Cowes

Cowes benefits from an exceptional combination of geography and maritime heritage. Located at the centre of the Solent, with a harbour that is easily accessible and a river navigable as far as Newport, Cowes has long been the Isle of Wight’s principal port. Today, it is recognised internationally as a leading destination harbour and events centre for sailing, cruising and powerboating.

Image Credit: Cowes Harbour Commission

A Harbour Steeped in Maritime History

Cowes’ association with yachting predates the founding of The Yacht Club in London in 1815, which later became the Royal Yacht Squadron. Even in the early 19th century, Cowes was a fashionable resort, with the Cowes Regatta attracting large crowds well before the establishment of Cowes Week. The presence of Queen Victoria and her court at Osborne House further cemented the town’s reputation as a centre for yachting and high society, a legacy that continues to define Cowes today.

A Modern Working Harbour

Cowes Harbour has evolved to meet the needs of a growing leisure marine and tourism audience while continuing to support significant commercial activity. The harbour and River Medina provide a range of mooring options, from convenient town-centre berths to quieter locations upriver. Alongside leisure craft, Cowes regularly accommodates Red Funnel vehicle and freight ferries, high-speed Red Jet passenger services, commercial cargo vessels up to 100 metres in length and cruise vessels up to 150 metres.

Image Credit: Cowes Harbour Commission

Harbour Access and Approaches

Cowes Harbour can be entered by day or night and at all states of the tide by vessels with a draft of up to approximately 3 metres. Safe approaches are available from the north, east and west.

When approaching from the north, mariners should take care to avoid infringing upon large vessels operating within the Southampton Precautionary Area. Vessels over 150 metres in length operate within a Moving Prohibited Zone, requiring smaller craft (under 20 metres) to keep a minimum distance of 1,000 metres ahead and 100 metres to either side. When tidal height permits, this area can be avoided by passing east of the Bramble Bank and entering Cowes via the Eastern Channel.

From the east, vessels should pass 300 metres north of Old Castle Point, leaving the Shrape Beacon to port. Small vessels up to 20 metres in length may use the Eastern Channel, subject to tidal height. The tide gauge on the Shrape Beacon indicates whether the dredged channel is safe to navigate (tide height plus 2.25 metres). If insufficient depth is available, vessels should proceed via Egypt Point, leaving the Cowes Breakwater to port before entering the Inner Fairway north of the Royal Yacht Squadron.

Approaches from the west require vessels to remain at least 125 metres offshore to avoid rocks along The Green. Mariners should maintain a vigilant lookout for unlit mooring buoys inside the Gurnard North Cardinal buoy and for yachts racing near the harbour entrance. The Outer Fairway extends 500 metres north of the No. 1 and No. 2 buoys.

Fairways, Tides and Vessel Traffic

All vessels must comply with Rule 9 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (Navigation in Narrow Channels). Vessels over 20 metres in length, and those approaching from the west, must enter and exit the Inner Harbour between the No. 1 (green) and No. 2 (red) fairway buoys. Sailing vessels fitted with auxiliary engines must proceed with engines running and ready for immediate use within the Inner Harbour.

Strong tidal streams are a feature of Cowes Harbour and its approaches, with flows of up to 3 knots in the fairways and stronger streams in the Solent beyond. These conditions significantly affect the manoeuvrability of large commercial vessels and ferries, which must be given priority by vessels under 20 metres, sailing craft and fishing vessels.

Particular caution is required in the Inner Fairway between No. 2A buoy and No. 4A beacon, where cross-currents of up to 2 knots may be experienced during spring tides. Mariners should be prepared to adjust their heading to avoid being set across the fairway and must not impede the safe passage of commercial shipping.

Cowes Breakwater

The Cowes Breakwater is marked by five GPS-synchronised yellow lights displaying Fl.Y.2.5s and extends beyond its visible crest. Vessels must remain at least 30 metres clear. The western end is marked by a red channel mark (Fl.R.2s) and the eastern end by a green starboard channel mark (Fl.Y.5s). Cutting inside these marks is prohibited due to obstructions and limited clearance. The breakwater is private property; landing is strictly forbidden and constitutes an offence under Cowes General Directions.

Speed Limits and Safety

The speed limit within the Inner Harbour is 6 knots through the water and applies throughout Cowes Harbour and within 100 metres of the Mean High Water Mark between Egypt Point and Old Castle Point. All vessels must comply with wash regulations and navigate with caution, particularly in areas where swimmers may be present.

