COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015
Approaching Cowes
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The Cowes fairway extends approximately 500m north of the No. 1 and
No. 2 buoys, and all vessels must comply with Rule 9 of the Collision
Regulations (‘Navigation in Narrow Channels’). The main entrance to the
Inner Harbour and River Medina is clearly marked by the No. 1 and No. 2
fairway buoys, with the tower of the Royal Yacht Squadron prominent to
the west of the harbour entrance.
If approaching from the west, in the vicinity of Gurnard north cardinal
buoy, you should stay at least 125m from the shore to avoid the rocks
along The Green and stay clear of the row of yellow small craft moorings.
Turn into the Inner Fairway and keep to the starboard side as you progress
south into the harbour, taking any cross current into consideration, which
can be up to 2 knots between No. 1 buoy and the Island Sailing Club.
If approaching from the east, you should pass at least 200m north of Old
Castle Point leaving the Shrape Beacon to port. Pass north of all swinging
moorings and the Breakwater Exclusion Zone to the east of the harbour
entrance before entering the fairway. Alternatively, small vessels may
consider using the Small Craft Channel; see page 10 for information. Full
details on the 2014 Breakwater Construction Programme can be found
on pages 20-23.
A sailing vessel fitted with an auxiliary engine, when navigating the Inner
Harbour south of the Shrape Breakwater, must proceed with the engine
running and ready for immediate use (General Direction 4.6).
For more information see the current Cowes Local Notices to Mariners,
available at www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk.
Hamo Thornycroft
COWES.co.uk
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