any permission. This left the
hapless council in a bit of a quandary..... were they going to
demand the RYS remove their UPVC Windows and replaced them with
wooded frames ?? Why should the RYS be treated any differently
from this elderly lady... this was the question being bantered
about in the local paper. If I remember correctly even Prince
Philip commented, and the Isle of Wight Council with much scraping
and kowtowing ended up granting the RYS retrospective planning
permission. I do not remember the fate of the UPVC Windows in
Brading, but would have been surprised if the council got away
pushing their luck after such a climbdown.
Local Business
Brokers
Dubois Yachts Ltd
Beck Farm
Sowley
Lymington
Hampshire
SO41 5SR
Bloodaxe Boats
Unit 9 Somerton Ind Park
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 8PB
Ancasta International Boat Sales
111 High St
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7AT
Boat-Charters
Island Charters & RYA Training School
28 Sun Hill
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7HY
Graham Etheridge Marine Contractor
The Paddock
Edward Road
Hythe
Southampton
Hampshire
SO45 6BD
Little Brig Sailing Trust
Bywater Lodge
Undershore Road
Lymington
Hampshire
SO41 5SB
Divers
Island Divers
Unit 2 Medina Village
Bridge Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7LP
Eating-and-Drinking
Red Duster Restauraunt
37 High St,
Cowes
PO31 7RS
Small interesting restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Popular with yachties, good vegetarian selection.
Right next door to VisitMyHarbour in Cowes.
Marine-Engineering
Marine-Electrics
Datum Electronics Ltd
Needles Building
Trinity Wharf
East Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO32 6RF
Engenius Ltd
2 Broadfields Park
Seaview Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7US
DG Wroath Marine Electrical
Unit 7 & 8 Cowes Yacht Haven
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7AY
Comar Systems Ltd
Vittlefields Technology Centre
Forest Rd
Newport
Isle of Wight
PO3 4LY
Sea Worthy Marine Services
Unit 2 Shepards Wharf Boatyard
Medina Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7HT
Outboard-Sales-and-Service
Hunter & Coombes Outboards
Unit 9 Medina Court
Arctic Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7XD
Kevin Mole Outboards
10 Medina Court
Arctic Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7XD
Sea-Schools
Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club
39 Birmingham Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7BH
Island Youth Water Activities Centre (IOW) Ltd
Whitegates
Arctic Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7PG
United Kingdom Sailing Academy
Arctic Road
West Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7PQ
Flying Fish
25 Union Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7TW
Outreach Maritime Services Ltd
51 Britainnia Way
East Cowes Marina
East Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO32 6DG
Rigging-and-Riggers
Navtec Rigging Solutions
Empire Buildings
St Mary's Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7SX
Small Craft Rigging
Clarence Road
East Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO32 6HA
Sailmakers-Repair-and-Covers
McWilliam Sailmakers Ltd
Cowes Yacht Haven
Vectis Yard
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7AY
Ratsey & Lapthorn Ltd
42 Medina Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7BX
Solent Sails & Repairs
The Sail Loft
Shepherds Wharf
Medina Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7HT
Medina Sailcare
37 Medina Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7BX
UK Halsey Sails
Cowes Yacht Haven
Vectis Yard
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7AY
UK Sailmakers (Cowes)
Cowes Yacht Haven
Vectis Yard
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7AY
Hyde Sails - Cowes
Cowes Yacht Haven
Vectis Yard
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7AY
Doyle Sails Ltd (Cowes)
16 Somerton Ind Estate
Newport Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 8PB
Quotations on Request.
