Noonsite Port of the Month – Cowes, Isle of Wight

Created by doina. Last modified on 2006-08-01 17:18:55
Topic: Noonsite
Countries: United Kingdom

With the middle of August fast approaching, and tens of thousands of boating visitors descending on the Isle of Wight for Cowes Week, it seems appropriate for this well-known harbour to be Noonsite’s Port of the Month.

Cowes has been an international yachting centre for nearly 200 years; not surprisingly, few other harbours have so many boating services and facilities. The town’s position, astride the River Medina places it right at the heart of busiest sailing area in the U.K. The complex and fast flowing tides in the Solent create interesting and challenging sailing conditions, making it a favourite venue for many major racing events. The great thing about Cowes Week is that you do not need to be in a superyacht or a high-tec racing machine to enjoy the atmosphere, or even to take part. As long as you book early enough, the most modest of boats will find a place.

The harbour area itself is defined by the east and west banks of the mouth of the River Medina; the centre of Cowes being on the west bank. Moorings of all types line each bank with a free passenger ferry between the two. It is a surprisingly small town, the central part of which is mainly a pedestrian precinct. There is no shortage of "nautical" shops in which to browse, as well as plenty of pubs, restaurants and bars. The town houses several ancient and prestigious yacht clubs, with the Royal Yacht Squadron leading the way. The rising ground just to the north of the centre provides a grandstand view of the water-borne activities in the Solent for those spectators unable to be afloat.

Upstream of Cowes is the capital of the island, Newport. It can be reached by dinghy or shallow-draft craft at the right state of the tide. The Isle of Wight also boasts several non-sailing attractions; Queen Victoria’s Osborne House, a steam railway, a nature reserve at Newtown Creek, spectacular coloured cliffs and chair lift at Alum Bay, Carisbrooke Castle, wonderful cliff walks along the southern coast as well as several sandy beaches for children, to name just a few.

The Cowes Port Handbook is given to every boat arriving in the port and sent with every race pack to those taking part in the major events. It is also available on-line at Cowes Online

Information on Cowes Week 2006

Isle of Wight attractions