Harbour and River Guide

Cowes is in the enviable position of being one of the UK's most popular destination harbours.

Its location at the centre of the Solent, and its easily accessible entrance, 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 10,000 or more visitors arriving in the town during each of the season's major events, while for Cowes Week the number exceeds 100,000.

As well as recreational craft, there are also a large number of commercial movements, with high-speed ferries, car ferries, and commercial craft up to 100 metres 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 busy river and harbour, and know the local regulations as well as the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

In this section you will find a quick guide to approaching Cowes, entering and leaving, fast facts on essential information, useful services, a guide to moorings in the harbour and river, useful information on weather sources and radio communications, plus useful contacts and information on Cowes Chain Ferry and HM Customs. You can also find out more about the Medina Estuary.