Cowes Port Handbook 2014-2015

COWES

COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015

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PORT HANDBOOK 2014-2015

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Paul Wyeth

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COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015

“WELCOME TO OUR WORLD”

The seven pilots of the Breitling Jet Team belong to the international elite of aviation professionals. In performing their aerobatic figures at almost 800 km/h, flying 2 meters from each other and with accelerations of up to 8Gs, errors are not an option. It is for these masters of audacity and daring exploits that Breitling develops its chronographs: sturdy, functional, ultra high-performance instruments all equipped with movements chronometer-certified by the COSC – the highest official benchmark in terms of reliability and precision. Welcome to the Breitling world.

61 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7RL England Tel/Fax: 01983 293932

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SUPEROCEAN HÉRITAGE CHRONOGRAPHE

COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014-2015

Welcome to Cowes! ...................................

2013 was certainly an exciting year for me with so many opportunities after the London 2012 Paralympics, but with my focus already turned to Rio, by last April I was back competing in the 2.4mR keelboat. However, it was a much lighter programme than normal, which allowed me to do some other racing and have the opportunity to Rick Tomlinson do tactics aboard an Élan 45 with Campbell Field in the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race. It’s such a great race to be part of, the diversity of boats and crews taking part makes it a truly spectacular race and I know 2014 will be a fantastic event.

I also had the chance to campaign an SB20 and take part in the Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Grand Slam and Cowes Week. It was my first experience of Cowes Week as a skipper and I loved every minute. Certainly more challenging than the windward-leeward courses I am used to! As ever, the social scene after racing was amazing. It was a real privilege to be awarded the Ladies Day Trophy at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week and I’m really looking forward to taking part in 2014.

Although I’m not a Cowes local, I live close by in Southampton, and my husband and I love going to Cowes whether we jump on the Red Jet ferry or sail across in our GK 29. There is always something happening on the water off Cowes, whether it’s yachts or power boats, and there is a real buzz around the town - so, have a great time afloat or ashore in 2014!

Helena Lucas MBE Paralympic gold medallist www.helenalucas.com

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Contents ................

Introduction - Helena Lucas .............................................................................. 1 Harbour Master’s Welcome .......................................................................... 4-5 Yachtsman’s Guide .............................................................................. 6-53 Navigation & Harbour Information ......................................... 6-17 Cowes Harbour General Directions ....................................... 18-19 Cowes Harbour Breakwater Project ...................................... 20-23 Mooring Up ..................................................................................... 24-31 Information for Visiting Yachts ............................................... 32-35 Weather ................................................................................................... 36 Safety Afloat ................................................................................... 38-39 Cowes RNLI ............................................................................................ 40 Border Force - Customs & Immigration ..................................... 41 Onwards from Cowes ................................................................. 42-43 Around the Solent ........................................................................ 44-53 Visitors’ Guide .................................................................................... 54-91 Landmarks of Cowes ................................................................... 54-57 Shopping in Cowes & East Cowes ......................................... 58-59 Cowes & East Cowes - History ............................................... 60-63 Walks from Cowes ....................................................................... 64-67 Wildlife of the River Medina .................................................... 68-70 Around the Isle of Wight ........................................................... 72-75 Fleets of Cowes ............................................................................. 76-79 Cowes Yacht Clubs ...................................................................... 80-83 Yacht Racing ................................................................................... 84-87 Types of Yachting ......................................................................... 88-89 Motorboats ..................................................................................... 90-91 A very British race ........................................................................................ 92-93 Cowes Events Diary ........................................................................ 94-101 Cowes Events Calendar .............................................................. 102-111 Cowes Directory Index .......................................................................... 112 Cowes Directory ...................................................................... 114-133 Cowes Tide Tables ......................................................................... 134-147 A-Z of Advertisers ................................................................................... 148-149 Glossary .................................................................................................................. 150 Cowes & River Medina Map ............................. pull out inside back cover Buoy Racer 2014 .................................................. pull out inside back cover

Produced on behalf of Cowes Harbour Commission by Solent.

Editor: Louisa Mamakou Design: Katie Przygonski Sales Director: David Brooks Marine Sales Executive: Rachael Hardiman 01983 200336 01983 200336 david@cowes.co.uk rachael@cowes.co.uk Front cover: courtesy of Paul Wyeth / www.pwpictures.com Solent, 30 Quay Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5BA Tel: 01983 200336 Web: www.solent.co © 2014 Solent

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Harbour Master’s Welcome .................................................

Welcome to the 2014 edition of the Cowes Port Handbook - a guide to our harbour and to the two towns that share it. I hope that you will find it both interesting and informative, whether you are a yachtsman, a visitor, or a commercial harbour user.

As Cowes Harbour Master for the past 15 years, I believe that this year has heralded some of the harbour’s most notable achievements. Work has begun on the construction of a new detached breakwater, to make Cowes a truly sheltered harbour, giving greater protection to vessels within it and premises and businesses alongside it, with completion set for autumn 2015. Within the breakwater construction area is an exclusion zone for all vessels not involved in the construction, this has been marked off with buoys, as per the diagram on page 18. For those of you who wish to see the plans in more detail, please do visit our website, the details of which are on the opposite page, or come to the Harbour Office on Town Quay, where they will be on display throughout the summer.

Another significant development has been our successful application to obtain ‘Powers of General Direction’ for Cowes Harbour. This enabled us to replace our byelaws on 1st April 2013 with a new set of General Directions, ensuring that our harbour regulations are fit for purpose, for the safety and benefit of all our harbour users. Future revisions to General Directions can be made after consultation with harbour users, or ‘stakeholders’, rather than by application to the Secretary of State, thus making the process more efficient and effective. An example of this process was the introduction of the 2014 Chain Ferry General Direction.

The consultation process which preceded the introduction of the new General Directions, and revisions introduced on 1st January 2014, demonstrated the great value of the Cowes Harbour Commission Advisory Committee. Comprised of representatives chosen by each of our key stakeholder groups, the Advisory Committee worked closely with the Commissioners to refine the proposed directions, ensuring that stakeholder concerns were addressed. As part of that process, the direction to replace the byelaw governing the Cowes Chain Ferry was postponed until January this year, this and other amendments brought in on 1st January are fully explained on pages 18-19 in this Handbook.

The Commission, as a Trust Port, reinvests all profits from our operations including those from our marine services, at Shepards Wharf Marina, Kingston Wharf, and Cowes Harbour Fuels, back into the harbour, for the benefit of all our stakeholders. This reinvestment programme continues, and alongside the breakwater project, we shall also be investing in improvements to the wharfage at Kingston, where the Island’s fuel and much of its aggregate requirement is brought ashore. We are also proactive in supporting an initiative to bring the Cowes yacht clubs and other local commercial businesses together, in order to improve the total offering of the two towns and to ensure that the visitor experience is a positive one, to the benefit of all.

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There is a busy calendar of events to look forward to in 2014. Regular highlights include the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race in June and Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week at the beginning of August. In addition, this year we are looking forward to the increasingly popular Cowes Classics Week in July, and an exciting, new International Etchells Invitational Cup which is attracting some of the world’s top racing yachtsmen from countries around the globe. Cowes Harbour Commissioners have agreed to support this new event with the provision of moorings and services as part of our stakeholder dividend policy to attract new events to Cowes.

I would like to thank the team that continues to manage and run the harbour, including the nine volunteer and unremunerated Commissioners, the members of the Advisory Committee, and our dedicated and professional staff, who are the public face of the harbour.

Finally, for further information on Cowes Harbour and its two towns, please do visit our websites, www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk or www.COWES.co.uk. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter, as shown below. Whether you are a first time visitor or a regular harbour user, you are very welcome, and I hope you enjoy both your time in our harbour and this latest edition of the Cowes Port Handbook.

Stuart McIntosh Harbour Master / Chief Executive

Rod Hodgson Deputy Harbour Master / Pilot

Facebook.com/CowesHarbourCommission Twitter.com/cowesharbour Flickr.com/cowesharbourcommission Scan the QR code to join the Cowes Harbour Commission E-news mailing list.

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

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Navigation and Harbour Information ................................................................

Cowes, renowned as the world’s premier yachting centre, is the Isle of Wight’s main port with a harbour that’s easily accessible and a river navigable as far as Newport. Its position at the centre of the Solent brings sailors and powerboaters, racers and cruisers flocking to the harbour throughout the season from April to October.

In addition to its popularity with cruising yachts and powerboats, Cowes hosts an unequalled number of racing events and cruising rallies every season. Thousands of yachts sail into Cowes each year with over 10,000 Harbour Office, Town Quay visitors arriving in the town during each of the season’s major events.

During Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week the total number of sailors and visitors flooding into the town can exceed 100,000.

As well as recreational craft, there are also a large number of commercial movements, with high-speed ferries, vehicle ferries, and commercial shipping up to 100m in length moving in and out of the harbour and river. In this busy marine environment it is essential for everyone’s safety and enjoyment that all water users understand how to navigate safely in a crowded river and harbour, and know the local regulations as well as the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).

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Approaching Cowes

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The Cowes fairway extends approximately 500m north of the No. 1 and No. 2 buoys, and all vessels must comply with Rule 9 of the Collision Regulations (‘Navigation in Narrow Channels’). The main entrance to the Inner Harbour and River Medina is clearly marked by the No. 1 and No. 2 fairway buoys, with the tower of the Royal Yacht Squadron prominent to the west of the harbour entrance.

If approaching from the west, in the vicinity of Gurnard north cardinal buoy, you should stay at least 125m from the shore to avoid the rocks along The Green and stay clear of the row of yellow small craft moorings.

Turn into the Inner Fairway and keep to the starboard side as you progress south into the harbour, taking any cross current into consideration, which can be up to 2 knots between No. 1 buoy and the Island Sailing Club.

If approaching from the east, you should pass at least 200m north of Old Castle Point leaving the Shrape Beacon to port. Pass north of all swinging moorings and the Breakwater Exclusion Zone to the east of the harbour entrance before entering the fairway. Alternatively, small vessels may consider using the Small Craft Channel; see page 10 for information. Full details on the 2014 Breakwater Construction Programme can be found on pages 20-23.

A sailing vessel fitted with an auxiliary engine, when navigating the Inner Harbour south of the Shrape Breakwater, must proceed with the engine running and ready for immediate use (General Direction 4.6).

For more information see the current Cowes Local Notices to Mariners, available at www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk.

Hamo Thornycroft

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Precautionary Area

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An approach to Cowes may involve entering the Precautionary Area and the associated Moving Prohibited Zone (MPZ) that exists around large commercial vessels navigating the approaches to the port of Southampton.

The Precautionary Area is bounded by the Hook buoy off Calshot Castle to the north and the Gurnard and Prince Consort buoys to the south and assists the safe transit of supertankers, cruise ships, and other large commercial vessels over 150m in length.

The area is shown in the diagram below and as a leisure visitor you need to be aware that commercial shipping maintains a right of way in the Precautionary Area. You must keep out of the way. The MPZs around large vessels require you to keep a minimum 1,000m ahead and 100m either side of the ship in question, bearing in mind that the ‘zone’ moves with the ship. On a flood tide vessels may initially alter course to port and head towards the Gurnard buoy before making a large alteration to starboard to enter the Thorn Channel.

More information is contained in Southampton Notice to Mariners No. 03 of 2014: Port of Southampton - Precautionary Area (Thorn Channel), at www.southamptonvts.co.uk/Port_Information/Navigation.

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Shipping Movements

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Rick Tomlinson

Southampton Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) transmits Routine Traffic and Information Broadcasts on a year-round basis. Broadcasts are made daily every two hours from 0610 to 2210 (local time). The broadcasts are made on VHF Ch 14 and are preceded by warning broadcasts on VHF Ch 12.

Content includes movements and expected movements of vessels of 150 metres LOA or greater, navigational warnings in force and any pertinent safety information. Weather observations, along with trends at the VTS station, are also given. Tidal readings and predictions are also provided.

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Small Craft Channel

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The Small Craft Channel connects the eastern approaches to Cowes with the main fairway opposite Town Quay, enabling small vessels to avoid the main harbour entrance when approaching/departing Cowes from/to the north and east. The minimum depth in the Small Craft Channel is charted as 0.2m below chart datum. As a rule of thumb, if your draught is more than the current tide height you should avoid using the channel.

The current tide height can be found on the COWES.co.uk homepage or on the tide boards located at Town Quay and the Shrape Beacon. Vessels using the channel should stay below 6 knots and pass to seaward of the Shrape Beacon.

Small Craft Moorings

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Small Craft Moorings

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Shrape Beacon (Tide Gauge)

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Shrape Watersports Area

Fl.R.3s.1nm

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Small Craft Moorings

East Cowes Not to be used for navigation

Full details on the 2014 Breakwater Construction Programme are on pages 20-23.

The Small Craft Channel is a minimum of 35m wide and is marked by three pairs of lit red and green lateral marks at the eastern end and two pairs of lit yellow lateral special marks at the western end. Vessels in the Small Craft Channel and main fairway must ensure that Rule 9 of the Collision Regulations is followed.

Vessels joining or leaving the Small Craft Channel at the western end should navigate with extreme caution and are advised to give way to all vessels navigating in the main harbour fairway. Care should be taken in particular not to impede commercial vessels including passenger ferries (Red Jets) turning off Cowes Town Quay and large vehicle ferries approaching and departing from East Cowes Red Funnel terminal.

Cross currents of up to 2 knots may be encountered in the Small Craft Channel during spring ebb tides. Care should be taken to adhere to the buoyed channel and not to enter the unlit small craft mooring areas either side (prohibited areas).

Find out more in Cowes Local Notice to Mariners: Small Craft Channel, available at www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk.

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Tidal Movements

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Tides around Cowes Harbour can run up to 3 knots. Such tidal streams will have a significant effect on the manoeuvrability of commercial vessels.

In keeping with the Collision Regulations vessels under 20m, sailing vessels and fishing vessels, must give way to large vessels that can only safely navigate within the fairway; this includes all the ferries arriving or departing Cowes.

Shrape Beacon (tide gauge)

Mean Spring range 3.6m (12 feet).

Mean Neaps range 1.8m (6 feet).

C WES HARBOUR

COMMISSION South of No. 4 buoy the tide stands for 2 hours after High Water. Exercise particular caution during periods of spring ebb tides in the vicinity of the Chain Ferry where the tide can reach speeds of up to 4 knots.

During spring tides, a west going ebb of up to 3 knots runs between High Water -2.5hrs and High Water +3hrs at No. 1 and No. 2 buoys. The west going set is experienced as far south as No. 4 (red) buoy.

Full Cowes Tide Tables from April 2014 to March 2015 are printed at the back of this Handbook.

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15 10

11

9

7 8

7

Breakwater Construction Zone

2 This image has been manipulated to show the Small Craft Channel.

NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION.

Cowes Fairway

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Once in the fairway, the famous landmarks of Cowes come into focus.

Immediately to port is the Breakwater Construction Zone, and the main harbour swinging moorings; to starboard is the Royal Yacht Squadron, and the giant Union Flag doors of Venture Quays ahead. The historic Cowes Parade stretches along the waterfront encompassing Trinity Landing, a public pontoon facility, and many of the famous Cowes yacht clubs.

Red Funnel’s terminal for the Red Jet, its fast passenger service, is next to the Town Quay - the home of the Harbour Master’s offices and pontoons for visiting RIBs under 7m in length. A small scrubbing berth is also available.

Next in line to starboard, are Cowes Yacht Haven and Shepards Wharf Marina. The Chain Ferry that links Cowes and East Cowes crosses the River Medina immediately south of Shepards Wharf Marina.

The eastern side of the River Medina, East Cowes, is the home of marine related industry based at the historic Saunders-Roe aircraft works (Venture Quays) and the old J. Samuel White Shipyard. The Classic Boat Museum is close to East Cowes Esplanade.

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1. No. 1 starboard-hand buoy 2. No. 2 port-hand buoy 3. Royal Yacht Squadron 4. Trinity Landing 5. Cowes Parade 6. Cowes RNLI lifeboat station 7. Main harbour swinging moorings 8. Small Craft Channel 9. Venture Quays 10. East Cowes vehicle ferry terminal 11. Cowes Red Jet terminal

12. Town Quay 13. Cowes Yacht Haven 14. Shepards Wharf Marina 15. Chain Ferry 16. East Cowes Marina 17. Kingston Wharf 18. Medina Wharf 19. Turning area for large ships

Please note, due to the breakwater construction, No. 2 buoy will at times be moved north from its current position, when required, to mark the northwest corner of the Breakwater Exclusion Zone. See the Local Notice to Mariners for full details. Information on the 2014 Breakwater Construction Programme can be found on pages 20-23.

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Ferries & Commercial Vessels

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Vessels over 30m in length will make announcements on VHF Ch 69 at selected reporting points which include approaching the harbour limits, the Chain Ferry, Kingston, The Folly, and prior to departing berths.

Such vessels shall also sound one prolonged blast on the whistle when approaching the Chain Ferry from the north or south. All vessels are strongly recommended to maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch 69.

There are frequent ferry movements in the harbour and its approaches.

Red Jet passenger vessels exhibit a flashing yellow light when underway and swing to starboard after one short blast, using much of the fairway.

Vessels should not overtake on the starboard side of the Red Jets when they approach their berth at Jubilee Pontoon, Town Quay.

The vehicle ferries berth between the Union Flag shed and the Chain Ferry on the East Cowes side. The vehicle ferries will turn to port at No. 6 buoy to approach their berth. Outbound vessels should proceed with caution in the vicinity and avoid passing ahead of the vehicle ferries.

Red Funnel vehicle ferries, Red Jets and cargo vessels can only safely navigate within the fairway. Sailing vessels, fishing vessels and vessels under 20m must give way to vessels that can only safely navigate within the fairway. Sailing vessels are reminded to have their auxiliary engine, if fitted, ready for immediate manoeuvre (General Direction 4.6).

Speed Limits & Wash

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The speed limit in the Inner Harbour is 6 knots through the water. The Harbour Master takes particular care to ensure this limit is enforced at all times. Please be conscious that this is the limit and not a ‘target’. This is particularly the case with wash and its effects upon others in close vicinity, especially craft moored up on pontoons 16 COWES.co.uk

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or mooring buoys. Small vessels and tenders may well be embarking or disembarking passengers and be particularly vulnerable.

Cowes Harbour Radio VHF Ch 69

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The Cowes Harbour Master afloat maintains a listening watch on VHF Ch 69 from 0800-1800 extending to 0700-1900 during British Summer Time (BST). Hours may be extended on Fridays and Saturdays in the summer. Call sign ‘HM1’. Safety information and berthing availability is available on request.

When navigating in and around Cowes Harbour, vessels over 30m must, and all vessels are strongly recommended to, maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch 69. All vessels of 30m LOA and above must give notice of their intentions on VHF Ch 69 to ‘All ships in Cowes Harbour’ as follows: Inbound: Prior to entering the fairway, passing Shepards Wharf Marina and passing the Folly Inn. Outbound: When departing a berth, passing the Folly Inn, passing Kingston Wharves and when approaching the Chain Ferry.

The Chain Ferry has right of way over all river traffic, however, any vessel requiring an unimpeded passage is required to establish early contact (call sign ‘Cowes Chain Ferry’) and agree on VHF Ch 69 which side the Chain Ferry will hold for your passage.

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Cowes Chain Ferry

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The Chain Ferry operates between the east and west banks of the River Medina hauling on two chains, each of approximately 165m, which span across the estuary and are permanently attached to both river banks. The Chain Ferry displays a flashing yellow light on the forward end of the Chain Ferry to indicate to mariners its intention to commence a crossing and the light remains illuminated until it reaches the opposite bank.

The Chain Ferry has right of way over all river traffic, however, any vessel requiring an unimpeded passage is required to establish early contact (call sign ‘Cowes Chain Ferry’) and agree on VHF Ch 69 which side the Chain Ferry will hold for your passage.

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

During all tides, especially spring tides, there are strong currents associated with this area. 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 in the area of the Trinity House Wharf (East Cowes) and the Red Funnel ferry terminal (East Cowes).

The depth of navigable water above the chains varies depending on the state of the tide height and the position of the ferry in relation to either the east or west riverbank. When the Chain Ferry is berthed on either riverbank, and therefore not partway across the fairway, the depth of navigable water is deepest in the middle of the visible fairway and decreases rapidly towards either riverbank and the prow or ‘forward end’ of the ferry as the chains rise closer to the surface. The least depth of navigable water over the chains is approximately 1.7m below chart datum in the middle of the visible fairway during the half tide period.

Full survey diagrams and the Cowes Chain Ferry Local Notice to Mariners are on www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk.

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Shrape Watersports Area

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X Small RCYC Y

Small Craft Moorings

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an ft Ch

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Anc

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Wire

s

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Small Craft Moorings

Small Craft Moorings

l

Sma

(Tide Gauge)

l Cra

Shrape Watersports Area

East Cowes

Full details on No.6 the 2014 Breakwater Construction Programme are on pages 20-23.

Not to be used for navigation Cowes Harbour Commission has introduced a Shrape Watersports Area within the Inner Harbour, the purpose of which is to provide a safe area for the following activities:

i. Dinghy and dayboat sailing ii. Wind surfing iii. Kite surfing iv. Rowing v. Support and rescue craft involved in the above activities.

Within the Shrape Watersports Area the above activities are permitted to exceed the 6 knot speed limit, if safe to do so.

The Shrape Watersports Area is not to be used for activities involving the towing of persons, such activities are prohibited within the Inner Harbour and Outer Fairway.

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Cowes Harbour General Directions .............................................................

Cowes Harbour is regulated using a set of ‘fit for purpose’ General Directions in order to create conditions conducive to promoting safe navigation, the safety of persons, and the protection of property, flora and fauna in Cowes Harbour.

Small Craft Moorings

No.2

No.1

X

X

Y

ire or W

h

er

Inn

Anc

ay

irw

Fa

X

s

X

Small Craft Moorings

S

Y

nel

Shrape Beacon (Tide Gauge)

han

aft C

Cr mall

X

RCYC

Shrape Watersports Area

No.4 Small Craft Moorings

East Cowes

No.6 Not to be used for navigation

Full details on the 2014 Breakwater Construction Programme are on pages 20-23.

Cowes General Directions (changes from 1 January 2014)

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Section 3 – 3.4 Navigation in the Shrape Watersports Area: Within the Shrape Watersports Area the following activities are permitted to exceed the 6 knot speed limit if safe to do so: i. Dinghy and dayboat sailing ii. Wind surfing iii. Kite surfing iv. Rowing v. Support and rescue craft involved in the above activities.

Section 3 – 3.17 Navigation in Inner Harbour Small Craft Mooring Area: No person shall navigate any vessel within the Small Craft Mooring Areas, as designated on Admiralty Charts within the Inner Harbour south of the detached breakwater and west of longitude 01° 17.50W, unless proceeding to or from a mooring located within that area, without the written permission of the Harbour Master.

