I am delighted to have this opportunity to provide an introduction to the 2017/18 Annual Report of
Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC). 2017 was a busy and successful year for CHC but was not
without its challenges. In this report I detail some of the issues and achievements.
When I wrote this introduction last year, the Isle of Wight Council’s new Floating Bridge (Chain
Ferry) had just commenced operations. Twelve months on and its operation still does not allow
the required depth of water over the chains, particularly on certain spring ebb tides and around
spring low water. The depth required is no greater than that allowed by the previous ferry, which
operated satisfactorily in this regard for 40 years. CHC has a statutory responsibility to ensure a
safe and open harbour and the reduced depths over the chains affects both those objectives. We
will continue to work with and assist the Isle of Wight Council, as we have done throughout the
past year, to resolve this problem. Until the ferry is operational at all states of tide at the required
depth over the chains, this may mean a reduced ferry service at certain times in order that safe
passage for vessels along the River Medina can be maintained. This matter has involved
increased safety patrols in the area of the Chain Ferry, as well as diverting a considerable
amount of management time from other tasks.
A safe harbour remains our overriding priority for both our commercial and leisure users. CHC
will continue to work with harbour users with regard to safety management in order to improve
safety in the harbour.
Dear Stakeholders,
The level of commercial traffic in the harbour has remained high compared to previous years.
Red Funnel, the cross Solent ferry service to Cowes, obtained planning permission to redevelop
their East Cowes terminal. Cowes benefitted from a number of high profile sailing events,
including the Swan Europeans and the Edinburgh Cup for Dragons. The prestigious One Ton
Cup, now being sailed in the Fast 40+ class, was won by a local owner. Cowes Week, the oldest
regatta in the world, benefitted from a new title sponsor, Lendy, the property crowdfunder. The
continued resurgence in classic yachts and classic style yachts enhanced the success of Charles
Stanley Direct Cowes Classics Week and Panerai British Classic Week. The Island Sailing Club’s
86th Round the Island Race, one of the largest participating sports events in the UK was won in
the IRC division by a former Harbour Commissioner, with another in third place!
Two years ago CHC presented its Strategic Plan 2016-2021. This contained a number of
strategic objectives, which I report upon below.
The first phase of the Outer Harbour Project, the Cowes Breakwater, has been in place now for
two and a half years and is providing the shelter expected. While tidal currents in the main
harbour have changed and increased in some places, evidence has shown there has been little
negative effect on siltation in the harbour. Very little action has been seen over the last year from
Homes England (formerly the Homes and Communities Agency) or their development partner
Victoria Quay Estate Limited, who are key to the funding of phases 2 and 3, the Shrape
Breakwater extension and the Eastern Channel dredge. However, the recent granting of the final
planning consent has led to a resurgence in activity. We expect to have certainty on this matter
by the end of this summer. A positive outcome would result in the dredging of the Eastern
Channel over the winter of 2018/19 and the building of the Shrape Breakwater extension at a
similar time.
With the numerous changes occurring in and around the harbour on some of the most
strategically important harbour frontage sites, CHC took the decision to defer further discussions
with stakeholders on the Port Master Plan.
The retention of waterside marine employment sites is an important CHC policy and as the
Statutory Harbour Authority, CHC was disappointed not to be consulted directly by the Isle of
Annual Report 2017 - 2018
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