The Cowes Harbour Master maintains a listening watch on VHF Channel 69 from 0800 – 1800, extending to 0800 – 1900 during British Summer Time (BST). Hours may be extended at weekends in the summer. Call sign ‘HM1’. Safety information and berthing advice is available on request.
Moorings:
There are plenty of swinging moorings in Cowes for visitors, some further up the river limited by draft. The Cowes Harbour team are based at Shepards Marina and can be contacted in advance to arrange a mooring on 01983 297821, or by email shepards.chc@cowes.co.uk, or call ‘HM1’ on VHF Channel 69. The marina can be contacted directly on VHF Channel 80 and the Folly Berthing Master on VHF Channel 72. See here for more information.
Beware of the strong cross tides when entering the river, and the chain ferry, just upstream of the Red Funnel Ferry Terminal.
Once past Cowes, the river is very rural, and if the tide serves, a trip up to the capital of the island, Newport, is well worth the effort. Be aware, though, that Newport harbour dries.
Getting Ashore:
All public landings are detailed at https://www.cowes.co.uk/harbour-information/port-information/public-landings/.
Water taxis run from Cowes to the Folly Inn, a popular sailor's pub.
Marinas:
There are marinas in West and East Cowes, and also up the Medina River. In strong North to East winds, the marinas in West Cowes are subject to rough water at times. Shepherds Wharf Marina is more protected in these winds compared to Cowes Yacht Haven. Marinas further up the Medina would be a better choice in strong winds from the North through East.
During Cowes Week, in the middle of August, finding a berth can be very difficult (and expensive!) and rafting up will be the norm. If a quieter spot is wanted, Island Harbour Marina or the moorings off the Folly Inn are more likely to offer a berth away from the racing fraternity. The berthing masters, out and about in their launches marked "Harbour Master", are usually very helpful.
Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) has announced plans for a new 135-berth marina in East Cowes.
Cowes Harbour webpage: https://www.cowes.co.uk/
Last updated: October 2024
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All mariners are advised to navigate with caution in the vicinity of Cowes Breakwater, the Outer Harbour and event moorings which have been put in place and must not cut between the rows. The event moorings remain in place until around 08 September 2024.
Notice has been given that over the period from Friday 14 June to Sunday 03 August 2024, Cowes Harbour may experience exceptionally high levels of sailing yacht visitors due to various major events.
To accommodate these visiting yachts, extended rafting of yachts is necessary at Cowes Yacht Haven, Shepards Marina, Whitegates E Pontoon, East Cowes Marina and Folly Visitors pontoon.
See LNTMS – https://www.cowes.co.uk/lntm/local-notice-to-mariners-no-30t-of-2024/