Section 4 – 4.4 Prohibited Activities: Now includes spearfishing in the Inner Harbour.

Section 4 – 4.6 Sailing in the Inner Harbour: The master of any vessel fitted with sails and an auxiliary engine when navigating the Inner Harbour south of the Shrape Breakwater shall proceed with the engine running and ready for immediate use, except in an emergency or with the permission of the Harbour Master.

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COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015 Masts & spars for X boats & other similar sized class boats & mast systems

Section 6 - Cowes Chain Ferry: The Chain Ferry now has right of way over all river traffic, however, any vessel requiring an unimpeded passage is required to establish early contact (call sign ‘Cowes Chain Ferry’) and agree on VHF Ch 69 which side the Chain Ferry will hold for your passage.

In addition, the Chain Ferry now displays a flashing yellow light on the forward end of the Chain Ferry to indicate to mariners its intention to commence a crossing; the light remains illuminated until it reaches the opposite bank.

Section 10 - Breakwater Construction Zone: A Breakwater Construction Zone will be established as per the diagram opposite. An Exclusion Zone will be contained within the Construction Zone and will be marked by a series of lit buoys. No vessel shall enter the Exclusion Zone except those vessels engaged in the construction of the breakwater or any associated works.

See Cowes General Directions at www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk.

Cowes Harbour Commission Enforcement Policy

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Cowes Harbour Commission has a policy based on education in the first instance of an offence, which generally reverts to formal written warnings and ultimately prosecution for repeat offenders, or for offences bringing significant risk of injury or loss of life, or when users threaten or abuse members of Harbour Commission staff. Those in breach of a General Direction shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding Level 4 on the standard scale, currently £2,500.

CCTV: Cowes Harbour Commission uses CCTV for monitoring and enforcement purposes in Cowes Harbour.

Nick Edwards

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Cowes Harbour Breakwater Project ..............................................................

Construction of the new breakwater will begin this spring. Following a thorough tender process, in consultation with project managers Atkins, Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) and their partners at the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) appointed Boskalis Westminster on a design and build contract. This is a £7 million fixed price contract, with CHC contributing £4 million and the HCA providing £3.16 million of inward investment.

The initial construction phase will be completed this autumn, at which point the gravel core will be visible approximately 5 metres clear of Low Water spring tides. Following a settlement period, Boskalis will return in spring 2015 to level up the core and complete the project. The result will be a 350 metre long, detached rock and rubble breakwater that protects existing homes, businesses and harbour users and that enables the regeneration project for East Cowes, and the jobs that will bring, to progress.

CHC is in negotiation with the HCA to deliver the second phase of our harbour defences plan - the extension of the Shrape Breakwater and the dredging of the Eastern Channel - as part of the HCA’s proposed new 400-berth marina at East Cowes.

Breakwater Construction

.................................

To ensure the safety of navigation during the breakwater construction it will be necessary to put into place ‘Construction and Exclusion Zones’.

The ‘Construction Zone’, as detailed in Figure 1, shows the area where the vessels and plant associated with the works will be located. Within the boundaries of the ‘Construction Zone’, will be a buoyed ‘Exclusion Zone’, the size of which may vary during various phases of the project.

No vessels, apart from those engaged in the works, are permitted to enter this ‘Exclusion Zone’ as it will be fouled with submerged chain, wires and anchors, floating pipelines, and associated vessels and barges.

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Trinity House Mooring Buoy X Snowden

Small Craft Moorings X hor

Anc

X CAUTION Detached Breakwater Construction Zone. The Exclusion Zone, located within the Construction Zone, is marked by lit buoys for full details see the LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS. The breakwater foundation will be submerged and presents a danger to navigation.

Wire

s

X

Small Craft Moorings

Not to be used for navigation

Small Craft Moorings

Fig 1. Breakwater Construction Zone: see Local Notice to Mariners for actual buoyage

Small Craft Moorings

.............................

Due to the ‘Construction Zone’, it has been necessary to re-configure the seasonal swinging moorings located to the east of the fairways; as a result, the day class swinging moorings will be located slightly further north than previous years but still within the small craft mooring area shown on Admiralty Chart 2793.

Navigational Information

.................................

Whilst the dredger and/or associated floating pipeline is on location the ‘Exclusion Zone’ will be at its maximum extent, mirroring the ‘Construction Zone’ shown in Figure 1. During this period, No. 2 fairway buoy will be moved approximately 75m to the north to mark the northwest corner of the ‘Exclusion Zone’.

Cowes Local Notices to Mariners will be issued periodically, showing the extent of the ‘Exclusion Zone’ and any impact on navigation in the harbour. For more information visit the Cowes Harbour Commission website at www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk.

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Impact on Racing

........................

The ‘Construction Zone’ will have some impact on the racing and start lines in the harbour, however, CHC has and will continue to consult with all yacht clubs during the construction to ensure that the impact is kept as low as possible and details will be included in the various Sailing Instructions as well as the Cowes Local Notices to Mariners. The ‘Exclusion Zone’ will be reduced in size when the construction permits. See the ‘Race Start Lines’ diagram on page 85.

Impact on Harbour & River Users

............................................

The vast majority of associated breakwater works will be confined to the ‘Construction Zone’ with little direct impact on the Inner and Outer Fairways. An increase in the density of small craft between No. 1 and 2 fairway buoys can be expected; small craft are strongly recommended to use the Small Craft Channel where practicable.

2014 Breakwater Construction Programme

..........................................................

Stage 1 - An initial 1.5m layer of sand and gravel will be installed using a small trailer dredger, discharging via a 300m floating pipeline to a 30m sprayer barge anchored west/east along the line of the breakwater. See Figures 2 & 4.

Stage 2 - Once the initial layer is sufficiently progressed, the installation of a series of wick drains can commence using a stitcher sited on a large barge. The purpose of these drains is to draw the water from the seabed up to the surface, which in turn will increase the ground bearing capacity of the seabed. See Figure 3.

Stage 3 - Once the drain installation has been finalised, a geotextile membrane will be laid on top of the sand and gravel layer. This process will be achieved using a large barge and a multicat. After necessary checks have been made regarding alignment, the geotextile will be weighed down with sand bags or similar.

Boskalis Westminster Fig 2. Dredger and pipeline

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Stage 4 - The next stage involves the installation of the gravel pre-load up to approximately 5.5m above chart datum using the same trailer hopper dredger, floating pipeline and spraying barge as was used for the sand layer.

See Figures 2 & 4.

When the crest levels reach around Mean High Water, the spraying pontoon will be utilised spraying gravel against the slopes of the breakwater.

Excavators will be utilised to shape the breakwater and Boskalis Westminster retrieve gravel outside of the intended profile.

Fig 3. Stitcher and barge A nine month consolidation process will then follow over the autumn and winter of 2014-2015, to allow for settlement of the gravel core.

It must be emphasised that the breakwater will resemble a gravel spit during the winter of 2014/15 and will only begin to take its final finished appearance during the 2015 works.

Boskalis Westminster Fig 4. Dredger, pipeline and spraying pontoon

2015 Breakwater Construction Programme

..........................................................

The second phase of construction will start towards the spring or summer of 2015 when the sand and gravel layer will be re-dressed up to 5.9m. This will then be followed by the placement of rock armour on the breakwater to give the protection and finished appearance.

Excavators will reshape the breakwater to its final profile and fixed aids to navigation will be placed on the breakwater.

For all the latest news, safety and navigational information regarding the construction of the detached breakwater in Cowes, please go to www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk and check the latest Local Notices to Mariners.

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Mooring Up ....................

There are a large number of visitor swinging moorings and river pontoons both in Cowes Harbour and upstream in the River Medina. The main marina facilities for visiting craft are at Shepards Wharf Marina, Cowes Yacht Haven, East Cowes Marina, and Island Harbour Marina.

Visitor mooring charges are shown in this section, but note that special rates tend to apply during Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, or for other major events, so it pays to enquire in advance. For river pontoons and swinging moorings, call ‘HM1’ on VHF Ch 69. During busy periods you may well need to ‘raft up’ and when possible you should always, as a courtesy, hail the vessel you intend to moor alongside and request permission. For marinas, call on VHF Ch 80.

Trinity Landing

....................

The outside of this facility, on the fairway side of Trinity Landing, is for pick up and drop off only, and you may moor, with the vessel attended, for 10 minutes for free (ideal for landing or boarding crew). Mooring on the inside of the pontoon is for leisure craft and is available under the direction and control of the Cowes Harbour Master. Both water and metered electricity are available.

VHF Ch 69 call sign ‘HM1’.

Overnight mooring: £2.00 per metre Short stay: £1.00 per metre NB. The pontoon will be ashore for maintenance during April/May and should be back in position for the summer season.

Cowes Roads Swinging Moorings

............................................

M Row: A row of heavy duty yellow swinging moorings is laid to the west of the harbour entrance between Egypt Point and the Royal Yacht Squadron, providing deep water moorings for vessels up to 25m in length (May to October).

VHF Ch 69 call sign ‘HM1’.

Overnight mooring: £1.35 per metre Short stays less than 4hrs from £5.00 Cowes Roads: Just outside the Shrape Breakwater, Row J is laid to the east of the harbour entrance between May and September for vessels between 10-35m in length.

In addition, in July approximately 200 swinging moorings for small day class vessels are laid to the east of No. 2 buoy in preparation for Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week. Most other buoys south of No. 1 and 2 fairway buoys are licensed to residents.

VHF Ch 69 call sign ‘HM1’.

Bookings for events to be made via your class secretary 26

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90% OF BOATS REPAIRED ON SCENE DEDICATED MARINE ENGINEERS WITH OWN FLEET OF RIBS HOME BERTH START AND UNLIMITED CALL OUTS

Town Quay

...............

Town Quay offers pontoon moorings for RIBs under 7m in length and a free scrubbing berth for vessels up to 10.6m in length. Cowes water taxis operate from Town Quay.

VHF Ch 69 call sign ‘HM1’.

Overnight mooring: £2.00 per metre Short stay: £1.00 per metre

Cowes Harbour small craft moorings

Rick Tomlinson

Cowes Yacht Haven

..........................

The Yacht Haven has 260 fully serviced berths, 24/7 access, a 30 ton hoist, and 15 ton mobile crane. Facilities include WiFi, showers, toilets, launderette, on-site engineers, electricians and boat repairers. The Yacht Haven also has one of the largest major events and conference centres on the Island.

VHF Ch 80 call sign ‘Cowes Yacht Haven’. Tel: 01983 299975 Mooring: £2.46 per metre Sunday - Thursday £2.96 per metre Friday - Saturday www.cowesyachthaven.com info@cowesyachthaven.com COWES.co.uk

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Shepards Wharf Marina

................................

Shepards Wharf Marina offers cruising and racing yachtsmen affordable marina berthing in a welcoming atmosphere. We have visitor and annual berths, all at very competitive rates which benefit from free WiFi, inclusive showers, and site-wide CCTV. Shepards is also home to Cowes Harbour Commission’s moorings and berthing team. Our onsite businesses include Amabi Basque Restaurant, Island Divers, Solent Yacht Brokers, and Solent Sail Company.

This image has been manipulated to show the Small Craft Channel.

NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION.

Small Craft Channel

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Home of Cowes’ premier Dry Sailing facilities, Shepards is perfect for RIBs, motor boats and trailered keelboats and hosts the Cowes Etchells and the Royal Yacht Squadron J80 fleets.

Brand new for the 2014 season is a state-of-the-art crane, offering maximum launch and lift flexibility; boat care packages also available.

VHF Ch 80 call sign ‘Shepards Wharf’. Tel: 01983 297821 Mooring from £2.45 per metre per night Short stays: £0.95 per metre www.shepardswharfmarina.co.uk shepards.chc@cowes.co.uk

Shepards Wharf Marina

Cowes Yacht Haven

Town Quay

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Whitegates Pontoons

.............................

The next set of visitor moorings are past the Chain Ferry on the port side, although you will need to use the water taxis or your dinghy to get ashore. These moorings are quiet and ideal for craft wishing to stay overnight in Cowes but outside of a marina. They represent excellent value and many are suitable for deep draught vessels.

VHF Ch 69 call sign ‘MH1’.

Moorings from £1.35 per metre Short stays less than 4hrs from £5.00

East Cowes Marina

..........................

Situated just a few minutes south of the Chain Ferry is Dean & Reddyhoff’s East Cowes Marina, which is accessible at all states of the tide and offers superb facilities for 360 berths (including visitors’ berths), fully serviced with electricity and water. The marina includes a launderette, excellent showers, toilets, free WiFi, berth holders’ car park, and the Lifeboat Inn (one of East Cowes’ favourite pubs).

VHF Ch 80 call sign ‘East Cowes Marina’. Tel: 01983 293983 Mooring: £2.75 per metre weekdays £3.06 per metre weekend. Winter rate £1.80 per metre www.eastcowesmarina.co.uk berths@eastcowesmarina.co.uk

Whitegates Pontoons

East Cowes Marina

Cowes Harbour Fuels

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Island Harbour

Folly Reach Cowes

Folly Reach

................

It can take as little as 20 minutes to motor to Folly Reach from the harbour entrance. Almost halfway up the River Medina, it is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Cowes and is designated as a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’. Please produce minimum wash in this area, keeping your speed below 6 knots through the water. Pontoon moorings are available although most require use of a tender or the Folly water taxis to get ashore.

VHF Ch 72 call sign ‘Folly Launch’. Tel: 07884 400046 Moorings from £1.35 per metre Short stays less than 4hrs from £5.00 follymoorings@hotmail.com

Island Harbour

....................

Island Harbour is just under half a mile upstream from the Folly Inn. Access is via lock gates up to 4 hrs either side of High Water. The maximum draft is 2.3m over the sill of the lock, depending on tide height.

Island Harbour is set in a beautiful and secluded valley, yet also offers easy access to Newport, Osborne House and (just once a year) the site of the Isle of Wight Festival. The peaceful marina offers over 200 berths for annual moorings and visiting yachts, an on-site bar/ restaurant, a launderette, and free WiFi. Full marine services include a well-stocked chandlery and 50 ton travel hoist, free car parking for yachting visitors along with extensive hard standing. The marina is exceptionally well sheltered and dredged up to 2.3m.

VHF Ch 80 call sign ‘Island Harbour’. Tel: 01983 539994 Mooring: £2.70 per metre mid-week £3.00 per metre Friday - Saturday www.island-harbour.co.uk info@island-harbour.co.uk COWES.co.uk

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Newport Harbour

.......................

Located at the head of the River Medina, Newport Harbour is a journey back in time, and all the better for it. The harbour is close to the centre of Newport, county town of the Isle of Wight, which has a broad range of facilities including shops, chemists, and restaurants.

The harbour is fully tidal, so if you plan to stay you will dry out against the harbour wall or on one of the pontoons. As an alternative, moor opposite The Bargeman’s Rest for a longish (3 hours) lunch, and head back down the river with the ebb tide. Newport Quay is Isle of Wight Council operated.

VHF Ch 69 call sign ‘Newport Harbour’ Tel: 01983 525994 Leave a message and the Harbour Master will get back to you.

Mooring from £12.50 per night Short stays from £5.50

View from Newport visitor pontoons

Training Activities

........................

Cowes is the home of several maritime training establishments and a favourite destination for the many Solent-based sailing schools. Private owners and their crews also need to practise boat handling skills. Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) welcomes both novice and experienced sailors. A dedicated training pontoon is located east of the fairway in the vicinity of No. 8 buoy, south of Kingston Power Station. This is available for all to practice berthing manoeuvres.

The pontoon is secured by anchors rather than piles so it is less stable than other pontoons. It is not subject to regular pressure washing, therefore crews are discouraged from landing on the pontoon except in emergency and then only with great care. Crews should give consideration to others wishing to use this facility and not lie alongside unnecessarily. Other pontoons and mooring buoys can sometimes be used for training; please check availability with berthing masters, call sign ‘HM1’ on VHF Ch 69.

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Permanent Moorings

............................

The River Medina has a large number of permanent berths controlled by either Cowes Harbour Commission or various yacht clubs. If you plan to extend your stay, or would like a permanent mooring, Cowes offers exceptionally competitive rates on a seasonal or annual basis. Contact the CHC moorings team at Shepards Wharf Marina on Tel: 01983 297821.

Anchoring

..............

One of the few types of mooring not available in Cowes is anchoring.

There are simply too many obstructions, such as ground chains, so it is for all practical purposes forbidden. Osborne Bay, 2 miles east of the Shrape Breakwater has excellent holding ground, and the bay is reasonably well protected. Vessels up to 150m in length (usually visiting passenger vessels) may anchor in one of the dedicated anchorages in Cowes Roads by prior arrangement with the Cowes Harbour Master.

Navigating the River Medina

......................................

Once past the Chain Ferry, boatyards and commercial wharves, the Kingston Power Station comes into view. The red can buoys Nos. 8 and 10 mark the eastern side of the channel, thereafter the fairway is bounded by the swinging moorings to the east and pontoons to the west.

Vessels must stay below 6 knots through the water and should proceed with caution either side of Low Water between the power station and the Folly Inn, where the depth in places is only 0.6m below chart datum.

The River Medina dries out upstream of the Folly, although vessels with 2m draft should have no difficulty getting to either Island Harbour or Newport Quay 2 hours before and up to 3 hours after High Water, dependent on the height of the tide. South of the Folly the channel is buoyed but not lit.

Once south of the Folly, the management of the River Medina passes from Cowes Harbour Commission to the Isle of Wight Council.

The Folly Inn

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Information for Visiting Yachts ......................................................

Sally Water Taxi

Town Quay

Public Landings & Slipways

.....................................

West Cowes Whitegates pontoon, 500m south of the Cowes Chain Ferry on the west bank of the River Medina is connected to the shore and is suitable for tenders only.

Thetis Slip, between Thetis Wharf and Shepards Wharf Marina. Suitable for small vessels but not at Low Water, due to the short slipway.

Town Quay, on pontoons alongside the Red Jet terminal provides instant access to the High Street and associated amenities. Vessels under 7m.

Sun Slip, adjacent to HSBC Bank, but is not easily accessible.

There is a similar slipway adjacent to The Waterside pub at the foot of Market Hill.

Watch House Slip, at the end of Watch House Lane at the south end of The Parade.

East Cowes The Folly, further up the River Medina, towards Newport. Be aware of possible strong tides when landing.

The White Hart, immediately south of the Red Funnel terminal. Use with caution during ebb tides and when ferries are manoeuvring.

Bells Landing, north of Venture Quays on the Esplanade, East Cowes. This landing is tidal.

Gridiron pontoon, immediately north of the Chain Ferry. Landing only; no mooring.

East Cowes Esplanade. A number of public slipways suitable for launching small craft at or around High Water.

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Town Quay scrubbing berth

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Getting Ashore by Tender or Water Taxi

....................................................

The most common landing place is Town Quay for West Cowes and Gridiron for East Cowes, however other locations can be used.

All harbour areas - Cowes Harbour Taxi VHF Ch 77.

Tel: 07855 767918 - Summer only All harbour areas - Sally Water Taxi VHF Ch 6.

Tel: 07831 331717 - All year Cowes to Folly Inn - Folly Waterbus VHF Ch 77.

Tel: 07974 864627 Folly Reach Moorings to Folly Inn - Folly Launch VHF Ch 72.

Tel: 07884 400046 Island Harbour to Cowes or Newport - Island Harbour Ferry VHF Ch 8.

Tel: 07825 016943 or 07964 075621

Fresh Water

................

Fresh water is available from all marinas, Trinity Landing, and Town Quay.

Garbage

............

Marinas provide facilities for garbage originating from the boats using their berths. Boats moored in the River Medina or at anchor should retain garbage on board until berthed alongside, or take it ashore to facilities situated adjacent to public landings. Using the river to dispose of rubbish of any kind is illegal.

Fuel & Gas

...............

Cowes Harbour Fuels, open seven days a week, is the main facility in Cowes Harbour providing easy access and competitively priced fuel. It is situated on the River Medina, 200m south of the Chain Ferry underneath the large hammerhead crane. Tel: 01983 200716. VHF Ch 69.

Lallow’s Boatyard, 50m south of the Yacht Haven. Tel: 01983 292112.

Scrubbing Berths

.......................

Town Quay adjacent to the Harbour Office. Suitable for vessels up to 10.6m LOA and 2m draft at spring tides and 1.0m draft at neap tides.

Folly Inn scrubbing berth capable of taking vessels up to 10.6m LOA and 1.83m draft at spring tides. Bookings by application to the Folly Harbour Office on Tel: 07884 400046.

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FOLLY WATERBUS VHF 77 07974 864627 FOLLY LAUNCH VHF 72 07884 400046 Medical Help

.................

If you are afloat and have a medical emergency call Solent Coastguard on VHF Ch 16/67. The designated medical emergency landing site is Trinity Landing, off Cowes Parade.

Cowes has a Medical Centre at 200 Newport Road, PO31 7ER. It is open Monday - Friday from 0800 to 1800 with late opening until 2000 on Mondays and Wednesdays. For appointments Tel: 01983 295251.

A&E service is at St Mary’s Hospital, Parkhurst Road, Newport, PO30 5TG. The Beacon Health Centre at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport provides a seven day a week ‘Walk In’ service from 0800 to 2000 daily, where a GP is available for most minor illnesses or health problems.

East Cowes Medical Centre is next to Waitrose, in Church Path, East Cowes, PO32 6RP. It is open Monday - Friday from 0800 to 1830 with late opening to 2000 on Mondays. For appointments Tel: 01983 284333.

Prohibited Activities

...........................

The following activities are prohibited without the written permission of the Harbour Master (General Direction 4.4):

exception of the Shrape Watersports Area.

Fairway north of No. 8 fairway buoy without the written permission of the Harbour Master

or berthing facilities.

pier or buoy within the Harbour.

A person who fails to comply with a General Direction or Special Direction shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to £2,500.

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Weather ................

IIn the UK, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is responsible for the provision of Maritime Safety Information (MSI) to ships at sea, which includes both weather information and navigational warnings.

...................................................................

Solent Coastguard

A full Maritime Safety Information service is available on NAVTEX (518 and 490 kHz).

Solent & Portland Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) broadcasts on: Channels VHF 23, VHF 84, and VHF 86.

MSI is broadcast in local time such that the ‘clock time’ that the broadcasts will be received at will remain the same throughout the year: 0130 - B 0430 - C 0730 - A 1030 - C 1330 - B 1630 - C 1930 - A 2230 - C Routine A - Full Maritime Safety Information broadcast, including new inshore forecast and outlook, gale warnings, shipping forecast, navigation warnings (WZ), SUBFACTS and GUNFACTS where appropriate, three day fisherman’s forecast when and where appropriate.

Routine B - New inshore forecast plus previous outlook, gale warnings.

Routine C - Repetition of inshore forecast and gale warnings as per previous Routine A or B broadcast plus new strong wind warning (SWW).

