Cowes is a very popular sailing destination on the Isle of Wight home to round the island race.
"Cowes () is an English seaport town and civil parish on the Isle of Wight. Cowes is located on the west bank of the estuary of the River Medina, facing the smaller town of East Cowes on the east bank. The two towns are linked by the Cowes Floating Bridge, a chain ferry.
The population was 9,663 in the 2001 census, which doubled during the regatta in early August. The population at the 2011 census was 10,405.
Charles Godfrey Leland's 19th-century verses describe the towns poetically as "The two great Cowes that in loud thunder roar/This on the eastern, that the western shore".
Cowes has been seen as a home for international yacht racing since the founding of the Royal Yacht Squadron in 1815. It gives its name to the world's oldest regular regatta, Cowes Week, which occurs annually in the first week of August. Later, powerboat races are held.
Much of the town's architecture is still heavily influenced by the style of ornate building that Prince Albert popularised." Wikipedia
Latest Reviews
Folly Reach Marina
4.9
A pleasant meander up the creek and a friendly welcome to the Folly Inn with taxi service from mooring pontoons.
Cowes Yacht Haven Marina
5.0
I've only been here during Cowes week so this may not be representative of other weeks, but OMG such a busy and packed like sardines marina. Good facilities on shore and a fab little sandwich bar does great early breakfast!
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Nearby facilities
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Nearby Marinas, Harbours and Anchorages
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![]() 1 . Town Quay Harbour2.5Adjacent to the Red Jet terminal and in front of the Cowes Harbour Office providing easy, walk-ashore access direct to Cowes High Street. Vessels of up to 7m in length are permitted to use the pont... |
![]() 2 . Trinity Landing Harbour2.5Trinity Landing is located just inside the entrance to Cowes Harbour and provides walk-ashore access to the heart of Cowes. It is often used as a landing point for visiting vessels. |
![]() 3 . Cowes Yacht Haven Marina3.8Cowes Yacht Haven represents the heart of the sailing world in Cowes. Whether you are looking to berth your boat or entertain corporate clients in a unique setting, Cowes Yacht Haven has it all. Ce... |
![]() 4 . Shepards Wharf Marina2.5Short-term and overnight berthing managed and run by friendly staff who know and love their local area and whose mission is to help you draw the best from your boating experiences. Wide water acces... |
![]() 5 . Cowes Roads Swinging Moorings Harbour2.5Two rows of heavy duty yellow swinging moorings are laid, one to the west of the harbour entrance between Egypt Point and the Royal Yacht Squadron, providing deep water moorings for vessels up to 2... |
![]() 6 . Whitegates Pontoons Harbour2.5Visitor moorings just past the Chain Ferry on the port side. 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 overnigh... |
![]() 7 . East Cowes Marina3.7With the exception of a few berths, the marina is dredged to 2m. We've happily moored Clipper round-the-world yachts, Swan 60s and even a Volvo 70. Very deep draught yachts should check clearance a... |
![]() 8 . Folly Reach Marina3.7It 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 a... |
![]() 9 . Island Marina2.5Island Harbour is set in a beautiful and secluded valley and offers easy access to Newport, Osborne House and (just once a year) the site of the Isle of Wight Festival. The marina offers over 200 b... |
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![]() 11 . Newport Harbour2.5At the end of the River Medina is the Newport Harbour which is tidal and dries for all but small draft boats. |
![]() 12 . Clamerkin Lake2.5The central channel of Newtown River has a scattering of mooring buoys and anchorages. |
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![]() 15 . Ryde Harbour2.5Ryde Harbour is situated on the seafront on the north-east coast of the Isle of Wight. The Harbour is ideal for family cruising holidays as it is located next to Ryde's long sandy beaches and only... |
![]() 16 . Port Hamble Marina3.8Port Hamble Marina is on the River Hamble, right in the heart of the South Coast's sailing scene. With thousands of visitors every year, this busy marina is popular with racing enthusiasts and crui... |
![]() 17 . Mercury Yacht Marina2.5Mercury Yacht Harbour is set in a sheltered wooded site where the shallow waters of Badnam Creek join the River Hamble. Originally built by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the marina offers berthing for 3... |
![]() 18 . Universal Marina2.5Universal Marina is an independent, family operated marina on the Hamble, just 20 minutes from the river mouth and only 5 minutes drive from the main access roads to the river. Set in 68 acres of t... |
![]() 19 . Royal Clarence Marina2.5Once the Royal Navy Victualling Yard, Royal Clarence is a deep water marina of 145 berths, accessible at all states of the tide. Its fantastic sheltered position, close to the mouth of Portsmouth h... |
![]() 20 . Haslar Marina3.8The friendly atmosphere at Haslar Marina is supported by the active Haslar Yacht Club, helpful on-site businesses and bars, and the can-do approach of our staff. Some of our berth holders have been... |
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Nearby Towns
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1 . East Cowes
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3 . Lee-on-the-Solent
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4 . Warsash
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7 . Hamble
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8 . Fareham
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9 . Gosport
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10 . Hythe
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11 . Lower Swanwick
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12 . Portsmouth
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13 . St. Helens, Ryde
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15 . Yarmouth
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16 . Sandown
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17 . Lymington
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18 . Southampton
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