island yacht club isle of wight

Island Sailing : Let’s Play!

At the heart of sailing

The Island Sailing Club was founded in 1889 and has since grown in stature and membership to become the largest sailing Club in Cowes and probably the most welcoming for visiting yachtsmen and yachtswomen.

Island Sailing Experiences

ISC Sonar Keelboats

The Club owns a fleet of 9 professionally maintained 23ft matched Sonar keelboats which are available for hire to Members and non-Members, corporate organisations and other sailing clubs. The boats are moored 50 metres from the Club and accessed by the Club’s famous yellow launches. They are ideal for 4 persons for gentle sailing or with spinnakers for lively team and match racing.

Race Management 

The ISC has an excellent and proven track record of organising and managing sailing events and regattas throughout the year and the Club provides superb hospitality. Races are run from both committee vessel starting lines and from the Club’s roof top race box. Highly experienced race teams are available to plan and organise regattas lasting from a single day or weekend to a week long Club or Class Regatta, National or International Event.

Full support both on and off the water

Everything You Need

Event Support

The Island Sailing Club provides excellent race support facilities to Clubs, Class Associations / racing fleets to organise round the cans racing, windward leeward courses or longer day races e.g. Nab Tower and back. A full time Sailing Secretary will work with you to ensure your event is a success and will liaise with local marinas for berthing, accommodation agents etc. to ensure your competitor requirements are met and, if required, negotiate bulk discounts on ferry travel for competitors and supporters. He will write and publish all your race documents and publish online race results.

Food and Drink

The bar, restaurant, balcony and terrace overlook the race fixed start lines, Fairway and Solent and have some of the best views in Cowes. The main restaurant can accommodate 140 sailors for an event dinner or a rally / regatta lunch, or up to 200 for a Buffet / BBQ in our Lower marquee. Smaller meeting rooms are available for AGMs, Class meetings, etc.

Accommodation

The Club’s Accommodation House adjacent to the Club provides all year round comfortable modern accommodation at attractive rates. With a capacity for 12 people, there are 6 rooms for single or twin occupancy. All the rooms are named after lighthouses and decorated with a nautical theme.

Upcoming Events

Round the Island Race 2019

Round the Island Race in three minutes

Round The Island Race 2019 at The Needles

The 2019 Round The Island Race starts with spinnakers!

Matt Sheahan on 'Actual Leader' and record setting at Round The Island Race 2019

70 High St, Cowes PO31 7RE, UK

[email protected]

01983 296621

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Latest news

Competitors' Competition Time!

Polly's Round the Island Race Adventures

Last chance to catch an Early Bird entry!

Enter now for the 2024 race

Entries are open for the 2024 Round the Island Race, which takes place on Saturday 15th June.

Our standard entry period runs until the 1st June. Get your entry in now to make sure that you don't miss one of the greatest experiences in the sailing calendar!

Notice of Race

Before making your entry make sure you read the Notice of Race, as there are a number of important changes this year.

About the Race

Everything you need to know about the annual Round the Island Race.

From our twitter feed

Rnli: official charity.

The RNLI are the official charity of the 2024 Round the Island Race.

Questions for the Team

Our expert team are standing by to answer your questions about the Race.

Official Merchandise

Browse our great selection of mementos for the 2024 edition of Round the Island Race.

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The Round the Island Race – the history of Britain’s favourite race

• June 18, 2019

A sea of spinnakers, maxis crossing tacks with Folkboats - the Round the Island Race is a grand day out for all. Bob Fisher captures a snapshot of British yachting since 1931

The fleet rounds The Needles during the 2018 Round the Island Race. Photo: Paul Wyeth

When Major Cyril Windeler suggested to the Island Sailing Club that it should run a race round the Isle of Wight, it was to him an obvious opportunity for the owners of smaller yachts to enjoy a bigger than usual competition.