...................................................................

BBC Shipping Forecast (Local sea area - Wight)

Weather bulletins for shipping are broadcast daily on BBC Radio 4 at the following times: 0048, 0520, 1201 and 1754 local time (LW 198 kHz) 0048 and 0520 (FM 92-95) The bulletin includes an inshore waters forecast at 0048 and 0520.

...................................................................

Weather information is also available from marinas, harbour offices, Radio Solent, Isle of Wight Radio and the Bramblemet weather station.

Radio Solent DAB radio, FM 96.1 and FM 103.8 www.bbc.co.uk/radiosolent Isle of Wight Radio FM 107 & FM 102 www.iwradio.co.uk Bramblemet An online weather information system, recording weather conditions in the Central Solent, both in real-time and historically. www.bramblemet.co.uk Full Cowes Tide Tables from April 2014 to March 2015 are printed at the back of this Handbook. A tide gauge and five day weather forecast is available on www.COWES.co.uk.

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Safety Afloat .......................

Sponsored by SeaSafe Systems Limited.

Paul Wyeth

Boating is enjoyable and as a rule, relatively safe, but water and weather can be unpredictable so we need to make sure we have the appropriate safety equipment. Basic items such as flares, lifejackets and VHF radios should always be carried but if they have not been checked or maintained, you could be in for a nasty shock.

Let us take the handheld VHF. It needs to be charged and for there to be a supply of spare batteries but, have you checked the batteries are new and unused or were they ones you found rolling around in a drawer?

You may have a waterproof box with your new shiny flares in but, are your old flares still in the box too? Many people do not like to dispose of

Beken of Cowes

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their old flares as they look new and it seems a waste of money to throw them away, but in the confusion of an emergency you need to be sure that you are reaching for a new flare which will function correctly. A flare has an expiry date for a reason!

Finally, let us consider lifejackets.

Lifejackets may look shiny and new and even be in the original bag they came in but, have they been used and put back in the bag to be dealt with later? Have they been on the boat for years and do they have have undetected holes? Your lifejackets could be hiding all sorts of defects.

If your lifejackets have not been serviced and maintained annually they might let you down. Don’t take a chance; take them to a recognised service centre for inspection. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Seasafe Systems

If you see someone in difficulty on the water, ring the emergency number 999 and ask for the Coastguard. You can also contact the Coastguard on Tel: 02392 552100 or for routine traffic use VHF Ch 67 call sign ‘Solent Coastguard’.

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Cowes RNLI .....................

Cowes RNLI Lifeboat Station is located on The Parade, next door to the Island Sailing Club. The station (occupying the former H.M. Customs Watch House) was officially opened

by Her Majesty The Queen in July 2012. It houses the Atlantic 85 RIB B859 Sheena Louise crewed entirely by volunteers who live in the port.

Nick Edwards - Cowes RNLI

Sheena Louise is the 1,036th lifeboat built at the RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat Centre in East Cowes and can be viewed by the public. If you would like to see the lifeboat launch on exercise, the Sheena Louise can usually be seen coming down the slipway at approximately 1930 on a Thursday evening.

Cowes is one of the busier lifeboat stations belonging to the RNLI, with the large crew of volunteers on pager 24 hours a day. They arrive at the station ready to launch in minutes.

Visits to Cowes RNLI Lifeboat Station can be accommodated for individuals, groups, school, or other organisations. There is a station open day every Bank Holiday Monday. For more information please go to www.cowes-lifeboat.org.uk, phone Cowes Inshore Lifeboat Station on Tel: 01983 299387, or email: cowes@rnli.org.uk.

Nick Edwards - Cowes RNLI

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Border Force Customs & Immigration ...........................................

Anyone who owns, or is responsible for a leisure craft (such as a yacht) that sails to or from locations outside the UK is required to provide vessel and goods documentation. For Customs purposes, the Channel Islands are treated as being outside the UK and the European Community.

Arriving from another EU country: no need to fly the ‘Q’ flag. to contact the Border Force if you have goods to declare or if anyone onboard is not an EU national. www.hmrc.gov.uk) details goods to be declared when arriving from another EU Member State. clearance to enter the UK. clearance, you must phone the National Yachtline on 0845 723 1110.

Arriving from outside the EU (including the Channel Islands): Islands) you must fly the ‘Q’ flag, where it can be readily seen, as soon as you enter UK waters (the 12 mile limit). Do not take down the flag until you have finished reporting to the Border Force. Failure to comply will make you liable to a penalty. you must contact the Border Force via the National Yachtline on 0845 723 1110. www.hmrc.gov.uk) details what should be notified to the Border Force when arriving from outside the EU (including the Channel Islands). clearance to enter the UK (excluding arrivals from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man).

The National Yachtline will ask you a number of questions about your journey and who is on board your boat. You should have the documents for the vessel and crew ready. These include:

www.gov.uk) if you’re returning back to the UK. Border Force is a Law Enforcement Command within the Home Office.

For more information see www.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.

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Onwards from Cowes ......................................

The information below is provided to help you plan your trip onwards from Cowes; distances in nautical miles.

Weymouth 46nm Weymouth Harbour Master: Peter Mole VHF Ch 12 01305 838423 Weymouth Marina 01305 767576

..............................................

Poole Harbour 27nm (entrance) Poole Harbour Master: Capt Brian Murphy VHF Ch 14 01202 440230 Cobb’s Quay Marina 01202 674299 Lake Yard Marina 01202 674531 Parkstone Yacht Club (Haven) 01202 738824 Poole Quay Boat Haven 01202 649488 Salterns Marina 01202 709971

..............................................

Yarmouth 9nm Yarmouth Harbour Master: Chris Lisher VHF Ch 68 01983 760321

..............................................

Lymington 10nm Lymington Harbour Master: Ryan Willegers No VHF service 01590 672014 Berthon Lymington Marina 01590 647405 Lymington Yacht Haven 01590 677071

..............................................

Beaulieu River 2.5nm (entrance) Beaulieu River Harbour Master: Mike Nicholls No VHF service 01590 616200 Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour 01590 616200

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Newtown Creek 5nm (entrance) Newtown Harbour Master: David Flannagan No VHF service 01983 531424

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Hamble River 6nm (entrance) River Hamble Harbour Master: David Evans VHF Ch 68 01489 576387 Hamble Point Marina 02380 452464 Mercury Yacht Harbour 02380 455994 Port Hamble Marina 02380 452741 Swanwick Marina 01489 884081 Universal Marina 01489 574272

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Southampton 9nm Southampton Harbour Master: Capt Martin Phipps VHF Ch 12 02380 608208/5 Hythe Marina Village 02380 207073 44

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Kemp’s Quay Ocean Village Marina Saxon Wharf Shamrock Quay Marina Town Quay Marina

02380 632323 02380 229385 02380 339490 02380 229461 02380 234397

Wootton Creek 4nm Royal Victoria Yacht Club No VHF service

01983 882325

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Ryde 6nm Ryde Harbour Master: Dave Brown VHF Ch 80 01983 613879

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Bembridge Harbour 10nm Bembridge Harbour Master: Jonathan Brand VHF Ch 80 01983 872828

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Portsmouth 10nm Queen’s Harbour Master Portsmouth VHF Ch 11 02392 723694 Gosport Marina 02392 524811 Gunwharf Quays Marina 02392 836732 Haslar Marina 02392 601201 Port Solent Marina 02392 210765 Royal Clarence Marina 02392 523523 Camber Quay 02392 833166

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Langstone Harbour 12nm (entrance) Langstone Harbour Master: Capt Nigel Jardine VHF Ch 12 02392 463419 Southsea Marina 02392 822719

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Chichester Harbour 15nm (entrance) Chichester Harbour Master: Richard Craven VHF Ch 14 01243 512301 Birdham Pool Marina 01243 512310 Chichester Marina 01243 512731 Emsworth Yacht Harbour 01243 377727 Northney Marina 02392 466321 Sparkes Marina 02392 463572 Thornham Marina 01243 375335

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Littlehampton 36nm Littlehampton Marina

01903 713553

Shoreham 49nm Lady Bee Marina

01273 593801

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Brighton 53nm Brighton Marina Mark Lloyd

01273 819919 COWES.co.uk

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Yarmouth Harbour

Tee Cee

Around the Solent ................................

Cowes is in the enviable position of being one of the UK’s most favoured destination harbours, in the centre of the most popular sailing area in the country. Its location at the heart of the Solent, halfway between Weymouth and Brighton, makes other harbours easily accessible from Cowes, particularly with an ebb or flood tide.

The Solent, a strait separating the Isle of Wight from mainland England, is sheltered by the Isle of Wight and has a complex tidal pattern. The Solent area has great ecological and landscape importance, particularly because of the coastal and estuarine habitats.

The Solent’s sheltered natural harbours and inshore waters are renowned internationally for their recreational value as an ideal location for leisure sailing and other watersports. There are sheltered harbours and creeks for novices and open water for the more experienced. Exploring the Solent by sea is a fantastic way to appreciate the area’s landscapes and seascapes, enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise!

Here follows a brief guide to some of the most popular ports, harbours, and creeks of the Solent. Useful contact numbers for harbours and marinas between Weymouth and Brighton can also be found in the ‘Onwards from Cowes’ section on pages 42-43.

Picturesque Yarmouth Harbour, a unique blend of ancient and modern, lies at the mouth of the Western Yar Estuary on the north coast of West Wight. It provides a great harbour to visit with modern facilities and in addition, it is very close, a couple of minutes walk, to the bustling town of Yarmouth with its many and varied restaurants, pubs, and shops.

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The harbour entrance can become very congested at peak times and great caution is to be taken when entering or leaving the harbour. Vessels must adhere to the speed limits, 4 knots maximum within the inner harbour and 6 knots maximum from the breakwater to a line between the pier head and Black Rock buoy. Berthing Masters on the water can offer advice and help the inexperienced on and off berths. Please call ‘Yarmouth Harbour’ on VHF Ch 68. More navigational information can be found at www.yarmouth-harbour.co.uk.

The Yarmouth Pier is a Grade II listed structure, reputedly the longest wooden pier in the UK, and a great place to take in views of the Solent.

Yarmouth is also an excellent base from which to explore the West Wight, on foot, bicycle or the bus. The town hosts the popular, annual Old Gaffers Festival, taking place in 2014 from 30 May to 1 June.

Located between Beaulieu and Keyhaven on the mainland, at the western end of the Solent, scenic Lymington Harbour is shared by yachtsmen, fishermen, and the Isle of Wight ferry (from Yarmouth). Renowned as a sailing resort, there are two large marinas, two sailing clubs, and at the Town Quay berths for around 120 visiting boats within a couple of minutes walk of the town centre with its numerous restaurants, bars, and shopping facilities. Adjacent to the two sailing clubs, Lymington offers a bookable 650ft long walk ashore visitor pontoon which can accommodate rallies of up to 50 (10m) boats moored together.

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Lymington Harbour

Ryan Willegers

The speed limit in Lymington Harbour is 6 knots with an advisory limit of 4 knots upstream of the wave screens near the entrance to Lymington Yacht Haven. There is a double High Water at springs which gives a stand of 3 hours. At neaps there is a stand of 2 hours. To find out more see www.lymingtonharbour.co.uk.

Lymington is a beautiful Georgian town with a wide variety of shops ranging from smart boutiques on the cobbled quay to the larger supermarkets and a bustling market in the High Street every Saturday.

The New Forest National Park with its ancient woodlands and heathlands offers miles of unspoilt walks, cycle ways, and pretty villages to explore.

Newtown is a natural creek, lying to the east of Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, and is one of the few places in the Solent where anchoring is easy and sheltered in all wind directions. Newtown Harbour is a beautiful retreat that has something to offer boat owners, walkers, wildlife enthusiasts and historians, or just those in search of peace and tranquillity. The area is a National Nature Reserve, owned and managed by the National Trust.

You can wander past flower-rich hay meadows, through ancient woodlands with rare butterflies and red squirrels, and look out over salt marsh and the clear waters of the harbour, bobbing with sailing boats in the summer and alive with birds in the spring and winter. For those on the water, it is a beautiful place to explore and a good way to look out for wetland wildlife.

Set within the heart of the New Forest National Park in Hampshire, the lovely Beaulieu River and the 18th century shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard occupy a superb location in the central Solent, close to the sailing centres of Cowes, Lymington, and Southampton. The river has a 110 berth marina, over 300 moorings, and a boat park with slipway.

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ȗ '1 " ". ȗ ( -&. ȗ ) -. ȗ ( -" ) 4 4 #/ 0*4 ) 4 .4./ (.

Tel: +44 (0)1983 290525 Seaview Road, Cowes, P031 7US sales@seaflex.co.uk www.seaflex.co.uk

Manufacturing on the Isle of Wight since 1987

Beaulieu River benefits from a double tide, and a secondary High Water.

The navigation channel at the mouth of the river is defined with red and green piles and further upstream, branches of willow painted red and green known as ‘withies’ are used. The speed limit is 5 knots for the entire length of the river. Further details are available at www.beaulieuriver.co.uk.

Beaulieu River is part of the Beaulieu Estate and is one of the few privately owned rivers in the world. The river is largely unspoilt, both in terms of its landscape and as a haven for wildlife with the banks playing host to an exceptional variety of habitat with an equally varied flora and fauna.

The River Hamble, also in Hampshire, and at the heart of the Solent, is a major centre for all types of recreational boating and home to thousands of sailing yachts and motorboats. Whether your interest is racing, powerboating, or blue water cruising, the Hamble is a true yachting Mecca and can provide all the facilities you might require. For more information visit www3.hants.gov.uk/hambleharbour.

There are four sailing clubs along the River Hamble and 12 marinas/ boatyards with over 3,000 moorings. The double tides, deep water, and ease of access to the Solent make the River Hamble ideal for sailing.

Warsash, River Hamble

Visit Hampshire

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Visitors to the Hamble are made very welcome and there are affordable visitor berths at Hamble and Warsash. There is plenty to do on and off the river - it is a birdwatchers’ paradise and riverside walks or simply watching the world go by are popular pastimes.

There’s a well known, bright pink ferry which operates all year round across the river between the two waterside villages of Hamble and Warsash, and according to local research, has done since at least 1493!

The historic maritime city of Southampton in Hampshire is regarded as the cruise capital of northern Europe and plays host to over four million visitors a year. However, the city is much more than just a cruise stop or shopping destination. Its appeal lies in its diverse nightlife, exciting retail opportunities, varied leisure facilities, superb art and heritage attractions, lively events programme, and of course the excitement and charm of a bustling waterfront location.

Yachting and leisure boating are extremely popular in sheltered Southampton Water with a unique double tide contributing to 17 hours of High Water each day.

The principal deep water navigational channels within the port of Southampton are well marked by buoys and lights. These channels are in constant use by commercial vessels, including large deep-draught tankers, container ships, ferries, and other traffic. Recreational users of the harbour are advised to keep well clear of these main channels whenever possible, and use the recommended crossing areas. Full navigational information is available at www.southamptonvts.co.uk.

The Southampton Boat Show is the biggest water-based boat show in Europe and has been held every September since 1969 in Mayflower Park. This year the PSP Southampton Boat Show takes place from 12-21 September 2014.

Ryde Pier

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Wootton Creek is a pretty, tidal estuary that flows into the Solent on the north coast of the Isle of Wight, just 5 miles east of Cowes. On the western bank of the creek is Wootton village, whilst on the eastern bank is the village of Fishbourne.

Wootton Creek has a very ancient history and has been used as a waterway and port for thousands of years. Today, it has become a popular haunt for leisure yachtsmen and RIB enthusiasts, with several creekside businesses supporting a variety of maritime activities.

Visitors are welcome at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club which is situated at the entrance to the creek, adjacent to the Wightlink Fishbourne ferry terminal. You can moor your boat alongside the club pontoon for a short stay or overnight.

Anchoring in the mouth of Wootton Creek is not permitted. Food is available at the club and the nearest shops are at Wootton Bridge, about 30 minutes’ walk away.

Ryde Harbour is a small leisure harbour located just east of Ryde Pier on the northeast coast of the Isle of Wight. The harbour has provision for up to 100 visiting boats, the majority of which are family sailing and motor cruisers varying in length from 5-10m. The harbour dries out completely at Low Water and access for small craft of 1m draught is about 2 hours either side of High Water. Find out more at www.rydeharbour.co.uk.

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HMS Victory, Portsmouth

Visit Hampshire

Public transport to all parts of the Island, plus Wightlink’s Fast Cat passenger service and the Hover Travel hovercraft to the mainland are situated to the west of Ryde Harbour. The Island Line train service meets the Fast Cat before travelling down the Isle of Wight’s southeast coast via Brading and Sandown, terminating at Shanklin.

Ryde has miles of sandy beach which at low tide creates a vast playground for all manner of seaside fun. The town and seafront are packed with an array of pubs, restaurants, and shops. Six miles of beaches connect Ryde to the villages of Seaview and Bembridge to the east which makes for a wonderful walk or cycle ride.

As one of the busiest harbours in the country, Portsmouth Harbour boasts a grand total of 117,000 significant movements each year and has over 5,000 yachts with a license to moor. The naturally occurring harbour, a valley formed of the stream flowing from Portsmouth into the Solent, is very large and is almost completely landlocked except for a narrow entrance, with all its approaches well sheltered by the Isle of Wight.

To the east of Portsmouth Harbour lies Portsea Island, and to the west the mainland town of Gosport. At its north end is Portchester Castle, a 52

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fortress that was built to protect the harbour in Roman times. Lifestyle attractions include the Gunwharf Quays shopping centre, a lively arts scene, great restaurants and bars, and the impressive 170m tall Spinnaker Tower with its fabulous views over the harbour and the Solent.

Due to its strategic location on the south coast of England, Portsmouth has long been a key location in the country’s sea defences and it is well known for being the home of the Royal Navy and the iconic HMS Illustrious.

The city’s proud maritime heritage continues with the presence of the Historical Dockyard, home to HMS Victory and the Mary Rose among others. In modern times, the harbour has become a major commercial ferry port, with regular services to France and The Channel Islands.

The speed limit in Portsmouth Harbour is 10 knots through the water. To facilitate the safe passage of small craft entering and leaving Portsmouth Harbour, a ‘Small Boat Channel’ exists for vessels under 20m on the western side of the harbour entrance. Small boats bound for Gunwharf Quays/Town Camber are only to cross the Main Channel when they are to the north of Ballast Beacon, and permission has been obtained from QHM on VHF Ch 11.

Vessels fitted with engines are to use them from entering the Small Boat Channel.

Visit Hampshire

Small boats departing from Gunwharf Quays and Town Camber are to obtain permission from QHM on VHF Ch 11 before proceeding and again when in the vicinity of “The Point” prior to crossing the Main Channel. All vessels are then to cross the Main Channel direct to Ballast Beacon and leave the harbour through the Small Boat Channel.

Full navigational information is found at www.qhm.mod.uk/portsmouth.

Located at the eastern-most point of the Isle of Wight, Bembridge Harbour is home to two vibrant sailing clubs, a fishing fleet, and numerous businesses associated with water-based activities. Access to the harbour is restricted to High Water +3 hours for vessels drawing 1.5m. The harbour offers a range of moorings from walk-ashore pontoons to middle of the harbour drying moorings that are served by water taxi. A harbour navigation guide can be found at www.bembridgeharbour.co.uk.

There’s plenty to occupy visitors to this beautiful, unspoilt and historic corner of the Island. The area in and around Bembridge Harbour has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and includes an RSPB site.

There are numerous walks, nature trails and beautiful beaches to enjoy, and a busy harbour where there’s always something interesting to watch.

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The Bembridge RNLI lifeboat station operates both offshore and inshore lifeboats and is usually open to the public for free guided tours during the summer months.

The nearby villages of Bembridge and St Helens offer a wide choice of shops, restaurants, and pubs and are well worth exploring. Art, crafts, and local produce abound and freshly caught seafood is available.

Langstone Harbour lies between Chichester Harbour to the east and Portsmouth Harbour to the west. The large, undeveloped harbour, with over 4,500 acres of water space at High Water, is home for charter fishing boats and commercial fishermen, and hosts two commercial aggregate wharves. Many recreational activities including yachting, canoeing and windsurfing are also well established in its sheltered waters.

The speed limit is 10 knots and you are requested not to cause disturbance; Langstone Harbour is a site of considerable ecological sensitivity. Visit www.langstoneharbour.org.uk for full navigational information.

The natural tranquillity of the unspoilt harbour environment can be enjoyed whether under sail or power. There are moorings available for boats up to 12m and public slipways for visitors with trailed boats. Langstone Harbour is recognised internationally for its importance for nature conservation, and is a haven for aquatic wildlife and a myriad of bird species.

Chichester Harbour in West Sussex offers visitors a panorama of choice with six marinas, pretty villages, plenty of visitor moorings, good anchoring, and a selection of sandy beaches to explore. The harbour is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in recognition of its significance as a habitat for wildlife.

The low lying entrance to Chichester Harbour is not easily distinguished against the backdrop of the South Downs and is bordered on both sides

Dell Quay, Chichester Harbour

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Ali Beckett

COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015

The Royal Oak, overlooking Langstone Harbour

Visit Hampshire

by extensive drying banks. A deep-water channel running between these banks to the harbour entrance is dredged to a charted depth of 1.5m. The width of the dredged channel across the Bar is a less than 182 metres.

The speed limit throughout the harbour is 8 knots. For more navigational information go to www.conservancy.co.uk.

The sheltered waters of the harbour are ideal for racing and day sailing and its channels offer secure moorings for cruising vessels. Some 10,000 craft share the fabulous recreational facilities of Chichester Harbour and there are around 5,500 moorings and 14 sailing clubs with over 11,000 members! Other popular activities include angling, bird watching, walking, wild-fowling, painting, and photography.

The Best Western New Holmwood Hotel is situated at Egypt Point in Cowes, home to a multitude of world famous yachting events.

The hotel offers fantastic panoramic views across the Solent from its public areas with the enchanting town of Cowes being only a 15-20 minute walk along the waterfront.

We have 26 rooms, all with Sky Television, hair dryer, trouser press, tea and coffee making facilities, direct dial telephones and super king size beds.

There is also a bar, free WiFi, 3 lounges, patio areas, and free parking.

Tel: 01983 292508 Queens Road, Egypt Point, Cowes, IW PO31 8BW www.newholmwoodhotel.co.uk

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Landmarks of Cowes ......................................

There are several instantly recognisable landmarks in Cowes; here is a selection of the best known, ranging from historic houses and pubs to castles and cranes.

Royal Yacht Squadron

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Rick Tomlinson

One of the most famous local landmarks is ‘Cowes Castle’, home to the Royal Yacht Squadron which was founded in 1815 as a club for gentlemen interested in sea yachting. From the water, the yachtsman sees the Squadron Castle as battlements, a round tower, and a flagstaff. Behind the history of yachting is another history too, for Henry VIII had the castle built in 1539 as a deterrent to the French. Its former guns are only once known to have been fired in anger, in 1642 during the Civil War.