Chain Ferry (Floating Bridge)

The Chain Ferry operates continuously between Cowes and East Cowes, carrying vehicles, cyclists and foot passengers throughout the year. All vessels must give way to the ferry unless otherwise stated in Cowes General Directions. During spring ebb tides, a pushing vessel assists operations, and vessels requiring clear passage should establish early contact with the ferry on VHF Channel 69.

The ferry operates on a blind bend in the narrowest section of the river, where strong tidal flows — particularly on the ebb — require heightened vigilance. Navigable depth above the chains varies with tide and ferry position, with a minimum of 1.5 metres below chart datum at the centre of the fairway when the ferry is berthed.

Facilities, Fuel and Access Ashore

Scrubbing berths are available at Town Quay adjacent to the Harbour Office, with lift-and-scrub services offered by local marinas and boatyards. Marine fuel is available from the deep-water Cowes Harbour Services Fuels berth, supplying petrol, red diesel, gas and lubricants. Additional fuel is available at Lallow’s Boatyard, subject to depth restrictions.

Fresh water is available at Trinity Landing and local marinas. Numerous public landing places and slipways are located throughout Cowes and East Cowes, providing convenient access ashore. Town Quay offers direct access to the High Street, while Trinity Landing and Whitegates pontoons provide additional visitor facilities. Seasonal deep-water moorings at M Row, off The Green, are available from May to October for vessels up to 25 metres LOA.

A Premier Sailing Destination

Cowes’ central Solent location, midway between Weymouth and Brighton, places it at the heart of one of the UK’s most popular sailing areas. From April to October — and particularly during July, August and Cowes Week — the harbour experiences high levels of recreational activity alongside a full programme of racing and events. Mariners are advised to maintain a good lookout and navigate with care at all times.

For assistance afloat, contact the Cowes Harbour Master on VHF Channel 69 (call signs HM1 or Cowes Harbour Radio).

Contact: Harbour Office, Town Quay, Cowes, PO31 7AS, Tel: 01983 293952 Email: chc@cowes.co.uk
cowes.co.uk

Cowes Chain Ferry

The Chain Ferry (Floating Bridge) carries vehicles, bicycles and foot passengers between Cowes and East Cowes, seven days a week, all year round. The Chain Ferry runs a full service with the support of a “pushing vessel” during spring ebb tides. The Chain Ferry has right of way over all river traffic. Vessels requiring an unimpeded passage must establish early contact (call sign ‘Cowes Chain Ferry’) and agree on VHF Channel 69 which side the ferry will hold for your passage.

The Chain Ferry is situated on a blind bend at the narrowest stretch of the river. Navigate with caution when approaching the ferry, particularly with a following tide. The tidal flow generally accelerates as you approach the ferry due to the river narrowing, which may set you down towards the ferry quicker than you initially anticipated. Give way in good time.

During all tides, especially spring tides, there are strong currents associated in this narrow part of the river. The ebb flows are usually more pronounced than the flood. The ebb tide is accentuated towards the eastern side of the river where the spring ebb may be in excess of 4 knots and cause the unwary to be set down upon the eastern bank, especially near Trinity Wharf and the Red Funnel ferry terminal in East Cowes.

Depending on the tide and position of the Chain Ferry in the river, the depth of navigable water above the level of the chains does vary, being deepest in the centre of the fairway and steadily decreasing towards the banks of the River Medina and at the bow of the ferry. With the Chain Ferry berthed on either the Cowes or East Cowes side, the depth of navigable water above the chains is a minimum of 1.5m below chart datum in the centre of the fairway. For further information contact the Ferry Manager on 01983 293041.

Cowes Yacht Haven 

Cowes Yacht Haven is located in the heart of Cowes, giving visitors easy access to a vibrant high street full of independent pubs, restaurants and shops. The marina is accessible at all states of the tide and has 260 fully serviced berths, max LOA 50m.

The marina shower and toilet facilities and customer laundry is available for use 24 hours a day.

Onsite in the boatyard there is a 50-ton hoist, 25-ton boat mover and 22-ton 28 metre reach mobile crane, ready to carry out all your lifting requirements, there’s Wi-Fi throughout the site, winter berthing afloat, winter storage ashore, under cover storage, dry sailing services, onsite engineers, electricians and boat repairers all close at hand.