Major Cyril Windeler, founder of the RTI

This was the age of Big Boat racing and the beginning of the J Class , but the new race was restricted to vessels of between 5 and 25 tons. The course was challenging, but not too challenging and could be successfully completed in a day from the centre of British yachting – Cowes.

What began as a race for 25 starters in 1931 has grown and grown to a peak of over 1,800 competitors. For many sailors, the Round the Island Race is a once-a year, not-to-be-missed jolly on a summer’s day. For others it is a battle of wits over a complex course, involving changing currents, unpredictable breezes and idiosyncratic tides.

There have been many changes over the years. It is taken for granted now that the race is sailed in a westabout direction, but the second race, in 1932, had the fleet of 32 starting to the east.

Threading the Needles

Until 1955, Bridge buoy had to be left to port and then there were years in which it was possible to ‘thread The Needles’, passing between two of the chalk pillars. Jack Knights did so with great success in a Yachting World Diamond to win the race in 1961, but the practice was frowned upon and from 1963 until 1980 Palm buoy was dropped offshore of the infamous hazards, Goose Rock and the wreck of the Varvassi .

When the entry was extended to boats of more than 25 tons in 1948, the bigger boats raced for the Crankshaw Bowl and had to round the Nab Tower. That practice was dropped after one year. The start line was also the finish line until 1980 when a separate finish was set between Prince Consort buoy and a committee boat to the north – three years later the double finishing line, as used today, was established.

Round the Island facts First raced 1931 Biggest fleet 1,875 in 2008 Distance 50 nautical miles Startline Royal Yacht Squadron line, Cowes Finish Off Prince Consort, Cowes Last winner of Gold Roman Bowl Contessa 26  High Potential , Ross Applebey Course record 2h 22m 23s MOD70 Concise 10 Ned Collier-Wakefield (2017) Fastest monohull 3h 43m 50s Mike Slade, 2013, ICAP Leopard Most wins Sir Edward Heath, 4, in a succession of Morning Cloud s Yachts are in view the whole way round from vantage points on the Isle of Wight and from Hurst Point and Gilkicker on the mainland

For many years there was no time limit for the race – that changed in 1975 – and nowadays there is no shortened course facility. The reasoning behind this is that there is such a wide range in the boats’ speeds that a call for a shortened course would have to be made within three hours of the start, by which time some of the slower boats might still be in the west Solent and the fastest in the east Solent.

Ghosting along to windward in 1932. The 8-metre Felise leads from Guenora , Cutty Sark and Farewell

And it is at the eastern entrance to the Solent that there have been recent changes. The clearance of the obstruction between No Man’s Land Fort and the Island shore allowed boats inside the Fort, which was, until 2005, a mark of the course, but the practice was actively discouraged.

The critics complain that it gives an added advantage to the smaller boats, but ever since the first race when Peter Brett’s 22ft Cornish fishing boat won on handicap, half the races have been won by boats of less than 30ft LOA.

The pattern changed in the Sixties after a couple of victories by modified folkboats, with the introduction of one-tonners. There were two wins in succession for Sir Max Aitken’s Roundabout and then in the Seventies came the Admiral’s Cuppers, led for three years in a row by Sir Edward Heath’s Morning Cloud s – in 1971 and 72 the 40ft Lallow-built S&S version and in 1973 the 45ft Morning Cloud III .

Former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath sailing Morning Cloud IV to victory in 1980. Photo: Beken

The former Prime Minister claimed a fourth win – a record no one has bettered – in 1980 with the Ron Holland-designed 44ft Morning Cloud IV .

Dominating folkboats

However, folkboats do appear to have claimed the limelight, even if some are lightly disguised as Contessa 26s. Builder Jeremy Rogers and his family have scored three victories (only the second skipper to do so) with Rosina of Beaulieu, but it must be recorded that since Edward Donald’s win with Celia Mary in 1999, there have been seven victories for folkboats or their derivatives, making a total of 11, the earliest being H.B. Shaw’s Katrina in 1948.

