Cowes & R. Medina (Isle of Wight) : Profile

Location

This famous sailing centre is situated on the west bank of the river Medina, facing across the Solent to Southampton Water.

Clearance

If Customs or Immigration clearance is required, then fly the Q flag on entering U.K. waters and phone the National Yachtline on 0845 723 1110

The Customs office in Cowes is now closed.

Last updated February 2011.

During Cowes Week, in the middle of August, finding a berth can be very difficult (and expensive!) and rafting up will be the norm. If a quieter spot is wanted, Island Harbour Marina or the moorings off the Folly Inn are more likely to offer a berth away from the racing fraternity. The berthing masters, out and about in their launches marked "Harbour Master", are usually very helpful.

There are marinas in West and East Cowes, and also up the Medina River. In strong North to East winds, the marinas in West Cowes are subject to rough water at times. Shepherds Wharf Marina is more protected in these winds compared to Cowes Yacht Haven. Marinas further up the Medina would be a better choice in strong winds from the North through East.

Beware of the strong cross tides when entering the river, and the chain ferry, just up stream of the Red Funnel Ferry Terminal.

Once past Cowes, the river is very rural, and if the tide serves, a trip up to the capital of the island, Newport, is well worth the effort. Be aware, though, that Newport harbour dries.

Alternatively water taxis run from Cowes to the Folly Inn, a popular sailor's pub.

Last updated May 2010.

Cowes Harbour Master
Tel:+44(0)1983 293952

Cowes Yacht Haven
Victis Yard, High Street,, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7BD
Tel:+44 (0)1983 299975, Fax:+44 (0)1983 200332, VHF Channel 80
berthing@cowesyachthaven.com
Opening Hours: 24/7
Cowes Yacht Haven is an event based marina, with berthing for up to 260 boats and offering all the facilities expected of a full service marina situated virtually at the centre of the Solent.
(Booking in advance essential at busy times)

East Cowes Marina
Britannia Way, East Cowes, Isle of Wight PO32 6UB
Tel:+44 (0)1983 293 983, Fax:+44 (0)1938 299276, VHF Channel 80
sales@eastcowesmarina.co.uk
A larger marina on the east bank of the river. All facilities and offering complete shelter in all weather. Dedicated visitors' berths, barbeques, marquee and childrens grass play area. Water taxis provide return service to Cowes.

Folly Reach Pontoons
in the River Medina, opposite the Folly Inn
Tel:07884 400046 / 07974 864627 (for 'Folly launch'), VHF Channel 72 'Folly Launch'
Water and electricity on the Folly Inn pontoon. Toilets and showers in the pub.

Harbour Commissioner's Moorings
Harbour Office, Town Quay, Cowes
Tel:+44 (0)1983 293 952, Fax:+44 (0)1983 290 018, VHF Channel 69
chc@cowes.co.uk
The Commissioners operates several types of mooring (buoys, piles, pontoons), though most have no walk ashore access or facilities.

Island Harbour Marina
Mill Lane, Binfield,, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 2LA
Tel:+44 (0)1983 822999, Fax:+44 (0)1983 526020, VHF Channel 80
info@island-harbour.co.uk
This marina is on the east bank of the river, up stream from Cowes and is accessed through a lock, 3 hours each side of HW. The approach channel dries. It has all facilities and a well stocked chandlery.

Newport Yacht Haven
Newport, I.O.W.
Tel:(0)1983 525 994
The visitors' pontoons have 1.4m 2hrs each side of HW and yachts berth in soft mud. There is a firm, level bottom alongside the quay wall. Fender boards are supplied. Water, electricity, boatyard, 10 ton crane, restaurant. Fuel (by can) available in the town.

River Medina Island Harbour Marina
Tel:+44 (0)1983 539994

Shepards Wharf Marina
Medina Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7HT
Tel:+44 (0)1983 297 821, Fax:+44 (0)1938 294814, VHF Channel 80
mail@shepards.co.uk
Upstream of Cowes Yacht Haven on starboard side. Several visitors pontoon berths. Full boatyard facilities/20 ton hoist/boat storage

UK Sailing Academy
Tel:+44 (0)1983 294 941, Fax:+44 (0)1938 295938
info@uksail.org.uk
Some visitors' berths usually available.

Yarmouth Harbour
Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, PO41 0NT
Tel:+44(0)1983 760321, Fax:+44(0)1983 761192, VHF Channel 68
info@yarmouth-harbour.co.uk
The most western harbour on the Isle of Wight with access in virtually all weather and tides although strong N to NEly winds can produce considerable swell. The HM launch patrols the harbour entrance and will direct visiting yachtsmen to pontoon berth or pile. All facilities.

Yacht Clubs

Cowes Combined Clubs
18 Bath Road,, Cowes, PO31 7QN
Tel:+44(0)1983 295744

Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club
39 Birmingham Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7BH
Tel:+44 (0)1983 296 333

East Cowes Sailing Club
Victoria Wharf, Clarence Road, East Cowes, Isle Of Wight PO32 6ET
Tel:+44 (0)1983 531 687
www.eastcowessc.co.uk, honsec@eastcowessc.co.uk
Latitude: 50° 45' 15.01" N Longitude: 1° 17' 23.04" W

Island Sailing Club
70 High Street, Cowes, PO31 7RE
Tel:+44 (0)1983 296 621
admin@islandsc.org.uk
Organiser of JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race. Tuesday night racing and supper throughout Season. Bar and restaurant with balcony overlooking harbour. 9 matched Sionar keel boats for hire. Welcomes visitors.

Royal Corinthian Yacht Club
The Parade, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7QU
Tel:+44 (0)1983 293581, Fax:+44(0)1983 294385
cowes@rcyc.co.uk
Opening Hours: Club office hours Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00 all year
Our knowledgeable and friendly Club Office Staff will be pleased to assist you with any enquiries you may have.

Royal London Yacht Club
The Parade, Cowes, Isle of Wight. PO31 7QS
Tel:+44 (0)1983 299 727
email:, secretary@rlyc.org.uk

Royal Ocean Racing Club
82 High Street, Cowes
Tel:+44 (0)1983 295 144

Royal Yacht Squadron
The Castle, Cowes
Tel:+44 (0)1983 292 191

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