Prince’s Green

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Prince’s Green, also known as ‘The Green’, is by far the best place to watch racing action from the shore. Race starts frequently take place from the Royal Yacht Squadron and during Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week race fleets often finish under spinnaker from the west. Prince’s Green was presented to Cowes as a public open space

by George Stephenson in 1863 to mark the occasion of the wedding of the Prince of Wales (the future Edward VII) to Princess Alexandra of Denmark.

It still has shelters and a drinking fountain dating Rick Tomlinson from Victorian times.

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Cowes Parade

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The seafront parade stretches from the starting cannons at the Royal Yacht Squadron down to the Island Sailing Club. Both the Royal Corinthian and Royal London Yacht Clubs are also located on The Parade, one of the main centres of activity for big events.

In Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, ‘The Parade Village’ is a perfect place to see all the action, catch up on the racing results and soak up the atmosphere whilst sitting in the decked garden or wandering through the retail village and food court.

Venture Quays

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The giant of British industry, Saunders-Roe, built the famous Columbine Shed in East Cowes in 1935. The company built many sea planes including the largest ever metal seaplane The Princess. The giant Union Flag was originally painted on the doors in 1977 to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II; it was restored to its former glory to celebrate the occasion of HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

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Cowes Hammerhead Crane

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Standing proud on the Cowes skyline is the 1912 hammerhead dockyard crane, a magnificent symbol of Cowes’ marine industrial heritage and the many ships, aircraft and hovercraft that have been built on both sides of the Medina River. This 80 ton crane was designed by Babcock and Wilcox and ordered by Cowes shipbuilder J. Samuel White in 1911 and came into use the following year. It is the only remaining pre-World War One hammerhead crane in England.

Northwood House

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Northwood House is an early Victorian Grade II listed house with beautifully painted function rooms, surrounded by parkland, which occupies a prime position above Cowes town. It was built in the early 19th century for the Ward family, in whose hands it remained until 1929.

In that year the house was presented by the family to the then Cowes Urban District Council, while the 26-acre park was given ‘for the use and benefit of the people of Cowes’. This iconic residence is a popular venue for events such as weddings, parties, dinners, and conferences. The park is surrounded by a wall of Bembridge limestone and includes St Mary’s Church with its landmark clock tower designed by John Nash.

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Folly Inn

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Legend has it that the name of the Folly originated from a French smuggling barge that ran aground in the 1700’s selling illegal alcohol!

Whether this is true or not, the Folly Inn has a unique, rustic appearance and remains one of the must-visit places for many thirsty yachtsmen who are prepared to venture up the River Medina.

Osborne House

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Beautiful Wight Images

No trip to the Island would be complete without a visit to this royal seaside palace where Queen Victoria lived with her beloved Prince Albert and their nine children. Osborne House provides an intimate glimpse into Queen Victoria’s family life and one can only marvel at the magnificence of the Royal apartments, such as the sumptuous drawing and dining rooms and the richly decorated Indian-inspired Durbar Room.

There are stunning views from the terraces across the Solent, said to remind Prince Albert of the bay of Naples. Don’t miss the miniature Swiss Cottage as you stroll through Osborne’s extensive grounds, built to teach the royal children the art of household management!

You can even explore Queen Victoria’s private beach, which is now open to the public. “We have quite a charming beach to ourselves,” Victoria wrote in 1845; it was here that the Queen regularly bathed and where her children learned to swim.

To get to Osborne House from Cowes, you can either take the Chain Ferry over to East Cowes and walk up the hill to Osborne House, a good 15 minute walk, or take the Southern Vectis No. 4 or No. 5 buses from East Cowes town centre, both of which stop outside Osborne House. Read more about Osborne House on pages 60-61.

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Shopping in Cowes & East Cowes ...........................................................

Cowes High Street

You will find a unique range of independent boutique shopping - the best in retail and services in the High Streets of Cowes and East Cowes.

Whether you need an individual gift, new outfit, cash machine or a chemist; a marine photographer, a gallery showcasing local talent, or a jewellers, this is the place to find what you need.

Cowes boasts an excellent range of distinctive shops, many - but by no means all - catering for the yachting fraternity. You can shop until you drop along Birmingham Road, down Shooters Hill, through the High Street, and right to the end of Bath Road that runs into Cowes Parade.

Most of the High Street in Cowes is pedestrianised, making shopping a delight. The town also has an array of fashionable clothing shops, with independent retailers as well as famous brands.

Stroll through the town and explore the lovely shops, photographers’ stores and art galleries, or curio and craft shops, then head for The Parade or ‘The Green’ to enjoy the sun, sea views, and an ice cream.

When hunger or thirst calls there are ample delicatessens, cafés, restaurants, and lively pubs to choose from, or pick up traditional fish and chips to eat on The Parade whilst watching the world sail by.

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PHILLIPS SEAFOOD AND SMOKE HOUSE 111 High Street, Cowes, PO31 7AT Tel: 01983 245247

Take a trip on the Chain Ferry over the River Medina to East Cowes where you’ll find a good range of shops in the centre offering everything from unusual and interesting gifts, antiques and collectibles, to DIY and pet stores. Then walk down to the Esplanade in East Cowes and enjoy some refreshments right on the seafront.

Shopping in Cowes is an exciting experience at any time of the year, and in particular, the vibrancy of the town during prestigious events such as the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, and Panerai British Classic Week, is not to be missed.

In August, there is an amazing festival atmosphere throughout the town during Cowes Week, with more than a 100,000 people coming to Cowes to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the one of the world’s greatest sailing regattas. See our online guide to shopping in Cowes and East Cowes at www.COWES.co.uk.

Cowes and East Cowes are small towns with a friendly, cosmopolitan atmosphere and you’ll receive a warm welcome at any time of year. We hope to see you there!

Hamo Thornycroft

’s n o g e E

Have you tried the BIG ONE at Eegon’s?

All-day breakfasts, lunches & children’s meals Fresh sandwiches to take away

72 High Street, Cowes, PO31 7RE Tel: 01983 291815 www.eegons.co.uk

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Cowes & East Cowes - History ....................................................

Cowes and East Cowes face each other over the River Medina at the northern-most tip of the Isle of Wight and are linked by a Chain Ferry affectionately known as the ‘Floating Bridge’, one of only a handful still operating in the UK.

Royal Yacht Squadron

Originally, the name ‘Cowes’ is thought to be derived from the ‘cow castles’ that were built by Henry VIII as part of his 16th-century fortification of the Solent area, although the place name existed for a long time before the castles were constructed. The Royal Yacht Squadron has made its home in the remaining castle on the west side of the River Medina and ‘Cowes Castle’ has become a landmark in its own right since the club moved there in 1858.

Royal connections are widespread on the Isle of Wight and nowhere more so than East Cowes, the home to Queen Victoria and her beloved Prince Albert who built the magnificent Osborne House between 1845 and 1851. Osborne became their family home and Queen Victoria lived there until her death on the Island in 1901. English Heritage now runs Osborne

Queen Victoria’s beach

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English Heritage

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House as one of its finest properties and no trip to the Island is complete without a visit. Queen Victoria is reported to have said: “It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot”, and indeed, the house and grounds of this royal seaside palace are superb, with many rooms remaining just as they were in Victoria’s day. See more about Osborne House on page 57.

Paul Wyeth

As well as being the modern day ‘home of world yachting’, the history of Cowes is steeped in maritime heritage. Cowes has a long and illustrious reputation as an industrial town that specialised firstly in boat building, but which also diversified into aircraft technologies and manufacturing.

This combination of boat building and aviation technology ultimately led to the town also being famous as the home of the hovercraft. The world’s first practical hovercraft, designed by Sir Christopher Cockerell and built

by Saunders-Roe, first flew in Cowes on 11 June 1959.

INDOOR LUXURY, OUTDOOR SPLENDOUR & ROYAL PRIVATE LIVES AT OSBORNE

Enjoy walks to explore the estate, gardens and private beach and discover the house Queen Victoria loved to call home.

EAST COWES

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What’s on in Cowes?

Find out at COWES.co.uk/events Located on the seafront in East Cowes is the light and airy premises of the Classic Boat Museum, which proudly displays notable boats such as Prince Philip’s Flying Fifteen Coweslip as well as a superbly restored example of Uffa Fox’s Mk 1 Airborne Lifeboat and Shirley Robertson’s ‘Europe’ dinghy, in which she won her first Olympic gold medal in 2000, in Sydney. However, few visitors appreciate beforehand the sheer diversity of the 50 or so other boats on display.

Classic Boat Museum

A hundred yards across the road is the Classic Boat Museum Gallery which houses a wide and fascinating mix of exhibits including sections dedicated to Sir Francis Chichester, Dame Ellen MacArthur, and Uffa Fox, as well as the Jo Carstairs collection, at one time the fastest woman on water. With all manner of models, plans, photographs, pictures and flags, as well as regularly changing exhibitions on subjects of both local and national interest, those who take the time to visit are in for a real treat.

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In the town centre, the East Cowes Heritage Centre houses a permanent exhibition giving an insight into the history of East Cowes over the last 200 years. Supported also by temporary exhibitions mounted several times a year, the East Cowes Heritage Centre aims to preserve and present the town’s industrial and social heritage before reminders of the past are lost forever.

Sir Max Aitken Museum

In Cowes High Street, the famous pink building, ‘The Prospect’, is home to the Sir Max Aitken Museum. The beautiful 18th century sail maker’s loft, where Britannia’s mainsail was made, was acquired and restored by Sir Max Aitken in 1947. Today, with its traditional splendour, the building boasts Sir Max Aitken’s personal collection of nautical artifacts including a remarkable display of marine paintings, nautical instruments and yachting memorabilia. Whether you’re fascinated by maritime history or just enjoy unique exhibits, the Museum is well worth a visit.

There is also Cowes Maritime Museum to visit, situated within Cowes Library, which exhibits objects and images from the Island’s maritime collection, including model paddle steamers, lifeboats and other ships built by J. Samuel White & Co. of Cowes.

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Walks from Cowes .................................

The Bargeman’s Rest alongside Newport Quay

Cowes to Newport

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This route takes you from the Chain Ferry in Cowes, along the Medina Estuary, and ends up at The Bargeman’s Rest, right on the River Medina and in the heart of the bustling market town of Newport.

Starting from the Chain Ferry, pass the Ratsey & Lapthorn sail loft and turn left up Bridge Road. Continue left into Pelham Road, up South Road and then left again to join Arctic Road. You will pass UKSA, the maritime education centre, before turning on to the cycle path next to Medina Court Industrial Estate.

The path runs alongside the Medina Estuary which has a wonderfully interesting character made up of rich maritime heritage, a wealth of natural habitats and a vibrant mix of recreation, transport, and industry.

The tidal River Medina is home to many different creatures but is a key spot for wading birds and waterfowl. Keep an eye out for little egret, oystercatchers, black tailed godwits, grey herons, and redshank. The tree lined cycle path is also a great place to catch a glimpse of red squirrels.

On approaching Newport, you will first pass by the Medina Valley Centre, an environmental and outdoor education charity, the large Vestas facility, and then Newport Rowing Club. Leave the cycle path and turn into Little London which runs alongside the River Medina and where you can stop for a welcome drink and meal at The Bargeman’s Rest.

At this point, you can either return via the same route, go to the bus station in the centre of Newport and take the No. 1 bus back to Cowes, or, make the route a circular one by walking down the eastern side of the River Medina and returning via East Cowes and the Chain Ferry.

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Cowes to East Cowes

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This walk takes you across the River Medina on the Chain Ferry, along East Cowes Esplanade with its fine views of the Solent, and ends up at Old Castle Point. Once you step off the Chain Ferry in East Cowes, turn left down Castle Street. Pass the large Gridiron Shed on your left where boats were built for hundreds of years and from where the first seaplane was launched in 1913. Don’t miss the pretty Ship & Castle Inn on your right-hand side, a small but very friendly local pub.

Cross over the roundabout and continue along Castle Street. The large white building to your left is Columbine Yard, a great example of British industrial architecture, built by Saunders-Roe in 1935 for the construction of flying boats. It was also here that Sir Christopher Cockerell pioneered designs for the world’s first hovercraft.

Turn left into Columbine Road with Venture Quays, housing the Classic Boat Museum Gallery on your left, and the Classic Boat Museum (see pages 62-63) just a short walk down Albany Road. On your right you will see the Victoria Barracks which were built in 1872 and housed the troops guarding Queen Victoria.

East Cowes beach

Walk down to the Esplanade from where Cowes Harbour and the busy River Medina come back into sight. To your right are a row of Coastguard Cottages dating from 1881. Beyond the Shrape Breakwater on your left and just in front of the caravan park to your right, you will walk over the site of an old rope walk that appears on the 1783 Admiralty Chart.

Continue along the Esplanade towards Castle Point. Easily accessible by car, foot, and public transport links, the beach at East Cowes is popular with residents and visitors. The traditional promenade has a large children’s play area, café, woodland walks, and grand views of Cowes.

The Esplanade ends abruptly at a high wall which once formed part of the boathouse for Norris Castle. This is a popular place in the early evening to watch cruise liners leave Southampton Water and sail past East Cowes.

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Cowes sunrise

Beautiful Wight Images

Cowes to Gurnard

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This pleasant, level walk starts at the Cowes RNLI lifeboat station beside The Parade in Cowes and follows the seafront all the way to Gurnard.

The lifeboat station is housed in the refurbished old Custom House building, and from The Parade, you can easily see the lifeboat when it is launched and recovered. Walk west along The Parade, enjoying the views out over the Solent, and passing both the Royal London and Royal Corinthian Yacht Clubs. On your right you will see Trinity Landing.

The Royal Yacht Squadron stands proud at the north end of The Parade and is one of the most exclusive clubs in the world. During the season, people often stop to watch the starting cannons fire and this is a great place to see races starting on the famous Squadron line.

A walk along the Esplanade brings you to Prince’s Green, next to the beach. The Green is a lovely place to sit and have a picnic and gives a great vantage point for the traditional fireworks display at the end of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week.

Continue along Queen’s Road to Egypt Point, which is the northernmost point on the Isle of Wight and derives its name from a nearby gypsy encampment from the 16th century! Between 1897 and 1989 a lighthouse operated there which remains a landmark for yachtsmen. Egypt Point is another popular vantage point from which to watch racing in the Solent.

Follow the waterfront along Egypt Esplanade and Prince’s Esplanade to the village of Gurnard, 2 miles west of Cowes and on the edge of Gurnard Bay. Gurnard is a small, pleasant resort with the excellent Watersedge Beach Cafe and Woodvale Inn, as well as the popular Gurnard Sailing Club.

Whilst the beach is predominantly pebbles, it is a great vantage point and a particularly good location to watch the liners and large ships entering and leaving Southampton Water. You can view cruise liner arrival and departure schedules here: http://cruisesouthampton.com/cruises.

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Wildlife of the River Medina .................................................

The Medina Estuary is a great place for wildlife. Its tidal waters, saltmarsh and mudflats are home to a wide range of plants and animals that are specially adapted to living in the challenging conditions.

River Medina

IW Estuaries Project

Saltmarshes are essential to the estuary’s ecosystem. They contain rare and vulnerable plants and provide nutrients for invertebrates that are food for waterbirds. They are important resting and feeding sites throughout the tidal cycle from late October to early March and a safe haven for young birds in summer. Saltmarshes help to reduce bank erosion by absorbing boat wash but are very vulnerable to trampling and sea level rise.

Intertidal mud contains huge numbers of worms and snails that support the birds that spend the winter in the estuary. When the mud is underwater the birds retreat to roost on the saltmarsh or sometimes the pontoons in Cowes fairway. Wading birds like dunlins, oystercatchers and lapwings can often be seen on pontoons at High Water and the buoys, navigation markers and piles provide a convenient resting spot for cormorants and terns in the summer.

Code of conduct

C WES HARBOUR

COMMISSION

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Finding a Balance

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One of the big challenges of estuary management is to ensure a balance between the quality of the natural and historic environment and its use for our activities. Sometimes this balance can only be achieved by adapting our activities and undertaking proactive work to support natural habitats.

Cowes Harbour Commission is a key partner in the Isle of Wight Estuaries Project and through this partnership will be working with a wide range of interests around the Medina Estuary. There are lots of exciting projects planned for 2014, which aim to support and enhance the estuary’s important habitats and wildlife. These include habitat management and improvements to access and interpretation along the eastern bank of the estuary.

Recreational activity, development and natural change, such as sea level rise and increased flooding can often cause pressure on the estuary, but by taking an active role in adaptation the impact can be minimised in a sustainable way. Cowes Harbour Commission has supported the Isle of Wight Estuaries Project for over 14 years and is keen to ensure that the Medina Estuary continues to be an attractive and vibrant place to live and visit.

The Isle of Wight Estuaries Project is a partnership between Cowes Harbour Commission, Environment Agency, Isle of Wight Council, Natural England and Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners.

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Below are a few of the species of birds you might see on the Medina Estuary: Lapwing Black and white plumage shows green in bright sunlight. Has an impressive crest.

Oystercatcher Black and white wader. Bright orange legs and bill. Distinctive single note call when in flight.

Curlew White-rumped brown wader with long, down-curved bill.

Little egret An all white member of the heron family with bright yellow feet that feeds along the water’s edge at all states of the tide.

Sandwich tern Elegant summer visitor. Feeds by diving in search of fish.

Wigeon Dabbling duck feeds on water’s surface.

Smaller and more slender than a mallard.

Brent goose Compact, black and white goose. Feeds on green algae. Has an evocative call.

Dunlin Small wader. Feeds in flocks at water’s edge; rests in closely-packed groups on pontoons.

Ringed plover Small wading bird with smart black and white head and breast. Feeds in groups often with the dunlin flock.

Bird illustrations by Alan Rowe at Potting Shed Cartoons.

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Set within the tranquil setting of Island Harbour is ‘The Breeze Restaurant & Bar’. Open daily, The Breeze is exclusively operated by the Marina and the perfect place to relax, whilst enjoying award winning wines & fresh locally sourced produce. A simply idyllic location for any event or occasion.

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Around the Isle of Wight ...........................................

The beach at Priory Bay Hotel

Cowes has been a magnet for yachtsmen for almost 200 years and is rightly famous for hosting many of the world’s most prestigious sailing events. But it is also a gateway to an Island that is breathtaking in its beauty, fascinating for its history and beloved by many as a destination for holidays, short breaks, and day trips.

You could start to explore the Island from Cowes Harbour itself by venturing up the River Medina (under your own steam or by water taxi) towards the county town of Newport, which sits at the centre of the Isle of Wight and is the retail and commercial heart of the Island. From Newport, you are within easy striking distance of Ryde, Freshwater, Sandown, Shanklin, and Ventnor. These towns are all close to the coast, but you will also pass numerous villages and hamlets, like the famous thatched village of Godshill, which can provide the perfect starting point for a walk, especially if it ends up at one of the Island’s many characterful pubs or tea rooms.

There is a surprising number of high quality places to stay across the Island if you venture out of Cowes. The Priory Bay Hotel in Seaview is a yearround favourite with anyone who enjoys the comfort of a classic country house hotel, one which also happens to have its own private beach. Also on the eastern coast of the Isle of Wight, sits the Seaview Hotel. Whilst the

The George Hotel, in the picturesque town of Yarmouth

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An Island escape that’s just an hour from London. Relax & unwind with a stylish, seasonal break at one of the Isle of Wight’s top hotels.

For great deals visit: isleofwight.co.uk/offers Priory Bay sits in its own estate, this hotel is nestled into the centre of the ever-popular village of Seaview, but with a similar reputation for service and style. Other recommended places to stay include The George Hotel in the ancient port of Yarmouth, which is situated in the West Wight and is the perfect base for exploring this naturally magnificent part of the Island.

At the southern tip of the Isle of Wight is the Victorian town of Ventnor, made fashionable by its most famous visitor Queen Victoria, who would stay at The Royal Hotel. It is still one of the finest local hotels and these days has been joined by other boutique establishments in the town such

The Seaview Hotel, sits beside the beach at Seaview

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The Royal Hotel, one of the oldest hotels on the Island

as Hillside, remarkable for combining an 18th century thatched exterior with a very contemporary Scandinavian interior. Find more places to stay, as well as the latest deals, at www.isleofwight.co.uk/offers.

The Isle of Wight is shaped like a diamond and has 57 miles of coastline to explore. Each section of the coast is very different in character; from river estuaries such as Bembridge, Newtown and Yarmouth to soaring cliffs that dominate both ends of the Isle of Wight at Culver and Freshwater. There are secluded coves, perfect for rock pooling and beautiful beaches for swimming and sunbathing in the summer. You can find a comprehensive guide to the Island’s beaches online at www.isleofwight.co.uk/beaches.

If you are not using your car, then a regular bus service runs from Cowes and East Cowes and enables you to travel to enjoy the Isle of Wight’s attractions, countryside, and coastline. You can also explore the Isle of Wight with Island Line’s unique electric trains, which offer a convenient way of travelling between Ryde and Shanklin, calling at Brading, Sandown, and Lake. The trains are in fact 1930’s London Underground tube trains which still offer a reliable service, 80 years after they were first introduced

The Hillside, Ventnor, boasts a fabulous restaurant and bistro

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in the capital! The Island Line service even connects with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway at Smallbrook Junction. Read more about getting around the Isle of Wight here: www.isleofwight.co.uk/travel.

The Isle of Wight has a long established reputation for having more visitor attractions per square mile than anywhere else in the UK and you’ll find yourself running out of time before you run out of things to do!

Visitor attractions range from the castles at Yarmouth and Carisbrooke to the lighthouse at St Catherine’s; from the famous Blackgang Chine and Needles Park, to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Brading Roman Villa, and the Isle of Wight Zoo at Sandown. Find out what the Island has to offer at www.isleofwight.co.uk/attractions.

Within an area of just 147 square miles the Isle of Wight has over 500 miles of coastal path, bridleways and cycle tracks, which are superb for those looking for a more adventurous holiday. Over half of the Isle of Wight is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and there are almost 30 miles of ‘Heritage Coast’, a designation applied to coastlines of only the highest quality in England and Wales.

The diversity of this unspoilt landscape makes walking a real pleasure with more miles of footpaths and bridleways than roads! Discover the panoramic views from high up on the Downs, much of which are now Rick Tomlinson cared for by the National Trust, the tranquility of ancient woodlands, the pretty farms and villages nestling in valleys and the many miles of stunning, unspoilt coastline. It’s here on the Isle of Wight that the world’s first festival devoted entirely to walking was held and which takes place in 2014 from 3-18 May. Over 200 miles of bridleways, cycleways and byways are accessible to cyclists, with some routes suitable for novice riders and family groups, whilst others are longer and more challenging. You can hire a bicycle in the centre of Cowes and access the cycle path to Newport, for example, from Arctic Road. See the pull out map of Cowes and the River Medina at the back of the Handbook for other cycle routes. The full 62 mile round the Island cycle route is a great way to experience the variety and diversity of the Isle of Wight, from high chalk cliffs to wooded estuaries.