The Pontoon View Bar and Food Outlet is situated at the top of the South Basin ramp and is available to all and open daily during the summer season. Please call the office to book any of our services, including overnight berths. On arrival call ‘Cowes Yacht Haven’ on VHF Channel 80 for berthing instructions.

Contact: Cowes Yacht Haven, Vectis Yard, High Street, Cowes PO31 7BD. Tel: 01983 299975. Email: berthing@cowesyachthaven.com cowesyachthaven.com

Cowes Harbour Shepards Marina

Credit Image: Shepards Marina

Shepards Marina is one of Cowes Harbour Commission’s principal marina facilities, offering a comprehensive range of services and amenities for yacht racing events, rallies and regattas, while also catering for cruising sailors and powerboaters. The family-friendly marina accommodates up to 130 visiting vessels and 40 resident berth holders and is well known for its specialist dry sailing packages for day-class yachts, RIBs, motorboats and trailered keelboats.

The Sugar Store, located within the marina, occupies a prime waterfront position and provides a distinctive venue for a wide variety of events. With contemporary facilities for up to 400 guests, the venue includes a bar, stage, and dedicated regatta and media facilities, making it ideally suited to both maritime and shoreside events.

Marina services include boat lifting up to 6 tonnes, dry sailing, annual moorings, visitor berthing, winter berths and storage. Berth holders and visitors also benefit from electricity and water on pontoons, free Wi-Fi, inclusive shower facilities, a complimentary pump-out, waste disposal facilities, site-wide CCTV, and on-site amenities including a restaurant, sailmaker and sailing school.

Berths can be booked in advance; however, during peak periods rafting may be required. Discounts on standard visitor rates are available for rallies, clubs and regattas of six vessels or more, with sailing schools eligible for discounted berthing from Sunday to Thursday. Discounts do not apply during major events. For further information, please contact the marina office.

Contact: Shepards Marina; Medina Road, Cowes, PO31 7HT. Tel: 01983 297821. Email: shepards.chc@cowes.co.uk app: app.cowes.co.uk cowes.co.uk VHF Ch. 80 Call Sign ‘Shepards Marina’

East Cowes Marina

Credit Image:Premier Marinas- East Cowes Marina

Premier East Cowes Marina is situated in a beautifully sheltered location on the eastern bank of the Medina River, just upstream of the Chain Ferry linking Cowes with East Cowes. VHF Ch. 80 Call Sign ‘East Cowes Marina’. The marina provides 240 annual berths and up to 100 visitors’ berths. Visitor berths can be booked in advance, and are all ‘walk-ashore’ with free electricity and fresh water. Shore side facilities include high quality washrooms and showers, a laundry room, car parking and fee Wi-Fi. Next to the marina office the ever popular ‘Lifeboat’ pub with its large, sunny decking area overlooking the river, serves delicious food all day, every day. The marina is a great base for all the Isle of Wight’s major events, including the Round the Island Race, Cowes Week, and the music festivals. East Cowes town has a Waitrose and Co-op, a post office, cash machine, lovely restaurants, cafes and takeaways. There are beautiful river walks, and Osborne House and the Classic Boat Museum are just a few minutes stroll away. Cowes is easily accessible by Chain Ferry or the friendly and efficient Water Taxi service operating from the marina. The marina welcomes rallies and a marquee and BBQ area are available for hire.

Contact: Premier East Cowes Marina, Britannia Way, East Cowes, PO32 6UB. Tel: 01983 293983. Email: eastcowes@premiermarinas.com  premiermarinas.com

Folly Inn

If you wish to travel from East Cowes or Cowes to the Folly Inn, the Folly Waterbus is available on VHF Ch 77 or tel. 07974 864627. There are three visitor pontoons up the Medina River near the Folly Inn, one is a walk ashore and the other two are in mid-river. All are run by the Folly Berthing Master. The walk ashore pontoon has water and electricity, showers and toilets are accessible 24 hours a day at the Folly Inn. There is also a scrubbing berth available nearby. Call on VHF Ch 72 Call Sign ‘Folly Launch’ as you are passing port hand marker No. 10 for berthing instructions. 

Contact: Folly Moorings, River Medina, Isle of Wight. Tel: 07884 400046. 

Please note, this information is to be used as a guide only and not for navigation.