Round the Island Race 2023: How to prepare for victory

The exact nature of the error that led someone to share the wisdom of the ‘5Ps’ with me has grown…

Which does tend to point a finger towards the handicap systems used. When the race began, and until 1971, the RORC Rating and time scales, in seconds per mile, were used to determine the winner of the Gold Roman Bowl, the overall handicap prize.

Sir Max Aitkin’s S&S-designed Roundabout in 1971. She won the Gold Roman Bowl twice in the Sixties. Photo: Beken

After that it was the International Offshore Rule (IOR). An unrated class was introduced in 1977 and this quickly became popular, accounting for 761 of the then record entry of 1,813.

In 1984 the Channel Handicap System (CHS) was introduced and in 1999 the IRC which continues to be used to this day.

Notorious hazards

There are a number of notorious hazards to the race that have a nasty habit of fighting back. The list of those who have hit one or other of the obstructions off The Needles is almost endless, but happily there have been no life-threatening accidents. The ‘hairpin’ bend at this stage is tempting in the extreme, and there are Goose Rock and the wreck of SS Varvassi to avoid.

A press of spinnakers as the fleet rounds The Needles in 2006. Photo: Thierry Martinez

In 1990, Bruno Troublé hit the Varvassi wreck in the French Admiral’s Cupper Xeryus and so damaged the boat that it had to be abandoned and sank. Part of the stern was recovered and can still be seen in the Haven Bar in Lymington.

Three years later my Barracuda of Tarrant , with the current editor of this magazine in her crew, was forced too far west at this point and the starboard rudder hit the Varvassi ’s boiler, bent the stock and forced the aft edge to pierce the hull. Donning lifejackets, the crew abandoned the boat as it was taken in tow.

Goose Rock has trapped a few too. In 1995, Mike Slade’s Longobarda hit the western end of it and came to a grinding halt. Chris Law, who was steering, went through the port steering wheel. Having warned the crew: “Brace yourselves,” I joined him and the owner through the starboard one.

Surprisingly, Spirit of the North , with vastly experienced Owen Parker in charge, must have seen our dilemma yet still piled onto the eastern end of the rock. Doubtless others will hit these hazards in the future.

Spirit of the North receiving assistance after hitting Goose Rock off The Needles in 1995. Photo: Jamie Lawson-Johnston/PPL

For the majority, the passage will be safe, and for some fast. In 1933, two boats took more than 24 hours to complete the course (there was no time limit until 1976), but when multihulls were allowed to enter in 1961, a new world opened. The race record had stood to the 12-metre Little Astra at 7h 45m since 1948, but Don Robertson’s 36ft catamaran Snow Goose reduced it to 6h 34m. Tony Bullimore in Apricot and Mike Whipp with Rodney Pattisson in Paragon reduced the time further and, in 2001, Francis Joyon, sailing with Pattisson in the 60ft trimaran Dexia Eure et Loire cut it to 3h 08m.

The monohulls got quicker too. In 2001 Mike Slade in Skandia Life Leopard claimed his third monohull record only to shatter it again in 2008 and 2013. Records come only when conditions are ideal – when the wind is due north, for example, and the tide turns in favour at The Needles and the flood is not too strong after Bembridge Ledge buoy.

Any boat entering the Round the Island Race follows in the footsteps of many famous boats. Chris Ratsey’s Evenlode , a Fife-designed 34-footer was twice best on corrected time. Franklin Woodroofe’s 36ft Nicholson design Lothian was a double winner, as was Sir Max Aitken’s S&S one-tonner Roundabout .

Photo: Thierry Martinez / Sea&Co

There have been many other level-raters at the front, including Robin Aisher, with his Yeoman XXV . And in 1988, Harold Cudmore steered the Whitbread maxi Drum for Arnold Clark to win the Gold Roman Bowl. There have been J Class yachts such as Velsheda and hordes of dayboats, Dragons, Etchells, Ultra 30s and South Coast One-Designs such as Marbella , which won the Silver-Gilt bowl in 2007. And there will be many more.