The well-signed route uses mostly quieter roads and can be completed in a day. Follow the white bicycle for the clockwise route or the blue bicycle for the anti-clockwise route.

For more information about the Isle of Wight visit www.isleofwight.co.uk.

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Fleets of Cowes ............................

X One Designs

Rick Tomlinson

Cowes hosts six main small keelboat fleets that race regularly during the season. Racing in the Solent is always interesting as no two races are ever the same. The unique tide and wind patterns combined with the numerous courses, which the race committees from the five Cowes yacht clubs set, conspire to produce some excellent racing.

X One Design

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The X One Design (XOD) was designed by Alfred Westmacott on the Isle of Wight and first raced on Southampton Water in 1911.

Today, the X One Design Class is thriving with more than 140 boats of all ages competing on equal terms. Including the Cowes division, there are six active divisions around the Solent between Chichester Harbour in the east and Poole Harbour in the west.

X

The XOD fleet has attracted many experienced helms and crew and the standard of sailing at the front of the fleets is undoubtedly high. Whenever you sail you can be sure of good competition. Boats are equal, turnouts are good and races are keenly contested throughout the fleet.

The Cowes Division is continuing to grow and turns out in good numbers all through the season. Easily the largest class in Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week they are an enduring, popular and relatively inexpensive racing boat. www.xonedesign.org.uk. Class Captain, Mike Till.

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Darings

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Based on the Olympic 5.5s of the late 1950s, the Daring was launched in 1961 built in cutting edge GRP. They are still the most popular one design yachts enjoying excellent racing out Peter Mumford - Beken of Cowes. The Daring is a robust yacht and gear failures or breakages are rare. However, Lallow’s of Cowes hold spares and a damaged Daring on Saturday will be seen racing in the fleet the next day having been repaired overnight if necessary!

The Daring’s special one design rules allow the Class to continuously improve the sail and rigging plan by adopting the latest designs and high quality materials.

This attractive yacht offers competitive yet affordable racing in a unique and challenging environment. For those who want to know that every time they set sail they are pitting their wits against those of the next crew and not their boat, the Daring provides the ideal solution. www.daring.org.uk Daring Class Captain, David Gower.

Dragons

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Cowes is home to a small but thriving Dragon fleet. Originally designed as a small cruiser-racer by Norwegian Johan Anker in 1929, the Dragon was an Olympic Class from 1948 to 1972, and is a fast, rewarding, and exciting boat for her three/four person crew. The Dragon is the largest one design keelboat fleet in Jonathon Hoare the world with fleets in 26 countries worldwide, and has a comprehensive international regatta circuit which allows year-round racing.

The Duke of Edinburgh famously owned a Dragon called Bluebottle (presented by the Island Sailing Club) in which he was a regular participant in Cowes Week. The design has always attracted a passionate, illustrious audience. Although an historic class, the governing body has overseen a gradual modernisation and Dragons are now being built using modern materials and methods. www.solent-dragons.org Class Captain, Owen Pay. COWES.co.uk

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Flying Fifteens

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The Flying Fifteen came off the drawing board of legendary designer and well-known Cowes sailing personality Uffa Fox in 1947.

ff

Flying Fifteens are an exciting two person racing keelboat with the characteristics of a dinghy.

The boat planes (you get wet), it’s exhilarating, small enough to trail to open meetings, there is competitive fleet sailing, it involves a great bunch of people young and old, and you have fun on the water and ashore.

Rick Tomlinson

With over 4,000 Flying Fifteens built to date (a large proportion of these are still sailing somewhere in the world) you are buying into what really is the most popular small keelboat in the world. Flying Fifteens have long been associated with the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club, from which the Solent fleet is generally dry sailed. www.flying15.org.uk Class contact in Cowes, Andrew Millband.

Sonars

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Designed by Bruce Kirby, of Laser dinghy fame, the Sonar combines sparkling performance as well as high-level one-design competition with comfort and safety suitable for family and friends. This is Rick Tomlinson a keelboat that thinks it’s a dinghy when it comes to performance while offering the security and flexibility of a larger boat.

Sonars are crew-friendly, and can be raced competitively with three to five crew in all conditions. The Sonar has become the one design keelboat of choice for a growing list of sailing clubs worldwide; locally, the Island Sailing Club has a fleet of nine Sonars for hire.

The Sonar was adopted as a Paralympic class of yacht, partly because of the excellent cockpit layout, and Cowes sailor Andy Cassell won gold in a Sonar at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Sonars are built here on the Isle of Wight. www.sonar.org Cowes Fleet Captain and Class builder, Duncan Bates.

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Etchells

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For over 30 years the International Etchells Fleet has been the world’s leading international one design keelboat outside of the Olympic classes.

Family teams, young talent, sailing greats and Saturday afternoon club sailors all Rick Tomlinson enjoy racing in Etchells.

Thirty feet of pure sailing machine, the boat planes downwind when it’s windy and slips along in the light.

The Etchells is an exciting, friendly class to join with some of the most competitive racing available. Etchells are trailerable, easy to maintain and light enough to dry sail. The reward is a modern racing machine with the very best performance. The boats are mainly sailed from Shepards Wharf Marina and Cowes Yacht Haven.

Peter Mumford - Beken of Cowes

New for 2014, the inaugural International Etchells Invitational Cup in Cowes, from 26-31 July promises to be a truly exciting event with teams from around the world competing for the 140-year-old Gertrude Cup. www.etchellsukfleet.co.uk Cowes Fleet Captain, David Franks.

COWES.co.uk - First for everything “Cowes” Target the sailing and boating audience Call 01983 200336 to advertise COWES.co.uk

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Cowes Yacht Clubs .................................

Paintings courtesy of Hilary Thorpe.

Sailing and racing are words that are synonymous with Cowes and this reputation is largely based on the activities of the various sailing and yacht clubs that have bases in Cowes and East Cowes.

Royal Yacht Squadron

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Founded in 1815, the Royal Yacht Squadron is one of the oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs in the world. The qualification entitling a gentleman to become a member was the ownership of a vessel not under 10 tons! Today, this is interpreted as a gentleman “actively interested in yachting”.

The clubhouse is the iconic Cowes Castle building at the westward end of The Parade near The Green, which was built in 1539 as part of Henry VIII’s chain of coastal defences, protecting the Island from invasion. The Club has an active racing and cruising programme and hosts many yacht races from its famous start line on The Parade.

Royal Corinthian Yacht Club

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The Royal Corinthian Yacht Club (RCYC) was founded in 1872 at Erith on the River Thames. It subsequently moved to Burnhamon-Crouch and established a ‘southern’ branch in Cowes in 1948. Since 1992, the RCYC has owned the elegant clubhouse set in a unique setting and gardens off The Parade in Cowes.

Racing is run on a regular basis for a variety of classes including Darings, International Dragons, Etchells, Quarter Tonners, and X One Designs.

The Club continues to build its reputation for hospitality by hosting some of the best parties, as well as the most exciting regattas, and serving some of the best food and wine to be had in Cowes. The famous Royal Corinthian barbecue seems to run all summer and, while there is usually a throng of eaters and drinkers enjoying the view from the terrace across the Solent, there is always room for more.

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Royal London Yacht Club

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Perhaps the most exclusive of yacht clubs in Cowes, membership being limited to 500, the Royal London Yacht Club is housed in an elegant pair of Georgian houses on The Parade and its balcony has one of the best views across the Solent. The Club prides itself on its social events, providing members with excellent facilities, accommodation and catering, with the highlight being the Royal London Cowes Week Ball.

The Royal London has always held a prestigious place in Cowes yachting history. Its members have ranked among the most colourful personalities in the yachting scene, and the Club now hosts the increasingly popular Charles Stanley Cowes Classics Week for metre classes, dayboats and classic cruisers, running from 21 to 25 July 2014.

Island Sailing Club

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With over 2,300 members the Island Sailing Club is the largest club on the Isle of Wight and one of the biggest in the UK. It plays a leading role in the Cowes sailing season and is best known for organising the famous J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, taking place in 2014 on Saturday, 21 June.

The ISC Sonar Fleet is a professionally maintained fleet of nine boats, which are available for hire individually, or as a whole fleet. The ISC Tuesday Evening Series throughout the summer is always popular. The Club has its own landing pontoon immediately to the south of The Parade.

The Island’s finest places to stay isleofwight.co.uk/luxury COWES.co.uk

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Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club

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Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club is situated in Birmingham Road and just south of the harbour entrance.

It was founded in 1952 by the late “Tiny” Mitchell as a club for local sailors. It has evolved, largely through the voluntary labours of its members, to become a popular venue for both racing and cruising yachtsmen. It is the only club in Cowes that can provide marina berths and shoreside boat storage facilities to its members. It has an open, relaxed and very friendly atmosphere.

The Club is also home to Cowes Sailability Club whose aim is to provide activities afloat for people with disabilities.

Royal Thames Yacht Club

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Founded in 1775 as the Cumberland Fleet, the Royal Thames Yacht Club is the oldest continuously operating yacht club in the world offering unobtrusive excellence in every aspect of Club life. The Royal Thames Clubhouse is very conveniently located at 60 Knightsbridge, London, with views over Hyde Park from its fine dining restaurant. In Cowes, the Royal Thames operates primarily from the Royal London Yacht Club. The Royal Thames is involved in a wide range of yachting events catering for all types of yachtsmen and women and all those interested in the sea.

Royal Ocean Racing Club

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The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) was founded in 1925 in Plymouth following the first Fastnet Race. With over 3,300 members around the world, the RORC is one of the largest offshore racing clubs and is a national authority for the measurement and rating of offshore yachts.

Based in the heart of London, RORC members enjoy elegant accommodation and hospitality at the clubhouse in St James’s Place, while the RORC also retains an office at the Disrespect in the High Street, Cowes.

The RORC will run a full season of inshore regattas and cross-Channel offshore races, many beginning in Cowes and to destinations including Guernsey and St Malo. 2014 also sees the 1,802nm non-stop Sevenstar Round Britain & Ireland Race, leaving Cowes on Sunday, 10 August.

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S OLENT & W IGHTLINE C RUISES The Island’s Leisure Line

Fast Cross Solent Transport For Your Group at a Time to Suit You Hire & Charter For Press & Hospitality Wedding Receptions & Evening Cruises Tel: 01983 564602 www.solentcruises.co.uk

East Cowes Sailing Club

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East Cowes Sailing Club (ECSC) has a mainly local membership and is located off Clarence Road, East Cowes, near the Victoria Tavern Pub. The Club runs the popular Thursday evening racing throughout the season, using a start/finish line off the Shrape and also the well-established ‘Sail The Wight’ charity race/cruise, raising money in aid of charity.

Membership and storage fees are very competitive and the Club caters for a wide range of boating activities. ECSC occupies river frontage with storage sheds, yard and clubhouse. On the water, the Club’s facilities include a number of small boat moorings, a walk-ashore pontoon with finger berths for resident boats and a deep water visitors’ berth. The Club also has a dinghy park on East Cowes Esplanade.

Gurnard Sailing Club

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Gurnard Sailing Club lies on the shores of Gurnard Bay, a mile or so west of Cowes. The Club was formed in 1931 and is the Island’s premier dinghy club. It has excellent clubhouse facilities, a full sailing, social and training calendar, and hosts the popular Cowes Dinghy Week.

The racing area is set either within Gurnard Bay for the smaller dinghies or the exciting waters of the western Solent for fast reaching and Olympic courses. The tides are strong and provide challenging conditions which makes for first-class sailing.

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Yacht Racing ........................

Cowes is one of the most visited ports on the south coast of England and hosts an unrivalled number of yacht races and regattas every year. Cowes has an unsurpassed heritage in racing yachts and indeed the world’s most famous yacht race, the America’s Cup, was first raced from Cowes around the Isle of Wight in 1851.

Hamo Thornycroft

Since that time, yacht racing of all types has become a popular pastime as well as a high-tech professional sport that embraces many thousands of participants in many hundreds (sometimes thousands) of boats. Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is the highlight of the British yacht racing calendar and the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race is one of the largest participatory events in the world.

Organising Clubs

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Cowes has many famous yacht clubs and alongside their busy social calendars is a packed schedule of activities and racing events. The ‘organising club’ will determine the sailing instructions for a race as well as setting the course and calculating any handicapping that might be involved for a multi-class race. They will also undertake to start the races, either at one of the several start lines in Cowes, or using a ‘committee boat’ start. The host club will issue the provisional results; these may be subjected to a protest before final results are issued.

Racing Rules

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A proper understanding of the racing rules is crucial to success on the water! The Racing Rules of Sailing govern the sport on the water and are revised every four years by the International Sailing Federation following the Olympic Games. The latest version (2013 - 2016) came into effect on 1 January 2013.

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Race Start Lines

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The start line for ‘round-the-cans’ (around the buoys) races is usually from one of the shore lines depicted in the diagram below. An inner distance mark may also be laid clear of the fairway and breakwater ‘Construction Zone’ for the duration of the start sequence, subject to the prior approval of Cowes Harbour Commission. Always check with the organising club or the sailing instructions for full details regarding shore line or Precautionary committee boat starts.Area Prince Consort (ABP Southampton)

Trinity House Mooring Buoy

Outer Fairway

X Snowden No.2

Moorings

No.1

C2

es

Inn

Wir chor

X

ay

irw

Fa

RLYC/RTYC Racing Start Line

er

RCYC/CCYC Racing Start Line

An

Ve (

X RCYC

X

RYS Racing Start Line

West Cowes

Small Craft Moorings

nel

han

aft C

Cr mall

S

X

Small Craft Moorings

No.4

ISC Racing Start Line

Not to b

Full details on the 2014 Breakwater Construction Programme are on pages 20-23.

Racing Courses

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The Solent offers challenging conditions for all types of yacht, so race organisers usually set courses a short time before the start and may sometimes even alter the course before or during a race to reflect changes in wind direction.

Smaller boats will race shorter courses round the cans, while larger yachts may sail as far west as The Needles and east towards Portsmouth.

Sometimes committee boat starts are used in and around the central Solent. The Cowes Keelboat Solent Series is run with shore line starts using the Cowes clubs’ start lines, whilst the Cowes Keelboat Championship uses committee boat starts. Races often allow for two or three circuits of the course, allowing boats to experience a variety of conditions and to enable organisers to shorten the course if conditions deteriorate.

See the pull out ‘Buoy Racer’ chart inside the back cover of this Handbook for the 2014 Solent buoy positions.

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Racing Signals

....................

Jonathan Hoare

Flags are the primary means of communication between organisers and participating yachts and are used to signal messages to boats racing, often with accompanying sound signals. The flag is always the primary system; if the sound signal fails it is disregarded. The organiser will fly a series of flags from the club’s signal mast denoting the start time of the race, as well as confirming the course and other relevant information.

When a flag signal is shown over a class flag, the signal applies only to that class. Racing yachts will often fly a class flag or pennant from the backstay in place of the usual, red, blue or white Ensign. Class flags are often taken from the established signal flags although there are some variants.

Flag Signals

.................

Here is a quick introduction to the flag signals used for racing. The flags illustrated are the ones you are most likely to see hoisted and lowered from shore line flagpoles when Cowes clubs are running yacht races.

The first flag up a flagpole will be the class flag and can be any number of different types of flag, depending on the fleet of boats racing. It’s flown 5 minutes before the race fleet’s start.

Flag P, the preparatory flag, is flown 4 minutes before the race fleet’s start.

Flag I. A boat over the line in the minute before the start must sail to the pre-start side of the line around either end before starting the race.

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Flag Z. A boat within the triangle formed by the ends of the start line and the first mark in the minute before the race start gets a 20% scoring penalty.

The Black flag. A boat within the triangle formed by the ends of the start line and the first mark in the minute before the start will be disqualified.

COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015

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This is the AP flag (Answering Pennant) which means that races not started are postponed.

The AP flag flown over the H flag means that races not yet started are postponed. More information ashore.

The AP flag over the A flag means that races not yet started are postponed. No more racing today.

The AP flag over a numeral pennant 1-6 means that races are postponed by 1-6 hours from the scheduled starting time.

Flag S is used when a race course has been shortened.

When flag C is displayed at a rounding mark, it means that the position of the next mark has been changed.

Flag L. Flown ashore, means a notice to competitors has been posted. Flown afloat, means come within hail or follow this boat.

Flag N means that all races that have started are abandoned and competitors must return to the starting area.

The N flag over the H flag means all races are abandoned. More information ashore.

The N flag over the A flag means all races are abandoned. No more racing today.

Flag X. Used for individual recalls when a few boats have crossed the start line too soon. Those boats have to turn back and start again.

First Substitute flag.

Used at the start of races for general recalls when lots of boats have started early. The whole fleet will have to re-start the race again.

Flag Y is flown to tell competitors that they must wear personal buoyancy (lifejackets).

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Types of Yachting ...............................

The variety of modern and classic yachts is vast, but can be broken down into some basic categories.

Rick Tomlinson

Small Keelboats

......................

Cowes is home to several small keelboat classes including Darings, Dragons, Etchells, Sonars, X One Designs, Flying Fifteens, and J80s. See also the ‘Fleets of Cowes’ section on page 76-79 for more information.

Dinghies

............

Dinghies are distinguished from other boats by their relatively small size, lack of a fixed keel to keep them upright and they are invariably launched for the race and then taken out of the water. Dinghies are wet to race, with the crew sometimes ducked Hamo Thornycroft in the water, or capsizing.

Some dinghies boast trapezes, enabling the crew to ‘hike out’ using their weight to keep the boat upright. Just west of Cowes is Gurnard Sailing Club which runs the popular Cowes Dinghy Week, taking place this year from 26-30 July.

Cruisers

...........

Cruisers are given a rating based upon boat and sail measurements in order to allow competitive racing. Crew sizes will vary according to conditions, but typically have a skipper, navigator and four or five ‘grinders’ tending the winches, sails and sheets. Cruisers vary in length considerably, but most will generally be between 20 and 40 feet.

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Ocean Racers

...................

In the context of Cowes, this refers mainly to boats designed for sailing in open seas and usually features larger yachts of 40 foot and over. Cowes regularly hosts events like the Swan European Regatta and the famous Rolex Fastnet Race. A crew of more than 12 is not unusual for ocean racers and reflects the demands of bigger sails and the need to maintain watches throughout the night on longer events.

Hamo Thornycroft

And finally, there are yachts that don’t fit easily into any category. This includes one-off high-tech speed yachts, Superyachts, and even the J Class boats of America’s Cup fame. Using a handicap system, all can be raced competitively, and the 2014 events line-up for Cowes includes a selection of fantastic visual spectacles.

For more information about events in Cowes, see the ‘Events Diary’ on pages 94-101 and the ‘Events Calendar’ on pages 102-111.

Beken of Cowes

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Motorboats ........................

Cowes is an increasingly popular destination for motorboats and RIBs, which are welcomed all year round. The harbour is very accommodating with good mooring facilities available for all types of craft, together with ample fuel provisions.

Rick Tomlinson

Skippers of motorboats should be particularly aware of manoeuvrability issues in close quarters and the importance of not creating excessive wash.

You might well be interested in exploring up the Medina River to visit the Folly Inn or perhaps as far as Newport Quay, so please take time to read the relevant sections of the Handbook to make sure you have an enjoyable and safe trip.

RIBs are a very popular way to get around Cowes and at major events like Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week and the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, the Town Quay is temporarily transformed into ‘RIB city’.

A ‘must do’ event for the motorboat enthusiast is the Cowes – Torquay – Cowes offshore powerboat race on Sunday, 31 August. The fleet will

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Hamo Thornycroft

assemble at the Royal Yacht Squadron’s Jubilee Haven on Saturday, 30 August. The public are welcome to watch from The Parade as the crews complete their last minute preparations. If the roar of big block engines is something that gets your blood pumping, make sure you take the time to visit Cowes and watch the action!

Visitors on jet skis are also welcome and Cowes offers convenient moorings at the Town Quay with trailer ramps on The Parade and in East Cowes. If you are operating a jet ski you must observe the speed limits, remain within the main navigable fairway, keep clear of all areas where vessels are moored and be additionally aware of your size and visibility in relation to other vessels, especially the regular ferry and Red Jet services.

Rick Tomlinson

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A very British race ................................

Helen Fretter explains why the America’s Cup belongs back in Cowes.

The autumn of 2013 had sailors around the world glued to the television watching the 34th America’s Cup out in San Francisco. As Oracle Team USA battled it out against Emirates Team New Zealand, flying high around San Francisco Bay on 72ft wing-sailed catamarans, it seemed a very long way away from the sailing most Solent yachtsmen and women enjoy.

But the America’s Cup, deep down at heart, is a Solent event. More than that, it’s a Cowes event. And we’d quite like it back, please.

© ACEA / Photo Gilles Martin-Raget

The ‘Auld Mug’ has always been an outrageous contest of ego and expenditure, and its origins were no different. The challenge was designed to find the fastest yacht of all time – America was commissioned by the New York Yacht Club on the basis that if the yacht was beaten by any other US boat, the club did not have to take delivery (nor, presumably, pay).

To determine whether America was also faster than any British design, a race was held around the Isle of Wight on 22 August, 1851. Fourteen yachts set off from the Royal Yacht Squadron – the first challenge was to actually get moving, as the race began with all boats anchored and sails down. The fleet set off eastwards, with instructions for all yachts to sail outside of the Nab Lighthouse – now the site of the Nab Tower – to avoid ledges nearby. However, America had other ideas, and took a short-cut inside the point, moving up from fifth to first. Despite protestations of cheating America was deemed the winner.

Amongst those watching the spectacle was Queen Victoria, having left her East Cowes residence to view the finish line (and possibly to escape the royal builders, as the main wing of Osborne House was only completed that year). As America took the gun she famously asked an aide who was second, only to be told: “Your Majesty, there is no second.”

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Sadly second is the closest a British boat has ever got. Britain has challenged many times, but never once wrested the Cup from the Americans. That feat has still only ever been achieved by three nations in 163 years: Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland.

Ian Roman

Might the 35th America’s Cup be the one to change that? It was of course a Solent yachtsman, Sir Ben Ainslie, who directed Oracle Team USA to victory in San Francisco last summer. If the America’s Cup were ever to be held around the Isle of Wight again, he would be the first person to call, having set a new course record in the 2013 J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race by blasting around in under three hours (some eight hours faster than America all those years ago).

Mr J.P. Morgan himself won the Cup twice, when Columbia defeated British tea mogul Sir Thomas Lipton’s Shamrock yachts in 1899 and 1901, and today the American finance house sponsors Sir Ben. Can Ainslie raise the funds to create a winning British challenger? We’ll all be watching developments closely throughout 2014. But if Ben can win the America’s Cup back from San Francisco to the Solent it won’t be tea we’ll be drinking.

