COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015
Navigation and Harbour Information
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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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