Cowes Classics Week

We know there's a lot more to participating in Cowes Classics Week than just paying your race entry so we have compiled some useful information to help organise getting your boat and crew to Cowes and then looking after them once here.

As well as recreational craft, there are 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. In addition to checking out the key Local Notices to Mariners highlighted in our documents area, we recommend you refer to the Cowes Harbour Commission website ››.

Getting to Cowes

Cowes and East Cowes are situated on the Isle of Wight which is centrally located on the south coast of England. Cowes is a short sail directly across the Solent from Southampton or you can choose to trail your boat across ferry and launch in Cowes.

Launching your Boat

Boats can 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 within 5 nm of sheltered sailing to Cowes.

Berthing/Moorings

As the centre of sailing in the UK if not the world, there are plenty of places to moor in Cowes! Choose from a wide selection of both swinging or marina moorings, though we must point out that the cost of entering Cowes Clasics Week does not include the cost of mooring.

Resources in Cowes

Cowes is a thriving town where sailors can find just about everything they might need. From accommodation to shops to chemists and doctors, we have put together an extenisve list of resources to help you both organise your visit and get what you need when you are here.