The mystery of the Gold Roman bowls

When Cyril Windeler’s idea for a race was still gestating within the Island Sailing Club, he set about finding a trophy. He spotted a recently recovered Roman drinking vessel in a London goldsmith’s window. This Thames-dredged cup suited Windeler’s style and he commissioned a copy to be made by Mappin & Webb.

The replica, as was the custom of the day, was fashioned in silver and gilded. It wasn’t quite what Windeler had wanted, but it was sufficient for the first race in 1931.

But a second Roman Bowl was commissioned (and hallmarked) in 1937 from S. Blanckensee & Son of Birmingham to be fashioned in gold. It is 112mm in diameter with a single handle of 46mm and stands 72mm above the wooden plinth (fashioned of oak from HMS Victory ). It weighs 244g. Windeler also ordered three silver replicas, which bear the hallmark of Blanckensee, but in Chester.

That cup, which is now presented to the boat finishing 2nd on overall handicap, was presented on Ratsey’s death to the ISC and is joined today by another silver-gilt trophy, which goes to the overall winner on ISC handicap rating.

The mystery as to which trophy is which comes from 1984 when what is thought to be the original silver-gilt trophy, bearing a 1931/2 hallmark, was presented to the Royal Lymington YC by the estate of Lionel St Clair Byrne. Byrne had won this bowl in 1953 when Windeler decided it should be awarded as a keepsake to the winner in Coronation year.

Local folklore records that Byrne used the two bowls for cocktail snacks, but decided that the gold one was too valuable to sit on his mantelpiece and took it for safe deposit to the bank. When the time came to return it to the ISC, he discovered he had deposited the silver-gilt one and inadvertently kept the gold one on show in his home.

The silver-gilt one is now the Lionel Byrne Cup and is presented each year to the Royal Lymington YC member with the best performance.

But where is the original Roman bowl dredged from the Thames? Could it be in the Mansion House (the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London) or at the Goldsmiths’ Guild or in some dusty cabinet?

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Island Sailing Club

Ratings and reviews, location and contact.

Visited as the sailing club all own members of other sailing clubs to visit. The premed is reek of history and have a perfect location overlooking Cowes Roads. Stayed for a couple ofrounds of drinks. Only thing stopping a perfect score of 5 was a... disappointing member of the bar staff who letting the side down with poor service ( to many not just us) More

Knowing The Island Sailing Club from many trips to Cowes Week over the past 10 years or more we decided to go and support a new venture they are doing this year - a BBQ. I can't begin to say how sorry we were. The... staff were lovely and we ordered a burger (£8.50) and chips (£5) which we thought a little steep as did another couple we spoke with. They were cooked to order (although another table were served before us) and they took a long time to come. Eventually they arrived. The burger, which was very nice, from one area and the chips which were frozen French fries from a shed opposite where the "chef" was on his phone most of the time. My husband's burger and chips arrived but only my burger. We were told that my chips weren't cooked yet. The chef apparently had been told off for being on his phone and he was cooking them now. Half way through our meal and watching what was happening and the phone still very much in evidence we asked to cancel my chips and have a refund which they did. We then asked for the manager. I am still absolutely astounded at his attitude. He spoke over me the whole time whilst I tried to explain what had happened. I had to ask him in the end to please be quiet whilst I finished speaking. He then told me I should have read the menu as they explain at the bottom that food won't be served together as they come from different stations then proceeded to pick up the menu to show me. He explained they could only cook three portions of chips at a time! His attitude was appalling and to cap it all he stood there with a smirk on his face throughout. My husband ended the conversation suggesting he take a course in customer service. The experience marred our whole day! More

My crew and I were in the Isle of Wight for the British Classic Yacht Regatta week, as usual we visited the Island Sailing Club for a dinner all together. 
 There were around 15 of us, half had a meal while the others had drinks. 
... I ordered the steak, another member of crew ordered a chicken breast. The steak was over-cooked like leather with a side of mushrooms and a whole tomato which had been dumped in a fryer. My friend’s chicken was over-cooked and also looked like it came from the same fryer (they had to dissect the inside of the chicken in order to eat). It’s safe to say, our food was tasteless. 
 We made suggestions and idle complaints to the staff who were very sympathetic I cut into the steak and challenged the chef to eat a part - It was inedible. I then returned to the Island Sailing Club office downstairs the next morning, mentioned our experience and complained about the food. They offered me their sympathy and said they would send an email. 

