Cowes is an appealing mixture. The HQ of British yacht racing long patronised by the rich and rare, it is also a most attractive and unpretentious place and one that every yachtsman is likely to warm to. Don’t be over-awed by the sun-tanned and athletic looking young professional yachtsmen and yachtswomen who swarm over the place, just sit back and watch the fun, or if you’re the competitive type join in and have a taste of racing for yourself.

Entry into Cowes is via a well marked channel along the west side of the estuary and presents no problems, apart from the volume of traffic and the frequent ferries. The main shipping channel in and out of Southampton Water runs close to the north so you need also to be on the look out for big ships crossing the harbour entrance as they round the Bramble Bank. Add to that the proliferation of racing yachts which need to be given due consideration and it is clearly necessary to keep one’s remaining wits about one.

Simplest option for berthing is Cowes Yacht Haven which lies just inside the river entrance on the starboard side. This is right in the middle of Cowes and being run by a charity has a sensible attitude to pricing, though it is often full at peak times. Sainsbury’s Local and a variety of pubs and restaurants are just outside the door.

Next up, also on the west side, is Shepards Wharf Marina run by the Cowes Harbour Commission who also run pontoon and other moorings in Folly Reach further up the river. The Folly moorings are not walk-ashore.

A little further up the river on the east side is the main alternative to the Yacht Haven at East Cowes Marina. It has all facilities on site, and if you want to visit West Cowes you can either use the water taxi or walk to the “floating bridge” (chain ferry) downstream.

Finally, Island Harbour Marina about 3 miles upstream offers rural tranquillity through a lock accessible in the top half of the tide. Above here the river dries, though it is possible to get up to the town quay in the island’s capital, Newport, at HW springs.

© 2009 Yachtpilot