Other-Businesses
Mainsail Ltd
Whitegates Office
Medina Yard
Arctic Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7PG
Wight Star Surf
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31
Tony Westmore Maritime Watercolour Artist
29 Queens Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 8BW
Sea Flex Ltd
Bridge Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7RA
Yacht-tek
Oakwood
67 Westhill Road
Ryde
Isle of Wight
Hants
PO33 1LQ
Uncategorised
Mainsail Ltd
Whitegates Office
Medina Yard
Arctic Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7PG
Dubois Yachts Ltd
Beck Farm
Sowley
Lymington
Hampshire
SO41 5SR
McWilliam Sailmakers Ltd
Cowes Yacht Haven
Vectis Yard
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7AY
Ratsey & Lapthorn Ltd
42 Medina Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7BX
Solent Sails & Repairs
The Sail Loft
Shepherds Wharf
Medina Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7HT
Medina Sailcare
37 Medina Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7BX
UK Halsey Sails
Cowes Yacht Haven
Vectis Yard
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7AY
Pascall Atkey Chandlery
29 & 30 High St
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7RX
Aquatogs Chandlery
115 High St
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7AX
Jolliffes Chandlery
11 Shooters Hill
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7BE
Datum Electronics Ltd
Needles Building
Trinity Wharf
East Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO32 6RF
Cowes Yacht Haven
Vectis Yard
Marina Walk
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7BD
Island Charters & RYA Training School
28 Sun Hill
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7HY
Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club
39 Birmingham Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7BH
Hunter & Coombes Outboards
Unit 9 Medina Court
Arctic Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7XD
Island Youth Water Activities Centre (IOW) Ltd
Whitegates
Arctic Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7PG
Engenius Ltd
2 Broadfields Park
Seaview Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7US
Island Divers
Unit 2 Medina Village
Bridge Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7LP
United Kingdom Sailing Academy
Arctic Road
West Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7PQ
Wight Star Surf
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31
Flying Fish
25 Union Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7TW
Kevin Mole Outboards
10 Medina Court
Arctic Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7XD
DG Wroath Marine Electrical
Unit 7 & 8 Cowes Yacht Haven
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7AY
Cowes Marine Cluster
c/o I.W. Chamber of Commerce
Mill Court
Furrlongs
Newport
Isle of Wight
PO30 2AA
verified by VMH Jan 2011
Royal Corinthian Yacht Club (1)
The Parade
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7QU
Dress Code: Smart Casual During The Day & Jacket and Tie After 8pm. verified by VMH March 2011
Cowes Combined Yacht Clubs
Regatta House
Bath Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7QN
Bloodaxe Boats
Unit 9 Somerton Ind Park
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 8PB
Eddie Richards Boat Services
The Boat Shop
Clarence Boatyard
Clarence Road
East Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO32 6EZ
Emblem Enterprises
Clarence Boatyard
Clarence Road
East Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO32 6EZ
Victory Marine Services
Unit 11 Medina Court
Arctic Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7XD
UK Sailmakers (Cowes)
Cowes Yacht Haven
Vectis Yard
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7AY
Tony Westmore Maritime Watercolour Artist
29 Queens Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 8BW
Graham Etheridge Marine Contractor
The Paddock
Edward Road
Hythe
Southampton
Hampshire
SO45 6BD
Yacht-tek
Oakwood
67 Westhill Road
Ryde
Isle of Wight
Hants
PO33 1LQ
Little Brig Sailing Trust
Bywater Lodge
Undershore Road
Lymington
Hampshire
SO41 5SB
Rick Tomlinson Marine Photography
Photo Gallery & Office
12 Shore Path
Gurnard
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 8LL
Hyde Sails - Cowes
Cowes Yacht Haven
Vectis Yard
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7AY
Brent Marine Services
Odessa Boatyard
Little London
Newport
Isle of Wight
PO30 5BS
A Member of the Nationwide Marine Sales & Service Network. verified by VMH Jan 2011
One Stop Sailing
Wellow Cottage
12 Thetis Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7DJ
Outreach Maritime Services Ltd
51 Britainnia Way
East Cowes Marina
East Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO32 6DG
Seaward Marine Ltd
1 Prospect Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7AD
Ancasta International Boat Sales
111 High St
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7AT
Comar Systems Ltd
Vittlefields Technology Centre
Forest Rd
Newport
Isle of Wight
PO3 4LY
Doyle Sails Ltd (Cowes)
16 Somerton Ind Estate
Newport Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 8PB
Quotations on Request.
Navtec Rigging Solutions
Empire Buildings
St Mary's Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7SX
Small Craft Rigging
Clarence Road
East Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO32 6HA
Sea Worthy Marine Services
Unit 2 Shepards Wharf Boatyard
Medina Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7HT
Sea Flex Ltd
Bridge Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7RA
Red Duster Restauraunt
37 High St,
Cowes
PO31 7RS
Small interesting restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Popular with yachties, good vegetarian selection.
Right next door to VisitMyHarbour in Cowes.
McGruer & Co Ltd
99 Park Road
Cowes
Isle of WIght
PO31 7NE
Tide Information for cowes-marinas
July 2026
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