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The Logistics of Bringing a Boat to Cowes



The logistics of getting your boat to Cowes could not be easier - the Solent has one of the most concentrated areas of support organisations for yachting in the world.

Moorings

There are three options for moorings

  • The Cowes Harbourmaster. Captain Stuart McIntosh, will be laying additional moorings in the entrance to the Medina - this is an annual feature to provide sufficient moorings for the 1,200 boats that arrive for Cowes Week and will be used by those keelboats that would normally use these facilities. Launches will operate from the moorings to the Royal London YC pontoon on Trinity Landing. See Moorings Plan. A launch service will run between Trinity Landing, the Island Sailing Club and the moorings each morning and each afternoon after sailing.

  • The 6mR have been invited to use the Royal Yacht Squadron Haven - please book through Rees Martin, 6mR Secreatry.

  • Cowes Yacht Haven has not been block booked, and confirmed bookings will be required prior to the event.
It would be appreciated if all competitors would use one of these options to try to keep the fleet together and contribute to the regatta atmosphere. The aim will be to maintain Trinity Landing/RLYC as the main focus of the event. A system has been established for co-ordinating mooring bookings - contact your class secretary.

Regatta Services

  • A drop-off point for sail repairs will be at the Island Sailing Club organised by Ratsey & Lapthorn - the left hand side of the lower marquee as you face the sea. There will be a R & L logo at the spot, tags and contact details. Attach your details (name and contact details/phone number) along with instructions.
  • Harken will station their service van alongside the RLYC flagpole adjacent to Trinity Landing for service, parts and spares - phone at the van: 07969 299848.

Yacht Services

As a major yachting centre, Cowes is home to a large number of chandleries, boat yards, engineers, sailmakers, etc, many of them with a very long history and very experienced with classic boats - they probably built many of them. See the Cowes web site for details.

Launching your Boat

To avoid congestion and additional ferry costs, it is recommended that yachts be launched from the mainland and sailed or towed to Cowes. We have four recommended mainland boatyards who are fully conversant with metre and classic keelboats and can if needed, provide towing facilities. The yards are some five kilometres of sheltered sailing to the Cowes marina complex.

The Elephant Boatyard:
named after the "Elephant", Nelson's flagship at the battle of Copenhagen in 1786 which was built in Bursledon, this yard has been at the head of the Hamble, on the old shipyards of Bursledon for over 50 years and is home to a number of local metre and classic boats.		 info_at_elephantboatyard.co.uk
Hamble Point Marina:
a major, modern, full-service marina facility at the mouth of the River Hamble, with easy access to the world famous waters of the Solent, a magnet for competitive sailors from around the globe, it's a favourite with racers and cruising yachtsmen alike 		hamblepoint_at_mdlmarinas.co.uk
HYS (Port Hamble):
Hamble Yacht Services (HYS) is a well established full service yacht repair and refit facility, with a world wide reputation accrued from providing a professional service for both yachts, cruising and racing and motorboats alike 		sales_at_hambleyachtservices.co.uk
Universal Marina:
also on the Hamble, the yard has a dedicated "Metre Shed" with a team of enthusiasts where there have been many restorations of 6mR and 8mR boats, is home to several boats and a very competitive "home team".		 info_at_thewillmentgroup.com

Shipping your Boat

Whereas some boats may wish to sail to Cowes and some will have their own transport, we may be able to help with arrangements to provide transport to one of the yards mentioned above - please contact us. It may be appropriate for your class association to co-ordinate this so that several boats can be economically moved together.

Notice to Mariners

Three Harbour Authorities control the Solent sailing area, each of which may post Local Notices to Mariners concerning navigational issues and activities which impact use of the areas:

  • Cowes Harbour Commission
  • Southampton Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
  • Queen’s Harbour Master Portsmouth

    Please make sure you are familiar with the anti-collision regulations that apply in the Solent, especially the moving prohibited zone that affects large vessels in the area of concern. Be aware of relevant bye-laws and signals that may be used. You may need to pass through these areas to and from the race area.

    Measurement & Insurance

    If appropriate, boats should provide up-to-date measurement certificates with their registration, depending on class association requirements - class secretaries should discuss this with the organisers. It may well be prudent to organise this in good time. Valid insurance certificates should also be supplied with third party coverage up to £2 million.

    Accommodation

    Cowes is host to many sailing events and there is a wide range of accomodation available. However, much of it is booked up early. See Cowes Info

    Cowes as a Place

    During the events, there will be an extensive social calendar, some of which we will combine with the British Classc Yacht Club so that we can "party" with crew from other classic boats - see Programme. In addition, Cowes on-shore facilities offer a variety of services. The Cowes website www.cowes.co.uk is packed with information.

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