By Helen Fretter, Deputy Editor at Yachts & Yachting Magazine; freelance journalist and editor at True Angle Editorial.

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Cowes Events Diary ..................................

2014 is set be yet another vintage year for Cowes. Many of the yachting and powerboating events represent the pinnacle of their sport whilst others provide a showcase for the best of club racing, rallies, and regattas.

Here follow some of the highlights of the 2014 season. See also our comprehensive Events Calendar on pages 102-111.

For the latest news on Cowes events see www.COWES.co.uk/events.

Rick Tomlinson

JOG Offshore Championship 2014 March to October JOG (Junior Offshore Group) run a highly competitive inshore and offshore series. Inshore or coastal races tend to be around marks in or near the Solent, finishing in a nearby port, whilst the offshore series are races intended to be completed in a weekend, including any return voyage and usually take competitors across the Channel to Normandy or the Channel Islands. Most JOG races start from the club’s fixed start line between JOG’s starting box just off Egypt Point, Cowes and the Gurnard buoy. www.jog.org.uk Island Sailing Club Evening Race Series April to September The Evening Race Series starts on 22 April and continues every Tuesday night, except during Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, until the end of August. Following the last race of the series is the famous ‘Bang and Go Back Race’, a fun race taking place on 2 September, to which all entrants are welcome.

The series of 18 races is organised and run by a dedicated team of race officers, each offering their own interesting courses, and using racing marks off Cowes. www.islandsc.org.uk 96

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RORC Easter Challenge Friday, 18 to Sunday, 20 April The first Solent-based event in the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s calendar, the RORC Easter Challenge is designed as a training weekend for those keen to improve their overall performance. Entries included teams from the Solent, East Coast and West Country, as well as from France, Ireland, and South Africa. RORC relax the rules on outside assistance and invite coaching guru, Jim Saltonstall and a team of expert coaches to actively participate and provide helpful tips to improve sail trim and boat handling whilst the boats are racing. www.rorc.org Warm Up Regatta Sunday, 20 to Monday, 21 April The Royal London Yacht Club will be running the traditional Warm Up Regatta for Cowes Classes over the Easter weekend. All Cowes Classes Daring, Dragon, Etchells, RS Elites and XODs are invited to participate in this shoreline event with two races on each day. www.rlyc.org.uk

The small keelboat classes are, for many people, the heart of Solent racing and include the Darings, Dragons, Etchells, Flying 15s, Sonars, and X One Designs. The Cowes Keelboat Solent Series comprises 14 weekends of round-the-cans races with shore line starts using the Cowes clubs’ start lines. The Cowes Keelboat Championship runs over six weekends and uses committee boat starts.

Sir Max Aitken

Museum

The Prospect, 83 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight Tel: 01983 293800 sirmaxaitkenmuseum@gmail.com www.sirmaxaitkenmuseum.org

Visit this remarkable museum for a unique insight into the life of Sir Max Aitken Bt, DSO, DFC, a well known yachtsman who successfully represented Great Britain in many offshore events.

This beautifully restored 18th century sail makers’ loft houses a collection nautical instruments, furnishings.

Admission: May - September 10am - 4pm FREE OF CHARGE Available for hire throughout the year for guided tours, dinners, parties and now licensed for wedding ceremonies.

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X Yachts Solent Cup Friday, 2 to Sunday, 4 May The Royal Yacht Squadron are to welcome the X Yachts to Cowes for the 2014 Solent Cup, an event for all X-Yachts owners, crew, family and friends. There will be three separate classes, IRC Sports A, IRC Sports B, and a Family White Sails Class run under the X-Yachts Rating System. www.rys.org.uk Vice Admiral’s Cup Friday, 9 to Sunday, 11 May Since it’s introduction the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club’s annual Vice Admiral’s Cup regatta has gone from strength to strength with its simple close racing format and fun social programme making it enjoyable for the competitors. This year there will be eight classes. For the first time the Half Ton Classics fleet will be joining the event, which are enjoying a popular resurgence of interest and are expected to compete alongside their smaller sisters the Quarter Tonners. www.rcyc.co.uk IRC National Championships Friday, 13 to Sunday 15 June The first ever RORC IRC National Championship took place in 2002 and since then, all over the world, national championships using the RORC IRC rating system have been established. The RORC IRC National Championship has always taken place in the UK, but it is an open event to all and considered to be arguably the most competitive IRC championship in the world. www.rorc.org

Paul Wyeth

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J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race Saturday, 21 June

Peter Mumford - Beken of Cowes

The annual J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, organised by the Island Sailing Club, is a one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight. The race regularly attracts over 1,700 boats and around 16,000 sailors, making it one of the largest yacht races in the world and the fourth largest participation sporting event in the UK after the London Marathon and the Great North and South Runs.

Competitors come from all over the UK, other parts of Europe and as far away as the USA to follow the 50 nautical mile course round the Isle of Wight. Starting on the famous Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes, the fleet races west-about, to The Needles, round St Catherine’s Point and Bembridge Ledge buoy, and back into the Solent to the finish line at Cowes. Spectators can find many vantage points, both on the mainland and Isle of Wight, to watch the race progress. The first start in Cowes is at 0630 on 21 June.

The race is a great opportunity to watch world-renowned sailors racing against families and first time racers. Although the majority of the fleet will take many hours to complete the race, the course records stand at 3h 43m 50s for a monohull boat, set by Mike Slade on ICAP Leopard in 2013, and 2h 52m 15s for a multihull boat, set by Sir Ben Ainslie on J.P. Morgan BAR also in 2013. www.roundtheisland.org.uk

Peter Mumford - Beken of Cowes

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Sail the Wight Saturday, 12 July Sail the Wight is an annual event organised by East Cowes Sailing Club in conjunction with the Westerly Owners Association, raising money this year for Age UK Isle Of Wight. The first start is at 0800 going east-about the Island. www.sailthewight.org.uk Panerai British Classic Week Saturday, 12 to Saturday, 19 July Now in its 11th year, the annual Regatta of the British Classic Yacht Club not only attracts entries from these shores but also regularly from Europe and occasionally from Canada. The regatta is perfect for classic boat enthusiasts to enjoy some fantastic racing and to get together with like-minded individuals with the same appreciation of owning a classic boat. The regatta, which is part of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, has been held every year since the America’s Cup Jubilee was held in Cowes in 2001.

Jonathan Hoare

Racing in the 2014 regatta starts on Sunday, 13 July, with the Classic Around the Island Race taking place on Monday, 14 July, following the original clockwise course of the first America’s Cup. The racing, which is now being organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron, will be demanding and competitive but will still retain that Corinthian spirit synonymous with classic boat racing. www.britishclassicyachtclub.org Brewin Dolphin Commodores’ Cup Saturday, 19 to Saturday, 26 July International three-boat teams battle it out in this leading amateur regatta with a reputation for competitive offshore and inshore racing in the Solent and lively onshore hospitality. The event welcomes teams from around the world as well as a strong representation from Europe and regional UK teams. www.commodorescup.rorc.org 100 COWES.co.uk

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Charles Stanley Cowes Classics Week Monday, 21 to Friday, 25 July Cowes Classics Week is Corinthian racing at its best - no other event in the world offers such a wide ranging gathering of racing classics, from keelboats to day boats and cruisers. The high standard of racing has made Cowes Classics Week the fastest growing event in the country.

Cowes Classics Week is for, all metre boats, Classic racing dayboats, one designs, and Old Gaffers. www.cowesclassicsweek.org Cowes Dinghy Week Saturday, 26 to Wednesday, 30 July The first Cowes Dinghy Week race will start at 1130 on Saturday and there will be racing for individual classes and handicap fleets. Racing will take place in Thorness and Gurnard Bays. www.gurnardsc.org.uk International Etchells Invitational Cup Saturday, 26 to Thursday, 31 July A new, exciting one design keelboat sailing event will take place in Cowes this summer. Hosted by the Royal Thames and the Royal London Yacht Clubs, teams from around the world will be sailing to win the International Etchells Invitational Regatta. Yacht clubs from as far afield as Malta, the USA, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand will be attending. Amongst the skippers there is a previous America’s Cup winning helmsman, three past Etchells World Champions, various Olympians, and two female skippers. www.royalthames.com

21-25 July 2014 Organised by:

The Royal London Yacht Club

www.charles-stanley.co.uk

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Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week Saturday, 2 to Saturday, 9 August Since 1826 Cowes Week has played a key part in the British sporting summer calendar and is one of the UK’s longest running and most successful sporting events. It now stages up to 40 daily races for around 1,000 boats and is the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world.

Hamo Thornycroft

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, as the event is now known, offers a great mix of competitive sailing and social activities. The 8,500 competitors range from Olympic and world class professionals to weekend sailors. In excess of 100,000 spectators come to watch the sailing, enjoy the parties and live entertainment, and to experience the unique atmosphere. It is genuinely a one-of-a-kind event!

One of the great things about Cowes Week is that spectators can watch much of the racing from the shore. The Green and The Parade are excellent places to view the action and spectators also now have a number of fantastic opportunities to go afloat.

Whether you are a competitor at the regatta, are interested in watching the racing, or simply want to be involved in the festival atmosphere of the event, there are loads of things to see and do. For full information visit www.aamcowesweek.co.uk.

Paul Wyeth

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Sunday, 10 August This 1,802 nautical mile non-stop race starts from Cowes on 10 August right after Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week. Sevenstar sponsored the race in 2006 and 2010 when 30 yachts from nine different nations competed in a thrilling and world record breaking event. Three records were broken in what was a very memorable race, highlighted by the monohull record set by Franck Cammas’ French team aboard the Volvo 70 Groupama. Completing the course in 5 days 21hrs 2mins and 55 seconds, the team broke Dee Caffari’s 2009 record on Aviva by over half a day.

Jonny Malbon’s IMOCA 60, Artemis Ocean Racing set a new course record in the last race for an IMOCA 60 (6 days 10:32:27) and was also declared the overall winner under IRC. www.roundbritainandireland.rorc.org 18’ Skiffs National Championships Saturday, 23 to Monday, 25 August Following the spectacle provided by two 18’ Skiffs exhibition racing off The Green during Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week last year, the Royal London YC welcomes the fleet back to Cowes, over the August Bank Holiday weekend, for the British National Championship. www.rlyc.org.uk Cowes Classic Powerboat Race Sunday, 31 August

Hamo Thornycroft

The Cowes Classic Powerboat Race is s on Sunday, 31 August this year.

The 200-mile classic is one of powerboating’s toughest challenges, and comparisons have been made with motorsport events such as Le Mans and the Indy 500. Around 20 boats are expected to be in the line-up, if the conditions are calm like last year, the winner could complete the course in under three hours. www.cowestorquaycowes.co.uk Little Britain Challenge Cup Thursday, 4 to Sunday, 7 September The Little Britain Challenge Cup is the biggest European sailing regatta for the property and construction industry. Organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron, there will be three days of racing in the Solent, with the event again raising money for sailing-related charities. www.littlebritain.co.uk ASTO Cowes Small Ships Regatta Saturday, 4 October The ASTO Small Ships Races are a youth event open to any sail training vessels of which at least half the crew is under 25. The ‘round-the-cans’ Small Ships Race takes place on the first weekend in October every year out of Cowes. This short event is extremely popular in the sail training world, with 29 boats and 355 people taking part last year. www.asto.org.uk COWES.co.uk 103

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Cowes Events Calendar .........................................

Rick Tomlinson

ASSF: Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation BCYC: British Classic Yacht Club BPRC: British Powerboat Racing Club Brit Ev: Britannia Events CCYC: Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club COPC: Classic Offshore Powerboat Club CWL: Cowes Week Limited CYH: Cowes Yacht Haven ECSC: East Cowes Sailing Club

GSC: Gurnard Sailing Club ISC: Island Sailing Club JOG: Junior Offshore Group RCYC: Royal Corinthian Yacht Club RLYC: Royal London Yacht Club RORC: Royal Ocean Racing Club RTYC: Royal Thames Yacht Club RYS: Royal Yacht Squadron SORC: Solo Offshore Racing Club

CB: Committee boat start. SL: Shore line start.

Where no start time is indicated, check with the organising club.

Dates are correct at the time of going to print. For the most up-to-date information on events taking place in Cowes, please visit: COWES.co.uk/events.

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Date

Start

Event

Club

0830

Nab Tower (finish at Cowes)

APRIL 2014 Sat 5 Sat 5 - Sun 6

JOG

Etchells Spring Series 1

CCYC

Fri 11 - Sat 12

CB

Cannonball Trophy

RLYC

Sun 13

1000

ISC Spring Series 1

ISC

Thu 17

1830

Mass start & Ladies Series 1

Fri 18

0730

Cowes to Cherbourg

Fri 18 - Sun 20 Sat 19 - Sun 20

SL

ECSC JOG

RORC Easter Challenge

RORC

Warm Up Regatta & Daring Spring Challenge

RLYC

Sun 20

0730

Cherbourg to Cowes

Sun 20

1000

ISC Spring Series 2

ISC

Tue 22

1840

Evening Race Series starts

ISC

Thu 24

1840

Spring Series 1

ECSC

RIOW Solo (Round the Isle of Wight)

SORC

Sat 26 Sat 26 - Sun 27

1000

Sat 26 - Sun 27

JOG

ISC 2K Sonar Spring Team Racing Regatta Etchells Spring Series 2

ISC CCYC

Sat 26 - Sun 27

SL

Cowes Keelboat Solent Series

ISC

Sun 27

1000

ISC Spring Series 3

ISC

Sun 27

Red Funnel Cowes Food Show Food & Spring Flowers

Tue 29

1840

Evening Race Series 2

ISC

Wed 30

1800

IOW Business Sonar Evening Regatta

ISC

Peter Mumford - Beken of Cowes

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Peter Mumford - Beken of Cowes

MAY 2014 Thu 1

1840

Spring Series 2

ECSC

Fri 2

1900

St Vaast Race

JOG

Fri 2 - Sun 4

X Yachts Solent Cup

RYS

Sat 3 - Mon 5

Etchells Bedrock Challenge Cup

CCYC

Cowes Keelboat Solent Series

RLYC

Sat 3 - Mon 5

SL

Sat 3

Cervantes Trophy Race

RORC ECSC

Sat 3

1830

Gort Cup Race

Sun 4

1000

ISC Spring Series 4

Tue 6

1840

Evening Race Series 3

Thu 8

1840

Spring Series 3

ECSC

Fri 9 - Sun 11

Vice Admiral’s Cup

RCYC

Sat 10

Castex Cup Sonar Regatta

Sat 10 - Sun 11

CB

Sat 10 - Sun 11

ISC ISC

ISC

Cowes Keelboat Championship 1

CCYC

COPC Cowes Rally

COPC

Sun 11

1000

ISC Spring Series 5

ISC

Tue 13

1840

Evening Race Series 4

ISC

Thu 15

1840

Spring Series 4

Sat 17

ECSC

Riverfest - Newport

Sat 17

1000

Cowes to Yarmouth

JOG

Sat 17

City Livery Yacht Club Regatta

RCYC

Sat 17 - Sun 18

Manches Cup (Legal Sector)

Brit Ev

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Sat 17 - Sun 18

SL

Sat 17 - Sun 18

Cowes Keelboat Solent Series & Cory Cup (Darings)

RTYC

Seafever Regatta

CCYC

Sun 18

0930

Yarmouth to Cowes

JOG

Sun 18

1000

ISC Spring Series 6

ISC

Tue 20

1840

Evening Race Series 5

ISC

Wed 21

1800

IOW Business Sonar Evening Regatta

ISC

Thu 22

1840

Spring Series 5

ECSC

Fri 23

SL

Deauville Race, (RLYC, RSrnYC, JOG, Deauville YC)

RLYC

Sat 24

Myth of Malham Race

RORC

Sat 24 - Sun 25

Sigma 38 Nationals

CCYC

Sat 24 - Sun 25

Bank of England Regatta

RCYC

Sat 24 - Sun 25

Sir Kenneth Preston Trophy (Etchells)

RYS

Cowes Keelboat Solent Series & John Dibben Memorial Trophy (Darings)

RCYC

Sat 24 - Mon 26

SL

Mon 26

ISC Inshore Series Christchurch Bay Race

ISC ISC

Tue 27

1840

Evening Race Series 6

Thu 29

1840

Spring Series 6

ECSC

Sat 31

1310

ECSC Regatta

ECSC

Sat 31 - Sun 1

CB

Cowes Keelboat Championship 2 & Mid Summer Regatta

Sat 31 - Sun 1

CB

RLYC/RTYC

Contessa 26 & Contessa 32 Regatta

RLYC

Rick Tomlinson

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Peter Mumford - Beken of Cowes

JUNE 2014 Mon 2 - Tue 3

Profile Sailing Cup (Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Sectors)

Tue 3

1840

Evening Race Series 7

Thu 5

1840

Midsummer Series 1

Sat 7

0730

Weymouth Race

Sat 7 Sat 7

SL

Sat 7 Sat 7 - Sun 8

CB

Brit Ev ISC ECSC JOG

De Guingand Bowl Race

RORC

RCYC Members’ Race

RCYC

Corby Cup Regatta

CCYC

Cowes Keelboat Championship 3, Mid Summer Regatta & Jubilee Challenge Trophy (Dragons)

RLYC

Sat 7 - Sun 8

Saida Cup (Etchells)

RTYC

Mon 9 - Fri 13

IDOR Regatta

ISC

Tue 10

1840

Evening Race Series 8

ISC

Wed 11

1800

IOW Business Sonar Evening Regatta

ISC

Thu 12

1840

Midsummer Series 2

Thu 12 - Fri 13

ECSC

Lutine Lineslip Regatta (Insurance Industry)

Brit Ev

Fri 13 - Sun 15

IRC National Championships

RORC

Sat 14

Sigma 33 Regatta

RCYC

Sat 14 - Sun 15

BPMI Cup Regatta

ISC

Sat 14 - Sun 15

SL

Cowes Keelboat Solent Series

Tue 17

1840

Evening Race Series 9

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CCYC ISC

COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015

Thu 19

1840

Midsummer Series 3

Sat 21

0630

J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race

Sun 22

CB

Sun 22 Tue 24

ECSC ISC

David Thomas Regatta

RLYC

Red Funnel Cowes Food Show Festival of the Sea 1840

Wed 25 - Fri 27

Evening Race Series 10

ISC

Quarter Ton Cup

RCYC

Midsummer Series 4

ECSC

Fri 27

Morgan Cup Race

RORC

Fri 27

Transversal Charity Cup

Fri 27 - Sun 29

Energy Regatta (Oil & Gas Sectors)

Sat 28 - Sun 29

Portcullis Regatta

RCYC RLYC

Thu 26

1840

RCYC Brit Ev

Sat 28 - Sun 29

SL

Britannia Weekend

Sat 28 - Sun 29

SL

Cowes Keelboat Solent Series

Sat 28 - Sun 29

SL

Britannia Weekend

RLYC

Sirmoor Sonar Regatta

RCYC

Mon 30 - Tue 1

RYS

JULY 2014 Tue 1

1840

Evening Race Series 11

ISC

Wed 2

1800

IOW Business Sonar Evening Regatta

ISC

Savills Sonar Regatta

ISC ECSC

Thu 3 Thu 3

1840

Midsummer Series 5

Sat 5

1000

ISC Inshore Series - Solent Race

Sat 5

0700

Dartmouth Race

Sat 5 - Sun 6

ISC JOG

IRC Small Boat Regatta

RAFYC

Paul Wyeth

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COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015

Jonathan Hoare

Sat 5 - Sun 6

ISC 125th Anniversary Regatta

ISC

Sat 5 - Sun 6

Sonar Paralympic Classes Regatta

CCYC

Sat 5 - Sun 6

SL

Cowes Keelboat Solent Series

RCYC

Sat 5 - Sun 6

CB

Stug Perry Trophy (Darings)

RCYC

Etchells Southern Area Championships

RCYC

Sat 5 - Sun 6 Tue 8

1840

Evening Race Series 12

Thu 10

1840

Midsummer Series 6

ECSC

Cowes - Dinard - St Malo

RORC

Fri 11 Sat 12

0800

Sat 12 Sat 12 - Sun 13

SL

Sat 12 - Sat 19

Sail the Wight

ECSC

Sigma 33 Regatta

RCYC

Cowes Keelboat Solent Series Panerai British Classic Week 2014

Tue 15

1840

Evening Race Series 13

Thu 17

1840

Late Summer Series 1

Sat 19

ISC ECSC

RYS

Cowes Keelboat Championship 4

Sat 19 - Sun 20

CB

XOD Telegraph Trophy National Swallow Class Championship

CB

BCYC

ISC

CB

Sat 19 - Mon 21

ISC

Fairview Round Island Challenge

Sat 19 - Sun 20

Sat 19 - Sun 20

ISC

RCYC RYS

Dragon South Coast Championships

RCYC

Sat 19 - Sat 26

Brewin Dolphin Commodores’ Cup

RORC

Mon 21 - Fri 25

Charles Stanley Cowes Classics Week

RLYC

Tue 22

1840

Evening Race Series 14

Thu 24

1840

Late Summer Series 2

Fri 25

0730

Fecamp Race

JOG

Channel Race

RORC

Sat 26

110

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ISC ECSC

COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015

Sat 26 - Sun 27 Sat 26 - Sun 27

RS Elite Southern Area Championships SL

HDYC Regatta & Cowes Keelboat Solent Series (incl Chevrons Cup - Darings)

Sat 26 - Wed 30

Cowes Dinghy Week 40th Anniversary Regatta

Sat 26 - Thu 31

International Etchells Invitational Cup

Sun 27

RYS

HDYC/RYS GSC RTYC/RLYC

Classic Car Show Northwood House

Tue 29

1840

Evening Race Series 15

ISC

Thu 31

1840

Late Summer Series 3

ECSC

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week

CWL

Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race

RORC

AUGUST 2014 Sat 2 - Sat 9 Sun 10 Tue 12

1840

Evening Race Series 16

Thu 14

1840

Late Summer Series 4

Sat 16 Tue 19

1840

Wed 20 - Sun 24

ISC ECSC

Mini Tonner Regatta

ISC

Evening Race Series 17

ISC

J/111 World Championships

RYS

Thu 21

1840

Late Summer Series 5

ECSC

Fri 22

1900

The Channel Race, Cowes - St Peter Port

JOG

Sat 23

Marlowe Cup - Lymington Race

Sat 23 - Sun 24

Isle of Wight Challenge (Around the coastal path - start Cowes)

Sat 23 - Mon 25

CB

RLYC/RCYC August Bank Holiday Regatta (incl Daring Regatta & Etchells David Christie Memorial Regatta)