The food we experienced was juvenile and appalling. Considering its contribution to sailing in and around the Isle of Wight, it leaves me breathless they can’t find a competent chef to compliment the history of a very important yacht club. This experience was an embarrassment to the Isle of Wight and my friends and I on a special evening. 
 It saddens me to make this review about their food but I feel that this is a genuine complaint and hopefully some good will come of this. 0 stars for food if the option was available. More

We called in for an impromptu lunch and were lucky enough to find a table right on the water's edge. The menu is small but everything is freshly cooked to order and good quality. The burger was juicy and the pizza was full of topping.... For some reason, my QR order generated the wrong pizza. The staff were lovely about it and provided the correct one, even though the original had already been cooked. We had doughnuts for dessert and, again, they were freshly cooked to order. The restaurant is part of the sailing club and it feels like it, which just adds to the charm. We thoroughly enjoyed all the water traffic going past us. We definitely have plans to return! More

Although it felt a little daunting, we walked down the narrow alley to the waterfront bar/terrace and we weren’t disappointed. The signage states non members welcome and we didn’t feel out of place at all. The bar is well stocked and the food menu suits... the venue perfectly. Most of the food comes from over the street from a pizza outlet and it all looked great. Special shout out to the ‘pizza topping topped nachos’ which were delicious More

Came here during Cowes week. We were looking for somewhere for lunch, which had space and was out of the rain. Stumbled across the club and as there were a few seats in the marquee able to accommodate our party of 6 we decided to... eat and have a drink here expecting it to be quite expensive. We were pleasantly surprised by the choice of ales at very reasonable prices and the excellent pizzas which we had for lunch. The young staff were very pleasant and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. More

I have never written a negative review before so a first time for me. This was in a really stunning location and the decor was amazing. However a rude staff member ruined our brief drinking experience here when she tried to call us out for... sitting on a table that was reserved 1 hour later. We were only staying for 1 and soon drank that after this person devoid of customer experience thought she was something she is not.it was in front of other customers and they just laughed at her attitude with us when she went away as we were in the right. I now know why the place had so few covers when we entered.There was no reserved sign until she brought it over and plonked it down -obviously she had made an error but did not have the decency to apologise. So many other lovely places to enjoy a drink in Cowes so please avoid here if you want a relaxing drink and try them. We will ! More

Booked an Afternoon Tea voucher via the price is wight for a Mother’s Day present. Lovely food, friendly staff & beautiful views from the conservatory!

ISLAND SAILING CLUB, Isle of Wight - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

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Latest news

Racing Rule Quiz - Sunday 5th May

Sign up for an evening of fun & learning on  Sunday 5th May at 19:00 in the Mermaid room. The format will be a pub-style quiz, with different animated scenarios shown and talked through. Quiz entry and supper £15 pp. Part 1 of the quiz will start at 19:30 - with supper at 20:00 - followed by part 2 . Supper More »

18 Apr 2024

Fitting Out Supper 2024

Let's kick off the sailing season in style! Join us for our Fitting Out Supper on May 4th as we celebrate the start of a new adventure on the water. Good food, good friends, and good times ahead! Timing 18:30 - Drinks 19:15 - Pre Dinner Speaker TBC 20:00 - Dinner Dress:  Casual.  Menu More »

15 Apr 2024

Grand National 2024

Grand National 2024, SVYC, Mermaid Room, 4pm, Saturday April 13 Chef Paul Hayward will craft a delectable SVYC Grand National Burger,  you will be able to indulge in the sumptuous SVYC Grand National Burger paired with your choice of either beer, wine, or Prosecco, all for the exceptional price of £16. This delightful combination promises to tantalise your taste buds and provide a memorable afternoon. Join us at SVYC for an afternoon filled with exciting entertainment More »

11 Apr 2024

Ladies Lunch with Special Talk from Dr. Margarita Kilova-John!