ECSC

RLYC

Hamo Thornycroft

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Sat 23 - Mon 25

CB

18’ Skiffs National Championships

Tue 26

1840

Evening Race Series 18

Thu 28

1830

Mass start & Ladies Series 2

ECSC

Sat 30

RCYC Members’ Race

RCYC

Sat 30 - Sun 31

Cowes Classic Powerboat Rally

COPC

Sat 30 - Sun 31

ISC 2K Sonar Summer Team Racing Regatta

Sat 30 - Sun 31

Spread Eagle Regatta

RLYC ISC

ISC RCYC

Sat 30 - Sun 31

CB

Cowes Keelboat Championship 5

ISC

Sun 31

1000

ISC Autumn Series 1

ISC

Sun 31

0800

Cowes Classic Powerboat Race

1840

Bang & Go Back Race

ISC

Lloyd’s Register Sonar Regatta

ISC

BPRC

SEPTEMBER 2014 Tue 2 Tue 2 Thu 4

1840

Thu 4 - Sun 7

Late Summer Series 6 Little Britain Challenge Cup

Fri 5

Cherbourg Race

Sat 6

SL

Sat 6 Sat 6 - Sun 7

CB

Sun 7 Sun 7

1000

Wed 10 Thu 11

1830

ECSC RYS RORC

Windsor Cup

RLYC

Contessa 26 & Contessa 32 Regatta

CCYC

Cowes Keelboat Championship 6

RCYC

Forts Race

CCYC

ISC Autumn Series 2

ISC

IW Businesses Sonar Evening Regatta

ISC

Mass start & Ladies Series 3

ECSC

Thu 11 - Fri 12

EMC Silicon Cup (IT & Telecom Sectors) Brit Ev

Fri 12 - Sun 21

PSP Southampton Boat Show

Sat 13

0830

Cowes to Poole via back of Wight

Sat 13 - Sun 14

SL

Cowes Keelboat Solent Series

Sun 14

1000

Poole to Cowes

Sun 14

JOG

Red Funnel Cowes Food Show Harvest Festival

Sun 14

1000

ISC Autumn Series 3

Sat 20

Finn Trophy

Sat 20 - Sun 21

The Bar vs The Bench Sonar Regatta

Sat 20 - Sun 21

SL

Sun 21

112

JOG CCYC

COWES.co.uk

ISC RCYC ISC

Cowes Keelboat Solent Series

RTYC

Bart’s Bash (GSC, ISC, RCYC, RLYC, RTYC)

ASSF

COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015

Sun 21

1000

ISC Autumn Series 4

Fri 26

1800

Cherbourg II

JOG

ISC

Sat 27

1000

IRC Solent Region Championship & ISC Inshore Series - Nab Tower Race

ISC

Sat 27

1000

Sigma 33 Regatta

RCYC

Sat 27 - Sun 28

SL

Cowes Keelboat Solent Series

RLYC

IRC Solent Region Championship & Tiny Mitchell Trophy

RCYC

Sun 28 Sun 28

1000

ISC Autumn Series 5

ISC

Sat 4

SL

ASTO Cowes Small Ships Regatta

Sat 4 - Sun 5

SL

Cowes Keelboat Solent Series

OCTOBER 2014

Sat 4 - Sun 5 Sat 4 - Sun 5 Sun 5

1000

Sat 11 - Sun 12

RLYC RYS

Arrow Tropy

RCYC

Etchells Autumn Series 1

CCYC

ISC Autumn Series 6

ISC

John Lewis Sailing Club Regatta

ISC

Sat 11 - Sun 12

SL

Cowes Keelboat Solent Series

Sat 11

0830

Owers Race

Sat 18

SL

Jenny Anne Memorial Trophy

RLYC JOG RLYC

Sat 18

Trafalgar Regatta inc. Members’ Race

RCYC

Sat 18 - Sun 19

Etchells Autumn Series 2

CCYC

DECEMBER 2014 Sat 13 - Sun 14

Red Funnel Cowes Food Show Cowes Christmas Festival

James Tomlinson

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Cowes Directory Index .......................................

Accommodation: Agents

114

Accommodation: B&Bs, Guesthouses, & Hotels

114

Accommodation: Self Catering & Cowes Houses

115

Artists & Galleries

115

Bait Supplies

115

Banks & Cash Machines

115

Boat Builders & Repairers

Food & Drink Retailers

120

Fuel & Gas

120

Harbour Services

120

Health & Beauty

122

Historical Venues

122

Jewellers

122

Laundrettes

122

116

Lifejackets, Servicing, & Marine Safety

122

Boat Fenders

116

Marinas, Moorings & Berths

122

Boat Graphics & Hull Stripes

116

Marine Engineers & Electronics

122

Boat Insurance

116

Marine Parts & Spares

124

Marine Services

124

Marketing

124

Medical Centres, Doctors & Dentists

124

Museums

124

Opticians

124

Photographers

124

Post Offices

126

Publishing

126

Pubs, Bars & Clubs

126

Boat Lifting, Cleaning & Maintenance

116

Boatyard Services, Boat Storage & Transport

118

Breakdown Assistance

118

Business Services

118

Bus Services

118

Cafes, Takeaways & Ice Cream Parlours

118

Chandlers, Hardware & Paint

118

Chemists

119

Clothing & Fashion (see also Chandlers)

119

Restaurants

128

Commercial Craft Coding

119

RIB & Powerboat Charter

132

Communications & PR

119

Rigging & Yacht Services

132

Covermaking, Canvas Work & Upholstery

119

Sailing & Power Schools

132

Design

119

Sailing Holidays

133

Distillers

119

Sailmakers

133

Dry Sailing & Dry Stack

120

Water Taxis

133

Ferries

120

Yacht Brokers & Boat Sales

133

Flooring

120

Yacht Clubs & Associations

133

Race Marks & Buoyancy Systems 128

Hamo Thornycroft

114

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The RYA has driven a great deal So you can drive a great Volvo

The Volvo Car UK support of British Sailing and the RYA, means you can benefit from a hugely valuable offer as well as servicing, finance and accessory deals at your local Volvo dealership.

Find out how much you could save at www.rya.org.uk/go/volvo Fuel consumption for the Volvo Range in MPG (l/100 km): Urban 18.6 (15.2) – 74.3 (3.8), Extra Urban 34.9 (8.1) – 91.1 (3.1), Combined 26.4 (10.7) – 83.1 (3.4). CO2 emissions 249 – 88g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing and intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results.

COWES.co.uk

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Cowes Directory .............................

For the most comprehensive directory of Cowes businesses visit www.COWES.co.uk/directory or scan the QR code:

ACCOMMODATION: AGENTS A Base Ashore Windrush, 95 Baring Road, Cowes PO31 8DS www.abaseashore.com

01983 281891 help@abaseashore.com

ACCOMMODATION: B&Bs, GUESTHOUSES, & HOTELS 2 The Pippins off Bellevue Road, Cowes PO31 7UU www.pippinsbnb.co.uk

01983 281270 countergirl2000@aol.com

24 Ward Avenue Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 8AY

01983 292070

40 Birmingham Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7BH

01983 292629

Best Western New Holmwood Hotel and Restaurant Cowes 01983 292508 www.newholmwoodhotel.co.uk reception@newholmwoodhotel.co.uk

Relax & unwind with a stylish, seasonal break at one of the Isle of Wight’s top hotels.

For great deals visit: isleofwight.co.uk/offers Mimosa Lodge 59 Baring Road, Cowes PO31 8DW

01983 241490

NOSS MAYO 66A Baring Road, Cowes PO31 8DW

01983 200266 cedarnig@yahoo.co.uk

The Caledon Guest House 59 Mill Hill Road, Cowes PO31 7EG 01983 293599 www.the-caledon.co.uk stay@the-caledon.co.uk The Priory Bay Hotel Priory Drive, Seaview PO34 5BU www.priorybay.co.uk

01983 613146 enquiries@priorybay.co.uk

The Union Inn Watch House Lane, Cowes PO31 7QH www.unioninncowes.co.uk

01983 293163 info@unioninncowes.co.uk

Boutique en-suite accommodation at the

Union Inn - Cowes Watchouse Lane Cowes, PO31 7QH

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ACCOMMODATION: SELF CATERING & COWES HOUSES Quay Management 36 Woodvale Road, Cowes www.quaymanagement.co.uk

01983 291369 / 07773 339730 sarah@quaymanagement.co.uk

ARTISTS & GALLERIES

Hilary Thorpe Marine, Coastal & Landscape Paintings www.hilarythorpe.co.uk

01983 294158 hilary@hilarythorpe.co.uk

Yarmouth Gallery High Street, Yarmouth, IW PO41 0PL 01983 761424 www.yarmouthgallery.com anne@yarmouthgallery.com

BAIT SUPPLIES Barney’s Bait Supplies 7 days a week, 2 Bridge Road, Cowes, PO31 7PD

07880 674484

BANKS & CASH MACHINES HSBC Bank plc 86 High Street, Cowes PO31 7AN Lloyds TSB 121 High Street, Cowes PO31 7AY NatWest Bank plc 104 HIgh Street, Cowes PO31 7AU

Peter Mumford - Beken of Cowes

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BOAT BUILDERS & REPAIRERS Lifting & storage up to 40 tonnes. Wet blast anti-foul removal, anti-fouling, anode changing, hull cleaning, polishing, painting, engine repairs, servicing & winterisation.

Kingston Road, East Cowes, Isle of Wight PO32 6JS www.kingstonmarineservices.co.uk kmb.chc@cowes.co.uk Seaward - The Boat Development Company Ltd Cowes PO31 7AD 01983 280333 www.seawardboat.com info@seawardboat.com Whittle Marine Newclose Farm, Hill Place, Thorley IW PO41 0SS 01983 760354 www.whittlemarine.co.uk info@whittlemarine.co.uk

Boat builders, To order parts please visit our shop online St Helens PO33 1YB 01983 874629 mail@willsquibb.net

www.willsquibb.net

BOAT FENDERS Made 2 Measure Fenders LLP Unit 4, Clarence Boatyard, East Cowes 01983 210493 www.m2mfenders.eu dud@m2mfenders.eu

BOAT GRAPHICS & HULL STRIPES SpyPrints 42 Medina Rd, Cowes PO31 7BX www.spyprints.com

01983 299314 design@spyprints.com

BOAT INSURANCE Craftinsure Ltd 31 Burnside, Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire CM21 0EP 08452 607888 www.craftinsure.com help@craftinsure.com 11 Tower View, Kings Hill, Kent ME19 4UY www.boatinsure.co.uk

01732 223650 haven@amlin.co.uk

BOAT LIFTING, CLEANING & MAINTENANCE 40t WISE hoist dock & wash down area. Wet blast anti-foul removal. Anti-fouling, anode changing, hull cleaning, polishing & painting, engine repairs & servicing.

Kingston Road, East Cowes, Isle of Wight PO32 6JS www.kingstonmarineservices.co.uk kmb.chc@cowes.co.uk Shepards Wharf Marina 01983 297821 Dry sailing centre. Crane capacity 6t. Emergency lifts available. Day boat & RIB maintenance including cleaning, anti-fouling, polishing, shrink wrap.

Medina Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7HT www.shepardswharfmarina.co.uk shepards.chc@cowes.co.uk

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B OAT YA R D

The Kingston team can take care of all marine projects large or small and the yard is also freely available for those doing it themselves. Great prices and facilities make us the choice for Island and mainland boat owners.

Kingston Wharf, East Cowes Isle of Wight, PO32 6JS 01983 293952 www.kingstonmarineservices.co.uk www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk COWES.co.uk

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BOATYARD SERVICES, BOAT STORAGE & TRANSPORT Secure storage for over 100 boats up to 40t. The in-house team offers all aspects of boat maintenance services incl. hull cleaning, anti-fouling & topside maintenance.

Kingston Road, East Cowes, Isle of Wight PO32 6JS www.kingstonmarineservices.co.uk kmb.chc@cowes.co.uk Medina Yard Arctic Road, Cowes PO31 7PG www.medinayard.co.uk

01983 203872 info@medinayard.co.uk

Shepards Wharf Marina 01983 297821 Storage of trailered boats on dedicated hard standing, shrink wrapping, cleaning, antifouling and polishing. Year round dry sailing packages and full marina services.

Medina Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7HT www.shepardswharfmarina.co.uk shepards.chc@cowes.co.uk Whittle Marine Newclose Farm, Hill Place, Thorley IW PO41 0SS 01983 760354 www.whittlemarine.co.uk info@whittlemarine.co.uk

BREAKDOWN ASSISTANCE Sea Start Unit 13, Hamble Point Marina, Southampton SO31 4JD 0800 885500 www.seastart.co.uk sales@seastart.co.uk

BUSINESS SERVICES Bishops Insurance 6 Shooters Hill, Cowes town centre, IW PO31 7BE

01983 200123

BUS SERVICES Southern Vectis www.islandbuses.info

Bus times: 0871 200 2233 Head office: 01983 827000 talk2us@southernvectis.com

CAFES, TAKEAWAYS & ICE CREAM PARLOURS Eegon’s of Cowes 72 High Street, Cowes IW PO31 7RE www.eegons.co.uk

01983 291815

CHANDLERS, HARDWARE & PAINT Fynn Marine Cowes Yacht Haven PO31 7BD www.fynnmarine.co.uk

01983 297500 / 07786 474211 don@fynnmarine.co.uk

Jolliffes Chandlery 2-4 Birmingham Road, Cowes PO31 7BE

01983 290100

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We’ve got Cowes covered!

COWES.co.uk & Cowes Port Handbook On-site chandlery stocks anti-foul, anodes and a selection of associated consumables for your convenience.

Kingston Road, East Cowes, Isle of Wight PO32 6JS www.kingstonmarineservices.co.uk kmb.chc@cowes.co.uk

CHEMISTS Boots Pharmacy Cowes Medical Centre, 200 Newport Rd PO31 7ER

01983 294467

Day Lewis Pharmacy 7 High Street, Cowes PO31 7SA

01983 293011

Lloyds Pharmacy Church Path, East Cowes PO32 6RP

01983 293133

Regent Pharmacy Well Road, East Cowes PO32 6SP

01983 717002

CLOTHING & FASHION (SEE ALSO CHANDLERS) Slam The Corner House, Shooters Hill, Cowes PO31 7BG www.slam.com/cowes

01983 291141 cowes@slam.com

COMMERCIAL CRAFT CODING Cowes Commercial Craft Coding 68 Worsley Road, Gurnard PO31 8JX 01983 212997 commercialcraftcoding@gmail.com

COMMUNICATIONS & PR Helen Fretter True Angle Editorial 07712 531787 Content provision by experienced journalist & editor, including editorial, event communications, copywriting, social media, web copy, marketing & PR. Sailing specialist.

8 Brooklands Road, Cowes PO31 7LG www.true-angle.com helen@true-angle.com Solent Let us help you to achieve real results.

Visit our website or speak to our Island - based team.

Suite 7, 30 Quay Street, Newport PO30 5BA www.solent.co

01983 200336

info@solent.co

COVERMAKING, CANVAS WORK & UPHOLSTERY Island Canvas Hale Manor Workshops, Hale Common, Arreton PO30 3AR 07980 362065 www.islandcanvas.co.uk rich@islandcanvas.co.uk

DESIGN Solent Let us help you to achieve real results.

Visit our website or speak to our Island-based team.

Suite 7, 30 Quay Street, Newport PO30 5BA www.solent.co

01983 200336

info@solent.co

DISTILLERS Wight Vodka 50 Degrees North Ltd PO Box 1352, London KT1 9FB DLE www.wightvodka.com info@50degreesnorth.co.uk

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DRY SAILING & DRY STACK Shepards Wharf Marina 01983 297821 Flexible annual & seasonal Dry Sailing packages. Block paved hard standing & marina berthing. RiBs & day boats, home to Cowes Etchell & J80 Dry Sailing Fleets.

Medina Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7HT www.shepardswharfmarina.co.uk shepards.chc@cowes.co.uk

FERRIES Hovertravel Ltd Quay Road, Ryde PO33 2HB

08434 878887

Red Funnel Ferries 12 Bugle Street, Southampton, SO14 2JY www.redfunnel.co.uk Isle of Wight

0844 8449988 post@redfunnel.co.uk 01983 564602 info@solentcruises.co.uk

www.solentcruises.co.uk Wightlink Gunwharf Road, Portsmouth PO1 2LA

0871 376 1000

FLOORING NSR Flooring 12 Ferry Road, East Cowes PO32 6RA www.nsrflooring.co.uk

07841 658058 / 07815 853252 info@nsrflooring.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK RETAILERS 111 High Street, Cowes PO31 7AT 01983 245247 phillipsseafoodandsmokehouse.co.uk phillipsfinefoods@live.co.uk

FUEL & GAS Cowes Harbour Fuels 01983 200716 / 01983 293952 Open 7 days a week supplying petrol and red diesel, Calor gas & engine oils to commercial & leisure users in the Solent. All red diesel is biodiesel free.

Harbour Office, Town Quay, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7AS www.cowesharbourfuels.co.uk

HARBOUR SERVICES Specialists in design, supply, positioning of mooring systems, pontoon maintenance, vessel hire, localised towing, stores, logistics, transportation & bed levelling.

Kingston Road, East Cowes, Isle of Wight PO32 6JS www.kingstonmarineservices.co.uk kmb.chc@cowes.co.uk

Peter Mumford - Beken of Cowes

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Shepards Wharf Marina is the home of Cowes’ premier dry sailing facilities.You are welcome to come in for a chat and discuss how we can help you get the best out of your precious time on the water.

Nothing is too much trouble for our friendly staff!

01983 297821 www.shepardswharfmarina.co.uk www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk /shepardswharfmarina

@shepardswharf

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HEALTH, BEAUTY & HAIRDRESSERS BeCalmed 8 Birmingham Road, Cowes PO31 7BH www.becalmedincowes.co.uk

01983 296655 info@becalmedincowes.co.uk

Sports Massage, Holistic and Beauty Treatments 8 Birmingham Road, Cowes, IW, PO31 7BH Appointments 01983 296655 www.becalmedincowes.co.uk

HISTORICAL VENUES Osborne House York Avenue, East Cowes PO32 6JX www.english-heritage.org.uk

01983 200022

JEWELLERS Benzie of Cowes 61 High Street, Cowes, IW PO31 7RL www.benzie.co.uk

01983 293932 sales@benzie.co.uk

LAUNDRETTES Vecwash 1 Mill Hill Rd, Cowes PO31 7EA

01983 294698

LIFEJACKETS, SERVICING, & MARINE SAFETY SeaSafe Systems Ltd Somerton Business Park, Cowes PO31 8PB 01983 282388 www.seasafe.co.uk factory@seasafe.co.uk

MARINAS, MOORINGS & BERTHS Cowes Yacht Haven Vectis Yard, High Street, Cowes PO31 7BD 01983 299975 www.cowesyachthaven.com info@cowesyachthaven.com Island Harbour Mill Lane, Binfield, Newport PO30 2LA www.island-harbour.co.uk

01983 539994 info@island-harbour.co.uk

Shepards Wharf Marina 01983 297821 Visitor & residential marina in Cowes. Rallies & regatta events catered. Electricity, water, pump out, free showers, WiFi, CCTV, Basque restaurant, sail maker, dive centre.

Medina Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7HT www.shepardswharfmarina.co.uk shepards.chc@cowes.co.uk

MARINE ENGINEERS & ELECTRONICS Couzens Marine Engineering Unit 6, Kingston Marine Services PO32 6JS 07525 071228 www.couzensengineering.com info@couzensengineering.com

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We welcome short and long-term berthing, so whether you are looking for somewhere to berth your boat overnight or over winter, Shepards Wharf Marina will suit you. Perfect for club rallies and sailing schools. Great staff, great location, you are guaranteed a smile on arrival!

01983 297821 www.shepardswharfmarina.co.uk www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk /shepardswharfmarina

@shepardswharf

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Professional boat maintenance services carried out by fully trained onsite personnel including engine repairs, servicing, winterisation and electronics.

Kingston Road, East Cowes, Isle of Wight PO32 6JS www.kingstonmarineservices.co.uk kmb.chc@cowes.co.uk Wroath Marine Ltd Units 7 & 8, Cowes Yacht Haven, Cowes PO31 7AY 01983 281467 www.wroathmarine.com wroathmarine@aol.co.uk

MARINE PARTS & SPARES On-site chandlery providing anti-foul paints, marine and commercial oil & lubricants, anodes, brushes, paint rollers & trays, gloves, polish & cleaners.

Kingston Road, East Cowes, Isle of Wight PO32 6JS www.kingstonmarineservices.co.uk kmb.chc@cowes.co.uk

MARINE SERVICES Bucklers Hard Boat Builders Agamemnon Yard, Bucklers Hard, SO42 7XB 01590 616214 www.bucklers.co.uk info@bucklers.co.uk

MARKETING Solent We keep marketing simple and get results quickly.

Visit our website or speak to our Island-based team.

Suite 7, 30 Quay Street, Newport PO30 5BA www.solent.co

01983 200336

info@solent.co

MEDICAL CENTRES, DOCTORS & DENTISTS Amery House Dental Service 6 Terminus Road, Cowes PO31 7TG

01983 291863

Cowes Medical Centre 200 Newport Road, Cowes PO31 7ER

01983 295251

East Cowes Medical Centre Church Path, East Cowes PO32 6RR

01983 284333

Island Dental Services 34 Castle Street, East Cowes PO32 6RD

01983 291423

Park Road Dental Practice 169 Park Road, Cowes PO31 7NJ

01983 293771

St Mary’s Hospital A&E Parkhurst Road, Newport PO30 5TG

01983 524081

MUSEUMS Sir Max Aitken Museum The Prospect, 83 High Street, Cowes 01983 293800 www.sirmaxaitkenmuseum.org sirmaxaitkenmuseum@gmail.com The Classic Boat Museum Albany Road, East Cowes PO32 6AA 01983 290006 www.classicboatmuseum.org info@classicboatmuseum.org

OPTICIANS 21-22 High Street, Cowes PO31 7RY

01983 293181

PHOTOGRAPHERS Beautiful Wight Images 07901 388188 Beautiful images from locations on the Island, including marine. Available as cards and prints and for use commercially.

10 Bellevue Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7HL www.virtuallywight.co.uk jcbeasley@hotmail.co.uk Call 01983 200336 to advertise here

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For the most comprehensive directory of Cowes businesses visit www.COWES.co.uk/directory Beken of Cowes 16 Birmingham Road, Cowes PO31 7BH www.beken.co.uk

01983 297311 beken@beken.co.uk

BEKEN of COWES Photographing at Sea since the 1880s WWW.BEKEN.CO.UK BEKEN@BEKEN.CO.UK Tel: 01983 297311 16 Birmingham Rd, Cowes, PO31 7BH. UK Brian Williams Marine Photographer Marine Photographer based on the Isle of Wight. www.picsbybrian.co.uk

07581 811480 picsbybrian@yahoo.com

Hamo Thornycroft Marine Photography 11 Shooters Hill, Cowes 07971 106757 www.yacht-photos.co.uk hamo@yacht-photos.co.uk

Capturing all the shots Visit us at Jolliffe’s Gallery and Coffee Shop, 11 Shooters Hill, Cowes , PO31 7BE t. +44 [0]1983 290220 m. +44 [0]7971 106757 e. hamo@yacht-photos.co.uk www.yacht-photos.co.uk

Hoare Photojournalism Isle of Wight www.jonathanhoare.com

0777 2200778 email@jonathanhoare.com

HOARE PHOTOJOURNALISM

Private, Commercial and Event Photojournalism

www.jonathanhoare.com

0777 2200778 COWES.co.uk

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PHOTOGRAPHERS Paul Wyeth Marine Photography 07549 884683 Marine photography that gets to the heart of the action. Delivering creative images, and regularly featured in the top marine publications in the UK & overseas.

Cowes www.pwpictures.com paul@pwpictures.com Rick Tomlinson Photography Cowes Yacht Haven, Cowes PO31 7BD 07785 317198 www.rick-tomlinson.com rick@rick-tomlinson.com

POST OFFICES Cowes Post Office Terminus Road, Cowes PO31 7XH

01983 299120

East Cowes Post Office 9 Well Road, East Cowes PO32 6SP

01983 297795

PUBLISHING Solent 01983 200336 Publishers of many of the Island’s most popular print titles including the Cowes Port Handbook & Taste of the Wight.

Suite 7, 30 Quay Street, Newport PO30 5BA www.solent.co info@solent.co

PUBS, BARS & CLUBS The Anchor Inn 1-3 High Street, Cowes PO31 7SA 01983 292823 www.theanchorcowes.co.uk theanchorcowes@ciatgroup.co.uk The Bargeman’s Rest Little London, Newport Quay PO30 5BS 01983 525828 www.bargemansrest.com info@bargemansrest.com The Lifeboat Inn Britannia Way, East Cowes PO32 6UB 01983 292711 www.thelifeboatcowes.co.uk thelifeboatcowes@ciatgroup.co.uk

Jonathan Hoare

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manager@theanchorcowes.co.uk www.theanchorcowes.co.uk www.facebook.com/theanchorcowes

The Anchor is situated at the very heart of the Cowes Yachting scene. Opposite the Cowes Yacht Haven and only a short walk from the Red Jet terminal it is the ideal place to relax after a hard day on the waves.

The Anchor offers good hearty food, traditional ales and a warm welcome throughout the year.

Open all year round and offering a choice of daily specials from the blackboard, The Anchor is always full of atmosphere. Summertime eat outside in the stable The Anchor also provides comfortable, clean and affordable accommodation.

For more information call: 01983 292823.

manager@thelifeboatcowes.co.uk www.thelifeboatcowes.co.uk www.facebook.com/thelifeboatcowes

Situated on the waterfront of the Medina River in East Cowes, The Lifeboat is already one of the area’s most popular bars and restaurants.

We offer a warm welcome to locals and visitors alike – from land or water! Sally’s Water Taxis will transport you across the river if you’re coming from West Cowes, whilst landlubbers can walk or drive to us via East Cowes.

We have also catered for numerous wedding receptions - if you would like more information about this, please contact us for details.

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PUBS, BARS & CLUBS The Union Inn Watch House Lane, Cowes PO31 7QH www.unioninncowes.co.uk

01983 293163 info@unioninncowes.co.uk

Relax and unwind in the traditional surroundings of Cowes’ oldest pub

Union Inn - Cowes Home cooked dishes for the whole family Real Ale, board games and open fire Watchouse Lane Cowes, PO31 7QH www.unioninncowes.co.uk 01983 293163

RACE MARKS & BUOYANCY SYSTEMS Design, supply, positioning & maintenance of buoys, navigational marks, seasonal race marks, temporary marks and mooring buoys and all floating navigation aids.

Kingston Road, East Cowes, Isle of Wight PO32 6JS www.kingstonmarineservices.co.uk kmb.chc@cowes.co.uk

16m MULTI-CAT, 8t DECK WINCH & 30tm CRANE 10m WORK BOAT AND TUG FULL MOORING SYSTEMS DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION BUOY LAYING / REPAIR & RECOVERY TOWAGE / BED LEVELLING

KINGSTON WHARF, EAST COWES 01983 293952 www.kingstonmarineservices.co.uk

Seaflex Ltd Seaview Road, Cowes PO31 7US www.seaflex.co.uk

01983 290525 bmb@seaflex.co.uk

RESTAURANTS Amabi Shepards Wharf, Cowes PO31 7HT www.amabi.co.uk

01983 716164 / 07964 168634 management@amabi.co.uk Pl ea se

Tapas Bar & Restaurant

10% OFF

10 %

br Ta O ing pa FF th s B fo is ar o vo & d uc R at he es A r o tau M r b ra A oo nt. BI ki n ad va nc e.

Shepards Wharf, Cowes PO31 7HT Tel: 01983 716164 07964 168634 amabi.co.uk @Amabi_Cowes

Best Western New Holmwood Hotel and Restaurant Cowes 01983 292508 www.newholmwoodhotel.co.uk reception@newholmwoodhotel.co.uk Call 01983 200336 to advertise here

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Moor up at The Bargeman’s Rest for great food and live music!

A family-run Free House sitting right on the River Medina with a number of visitor moorings.

Open Mon-Sat 10.30am - 11pm (10.30pm Sunday).

Food is served from 12 - 9.30pm (9pm Sunday).

Hearty breakfast served from 10.30am.

Well behaved dogs & muddy boots welcome!

Little London Quay, Newport, PO30 5BS 01983 525 828 bargemansrest.com info@bargemansrest.com

Access is 2 hours before High Water & up to 3 hours after High Water for a normal cruiser. Newport Harbour dries completely at Low Water.

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Jonathan Hoare

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RIB & POWERBOAT CHARTER BOAT SALES RIB CHARTER CHANDLERY www.fynnmarine.co.uk 01983 297500 Cowes Yacht Haven, Vectis Yard, Marina Walk, Cowes PO31 7BD

Pleasure rides, marine support, bespoke, corporate & commercial charters.

Race spectators, event media, camera crews, photographers & crew transfers.

Cowes based experienced local driver. www.cowesribs.com mcasson@aol.com Solent Rib Charter Unit 6, Dell Buildings, Milford Rd, Lymington, Hants 07887 635000 Solent Rib Safaris Boarding location - Cowes Yacht Haven 07531 127870 www.solentribsafaris.com info@solentribsafaris.com

RIGGING & YACHT SERVICES Spencer Rigging St Mary’s Road, Cowes PO31 7SX www.spencerrigging.co.uk

01983 292022 sales@spencerrigging.co.uk

SAILING & POWER SCHOOLS Bembridge Powerboat Training Ltd The Duver, St Helens PO33 1YB 01983 778077 www.powerboat-training.com sue@bembridge.com

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Griffin Marine Services 4 Hampshire Crescent, Newport IW PO30 5RX 01983 826026 www.griffmarineservices.co.uk info@griffinmarineservices.co.uk Sunsail DST House, St. Mark’s Hill, Surbiton www.sunsail.co.uk

0844 2732 438

Arctic Road, Cowes PO31 7PQ www.uksa.org

01983 294941 advice@uksa.org

SAILING HOLIDAYS Sunsail DST House, St. Mark’s Hill, Surbiton www.sunsail.co.uk

0844 2732 438

SAILMAKERS Whittle Marine Newclose Farm, Hill Place, Thorley IW PO41 0SS 01983 760354 www.whittlemarine.co.uk info@whittlemarine.co.uk

WATER TAXIS Cowes Harbour Taxi 07855 767918 VHF 77 call sign “Cowes Harbour Taxi”. When off duty calls are diverted to Sally Water Taxi.

Harbour Office, Town Quay, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7AS www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk Folly Launch VHF Ch 72

07884 400046

Folly Waterbus VHF Ch 77 follywaterbus@msn.com

07974 864627

VHF Channel 8. Water taxi from Newport calling at Island Harbour marina, Cowes & mainland. Harbour trips & night ferry service available. www.islandharbourferry.co.uk info@islandharbourferry.co.uk

YACHT BROKERS & BOAT SALES Seaward - The Boat Development Company Ltd Cowes PO31 7AD 01983 280333 www.seawardboat.com info@seawardboat.com

YACHT CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS Royal London Yacht Club The Parade, Cowes PO31 7QS www.rlyc.org.uk

01983 299727 sailing@rlyc.org.uk

Royal Yacht Squadron The Castle, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7QT www.rys.org.uk

01983 292191 mail@rys.org.uk

The Castle, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7QT 01983 292191 www.rys.org.uk COWES.co.uk

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Cowes Tide Tables 2014 - 2015 ........................................................

RISE AND FALL OF THE TIDE AT COWES

Times are referred to Low Water at Portsmouth

Heights are in metres above Chart Datum

TIDAL LEVELS REFERRED TO DATUM OF SOUNDINGS Places

Lat N

Long W

Height in metres above datum Chart datum and reference to OS datum MHWS MHWN MLWN MLWS

Cowes

50°46’

1 °18’

4.2

3.5

1.8

0.8

2.59m below Ordnance survey Datum (Newlyn)

Folly Inn

50°44’

1°17’

4.1

3.4

1.8

1.0

2.59m below Ordnance survey Datum (Newlyn)

Newport 50°42’

1°17’

4.1

3.4

2.0

1.6

2.59m below Ordnance survey Datum (Newlyn)

© Crown Copyright and/or database rights.

Reproduced by permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office and the UK Hydrographic Office (www.ukho.gov.uk)

Rick Tomlinson

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Priory Bay is the Isle of Wight’s leading country house hotel. Set within a 60-acre estate, it’s period buildings have spectacular views out to sea, with gardens and woodland running down to the seashore. Our food is fresh from the Island with a focus on local produce whether farmed, fished or foraged.

The Isle of Wight is only a couple of hours from London and a perfect escape, however you choose to arrive. Charter a RIB, fly in by helicopter or hovercraft or drive yourself via one of the three ferry routes that regularly depart Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington in the New Forest.

Charter a classic yacht or enjoy our six-hole golf course, the estate has tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool and enjoys access to a secluded private beach, there’s even tree climbing with Goodleaf. Be as active or as laid-back as you want to be...

Photo: Available Light Photography

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Cowes Tide Tables 2014

................................

All times are GMT, days highlighted in blue need 1 hour added for British Summer Time 30 March to 26 October 2014.

April 2014

Times and heights of High and Low Water Time zone UT (GMT)

Full Moon New Moon

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Cowes Tide Tables 2014

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All times are GMT, days highlighted in blue need 1 hour added for British Summer Time 30 March to 26 October 2014.

May 2014

Times and heights of High and Low Water Time zone UT (GMT)

Full Moon New Moon

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Cowes Tide Tables 2014

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All times are GMT, days highlighted in blue need 1 hour added for British Summer Time 30 March to 26 October 2014.

June 2014

Times and heights of High and Low Water Time zone UT (GMT)

Full Moon New Moon

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Cowes Tide Tables 2014

................................

All times are GMT, days highlighted in blue need 1 hour added for British Summer Time 30 March to 26 October 2014.

July 2014

Times and heights of High and Low Water Time zone UT (GMT)

Full Moon New Moon

Rick Tomlinson

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Cowes Tide Tables 2014

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All times are GMT, days highlighted in blue need 1 hour added for British Summer Time 30 March to 26 October 2014.

August 2014

Times and heights of High and Low Water Time zone UT (GMT)

Full Moon New Moon

Rick Tomlinson

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Cowes Tide Tables 2014

................................

All times are GMT, days highlighted in blue need 1 hour added for British Summer Time 30 March to 26 October 2014.

September 2014

Times and heights of High and Low Water Time zone UT (GMT)

Full Moon New Moon

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Cowes Tide Tables 2014

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All times are GMT, days highlighted in blue need 1 hour added for British Summer Time 30 March to 26 October 2014.

October 2014

Times and heights of High and Low Water Time zone UT (GMT)

Full Moon New Moon

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Cowes Tide Tables 2014

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All times are GMT, days highlighted in blue need 1 hour added for British Summer Time 30 March to 26 October 2014.

November 2014

Times and heights of High and Low Water Time zone UT (GMT)

Full Moon New Moon

Rick Tomlinson

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Cowes Tide Tables 2014

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All times are GMT, days highlighted in blue need 1 hour added for British Summer Time 30 March to 26 October 2014.

December 2014

Times and heights of High and Low Water Time zone UT (GMT)

Full Moon New Moon

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Cowes Tide Tables 2015

................................

All times are GMT, days highlighted in blue need 1 hour added for British Summer Time 29 March to 25 October 2015.

January 2015

Times and heights of High and Low Water Time zone UT (GMT)

Full Moon New Moon

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Cowes Tide Tables 2015

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All times are GMT, days highlighted in blue need 1 hour added for British Summer Time 29 March to 25 October 2015.

February 2015

Times and heights of High and Low Water Time zone UT (GMT)

Full Moon New Moon

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Cowes Tide Tables 2015

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All times are GMT, days highlighted in blue need 1 hour added for British Summer Time 29 March to 25 October 2015.

March 2015

Times and heights of High and Low Water Time zone UT (GMT)

Full Moon New Moon

Rick Tomlinson

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A-Z of Advertisers ................................

2 The Pippins

114

24 Ward Avenue

114

A Base Ashore

114

Amabi Restaurant & Tapas Bar

128

Amery House Dental Service

124

Anchor B&B

114

Arreton Barns

151

Barney’s Bait Supplies

115

Beautiful Wight Images

124

BeCalmed Spa Therapy Centre

122

Beken of Cowes

125

Bembridge Powerboat Training Ltd Benzie of Cowes

45, 132 122, IFC, OBC

Best Western New Holmwood Hotel & Restaurant 53, 114, 128, 130 Bishops Insurance

118

Boots Pharmacy

119

Brian Williams Marine Photographer

125

Griffin Marine Services

133

Hamo Thornycroft Marine Photography

125

Haven Knox-Johnston 85, 87, 116, Cowes & River Medina Map Helen Fretter True Angle Editorial 93, 119 Hoare Photojournalism

125

Hilary Thorpe

81, 115

HSBC Bank plc

115

Hovertravel Ltd

120

Island Canvas

119

Island Dental Services

124

Island Harbour Ferry

133

Island Harbour Marina isleofwight.co.uk

71, 122 73, 81, 114

Jolliffes Chandlery

Kingston Marine Services

Bucklers Hard Boat Builders

124, 152

Chart Art

115

Couzens Marine Engineering

122

Cowes Commercial Craft Coding

9, 119

118

Kingston Marine Boatyard 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 124, Buoy Racer 120, 128

Lloyds Pharmacy

119

Lloyds TSB

115

Lugleys of Cowes Made 2 Measure Fenders LLP

33, 131 116

Marine & Property Care

91, 132

Medina Yard

65, 118

Mimosa Lodge

114

Cowes Harbour Commission

IBC

Cowes Harbour Fuels

120

Cowes Harbour Taxi

133

NatWest Bank plc

115

Cowes Medical Centre

124

NOSS MAYO

114

Cowes Post Office

126

NSR Flooring

90, 120

Osborne House

61, 122

Cowes Yacht Haven Craftinsure Ltd

122, 136-147 11, 116

East Cowes Medical Centre

124

East Cowes Post Office

126

Eegon’s of Cowes Day Lewis Pharmacy

59, 118 119

Park Road Dental Practice

124

Paul Wyeth Marine Photography

126

Phillips Seafood & Smoke House

59, 120

Quay Management

115

Folly Launch

35, 133

Red Funnel Ferries

120

Folly Waterbus

35, 133

Regent Pharmacy

119

Rick Tomlinson Photography

126

Fynn Marine

150

COWES.co.uk

118, 132

COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015

Royal London Yacht Club

99, 133

Royal Yacht Squadron

133

SailSpy

1, 116

St Mary’s Hospital

124

Sunsail

FC, 15, 49, 102, 133

The Anchor Inn

126, 127 126, 129

Seaflex Ltd

47, 128

The Bargeman’s Rest

SeaSafe Systems Ltd

39, 122

The Caledon Guest House

Sea Start

25, 118

The Lifeboat Inn

Seaward - The Boat Development Co Ltd

3, 116, 133

Shepards Wharf Marina Shepards Wharf Marina Dry Sailing Centre

116, 118, 120, 122, 123 121, Buoy Racer

Sir Max Aitken Museum

95, 124

Slam

58, 119

Solent Solent & Wightline Cruises

119, 124, 126 83, 120

114 126, 127

The Classic Boat Museum

63, 124

The Priory Bay Hotel

114, 135

The Union Inn

128

UKSA

133

Vecwash

122

Volvo

113

Whittle Marine

19, 76, 116, 118, 133

Wightlink

120

Wight Vodka

37, 119

Solent Rib Charter

132

Solent Rib Safaris

132

Southern Vectis

118

Will Squibb Boatbuilders & Marine Surveyors

Spencer Rigging

132

Wroath Marine Ltd

SpyPrints

116

Yarmouth Gallery

Willetts & Doig Optometrists

124 45, 116 7, 124 62, 69, 115

Acknowledgements: Solent, publishers of the Cowes Port Handbook 2014-2015, owe a special “thank you” to: Helena Lucas MBE, Rick & James Tomlinson, Helen Fretter, Hilary Thorpe, Peter Mumford, Hamo Thornycroft, Paul Wyeth, Jonathan Hoare, Christian Beasley, Into the blue, Ian Roman, Mark Lloyd, Nick Edwards, Brian Williams, Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners, Lymington Harbour Commissioners, Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour, River Hamble Harbour Authority, ABP Southampton, Ryde Harbour, Bembridge Harbour, Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Visit Hampshire, PCGraphics (UK) Ltd, Graham Sunderland, Classic Boat Museum, English Heritage, Sir Max Aitken Museum, Chris Thomas, Robert Milner, Jo Chugg, Susan Hawley, English Heritage, Cowes RNLI, Border Force, SeaSafe Systems Ltd, Boskalis Westminster, and all the team at Cowes Harbour Commission.

Important information: The information contained in the Cowes Port Handbook, including illustrations and maps, are not designed to be used for navigation. Positions of racing marks are approximate and users are reminded that the position of buoys may vary depending on the height of tides and strength of wind and tidal streams. The publishers do not, to the fullest extent possible by law, accept liability for any loss, charges, costs, damages or injury of its use or non-use, whether directly or indirectly and however caused.

Maps within this Handbook have been produced by PCGraphics (UK) and Solent (IHM Ltd).

While every care has been taken in compiling this Handbook, the publishers do not accept any liability or provide any guarantee that the information is accurate, complete or up-to-date. Solent (IHM Ltd) and its employees and contractors have used their best efforts in preparing these pages and this publication. Solent (IHM Ltd) and its employees and contractors make no warranty of any kind, expressed of implied, with regard to the information supplied. Solent (IHM Ltd) and its employees and contractors shall not be in any way liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of the providing of the information offered here.

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Glossary ................

An introduction to some of the nautical terms used in the Cowes Port Handbook.

Backstay - a wire support for the mast, usually running from the masthead to the stern of the boat Bar - a shallow patch extending across the mouth of a river or harbour Beacon - a rigid mark or post that is fixed into the sea bed Beaufort Wind Scale - defines wind strength in ‘forces’ and describes the effects of each force (eg. Force 3: gentle breeze, 7-10 knots, large wavelets with crests starting to break) Bow - the forward (front) part of a boat Buoy - floating mark used for navigation, mooring or racing Capsize - when a boat tips over past the point that the righting moment is lost Cardinal mark - a north, south, east, or west buoy or beacon used to indicate the safe side to pass a hazard such as a bank Chart datum - an arbitrary level from which heights of tide and charted depths are measured. Height of tide is measured above chart datum; charted depth is measured below chart datum Dry sailing - boats are ‘dry sailed’ when they are kept on shore instead of being left anchored or moored Ebb - a receding / falling tide Flood - an incoming / rising tide Height of tide - the height of the sea surface above chart datum High Water - the period of time when tidal waters have reached their highest mark before receding - a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour (1.0 kt = 1.15 mph) Lateral marks - red or green (or occasionally yellow) buoys or beacons used to indicate the edges of a well defined channel LOA - length overall, often abbreviated to LOA, is the maximum length of a vessel measured parallel to the waterline, including overhanging objects such as bowsprit, anchor, and tender davits Low Water - the period of time when tidal waters have reached their lowest level Nautical mile - 1,852 metres (at the equator), approximately 6,076 feet NAVTEX - (Navigational Telex) is an international automated medium frequency direct-printing service for delivery of navigational and meteorological warnings and forecasts, as well as urgent marine safety information to ships Neap tide - period in a month when the tidal range is smallest Port - the left-hand side of a boat when looking forwards PYS - the Portsmouth Yardstick Scheme (PYS) is a handicapping system for racing between different classes, whether dinghies, multihulls, or cruising yachts Sheet - a rope, attached to the movable corner(s) / clew of a sail or to a boom, which can be pulled in or eased to control the angle of a sail to the wind Spring tide - period in a month when the tidal range is greatest Starboard - the right-hand side of a boat when looking forwards Stern - the after (rear) part of a boat Tidal flows / streams - the horizontal movement of water associated with the rising and falling tide Tide - the rise and fall of sea level caused by astronomical factors such as the gravitational forces of the sun and the moon Tide tables - tables showing the predicted times and heights of tide Transit - two objects on the same bearing (ie. they appear to be in line with each other when viewed from a distance)

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The Isle of Wight’s largest centre for arts & crafts Watch the skilled artisans at work in their individual studios and browse the local shops for some truly unique gift ideas.

Over 10 individual craft centres with everything from a wood turner and ceramic artist to glassblowers, leather workers and various artists.

Visit The Corn Exchange for a range of designer handbags jewellery & homewares. Free admission & free parking.

Main Road, Arreton, PO30 3AA 01983 539365 arretonbarns.co.uk

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Marine Equipment Specialists t #PBU QBJOUJOH WBSOJTIJOH t &OHJOF SFQPXFS DFOUSF t .BSJOF FMFDUSPOJDT TQFDJBMJTU t UPOOF IPJTU TUPSBHF t .BSJOF FOHJOFFSJOH

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7JTJU PVS XFCTJUF GPS UIF MBUFTU PČFST BOE OFXT XXX CVDLMFST DP VL XXX CIGBC DPN XXX QSPQ EFĘFDUPS DPN Bucklers Hard Boat Builders Limited The Agamemnon Boat Yard, Bucklers Hard, Beaulieu, Hampshire SO42 7XB Phone: (01590) 616214 Fax: (01590) 616267 Email: info@bucklers.co.uk 154

COWES.co.uk

HARBOUR OFFICE

DRY SAILING CENTRE

INA

RIVER MED

B O AT YA R D

N

FOR ALL YOUR MARINE REQUIREMENTS Town Quay, Cowes, PO31 7AS Tel: 01983 293952 chc@cowes.co.uk www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk /cowesharbourcommission

@cowesharbour