Join us for an enlightening session at the upcoming Ladies Lunch on 26th April, as we delve into the secrets of fostering a healthy longevity. Dr. Margarita Kilova-John will be our esteemed host, guiding us through the pathways to creating and sustaining vibrant health as we age. With her expertise, we'll explore practical tips, holistic approaches, and more to embrace a fulfilling and enduring journey towards wellness. Don't miss out on this invaluable opportunity to More »

Richard and Sally Ambler were awarded the Commodore's trophy for cruising the Pacific on their Oyster 49

Sally and Richard Ambler were awarded the Commodore's trophy for cruising the Pacific on their Oyster 49. This is awarded for boating activities outside Seaview by a member or a member of staff.  Sally and Richard Ambler bought their Oyster 49 unseen in July 2021 in the middle of lockdown from a fellow RTYC member who had got marooned in Tahiti on a circumnavigation. They couldn't get to the boat until Christmas that year. More »

Yachtsmans Ale on draught this weekend!

Darren's received the ale cask and it's resting, ready to be tapped in anticipation of a busy Easter weekend! This weekend we are presenting Yachtsman Ale from Island Brewery. Tasting notes: The addition of roasted malt produces a rich brown beer and mouth-feel, counterbalanced by sufficient hops to rise to the nose and to refresh the throat of the most parched of sailors in a subtle complexity of More »

27 Mar 2024

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Club location, weather for ryde, tide predictions.

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All year round busy sailing programme

Welcome to Brading Haven Yacht Club.

The club is a family friendly club offering dinghy sailing, racing and social sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. we support a year-round racing programme and actively support our youth sailing development with rya qualified instructors and race coaches., we also have a cruising section open to all bhyc members sailing and motorboat who enjoy boat rallies, suppers and social events., brading haven yacht club is an rya recognised training centre offering everything from starting to sail to dinghy instructor and race coach qualifications to powerboat courses and individual coaching. we are renowned for having the best and safest water on the isle of wight., situated in an idyllic harbour location where we race and sail all year round., brading haven yacht club has something for everyone with a wonderful location and a friendly atmosphere., please come and have a look around call 01983 873911, relaxed and informal atmosphere, the club is a family friendly club offering dinghy sailing, racing and social sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. we support a year-round racing programme and actively support our youth sailing development with rya qualified instructors and race coaches. we also have a cruising section open to all bhyc members sailing and motorboat who enjoy boat rallies, suppers and social events., situated in an idyllic harbour location where we race and sail all year round. brading haven yacht club has something for everyone with a wonderful location and a friendly atmosphere., love sailing - join bhyc, latest news.

Brading Haven Yacht Club Open Day 20th of April 2024

If you have ever wanted to come and look around Brading Haven Yacht Club or you are wondering if you would like to join our club, then do come to our Open Day. Join us for a free taster sailing session, try gig rowing or take a rib ride, meet the BHYC training team and social team, find out more about racing, social sailing, cruising, model yachting and more. All visitors are welcome and More »

Easter 7 & 8

The weather continued to uphold its side of the bargain which enabled us to run Race 7 and 8 in the Easter Regatta series. A force 3 to 4 with a few challenging gusts blowing from the South West meant that we could set a course suitable for the fleets. Sadly, we had no boats in the Slow Handicap but we did have some stiff competition in the Fast and Scows. A Course More »

Easter Race Series Race 1 & 2

After the F11 registered at Chimet on the Thursday there was always going to be a lingering blow on the Friday. Chimet was registering F6 at 09:00 and F5 at 11:00 with the forecast showing a drop over the following couple of hours observations taken at Bembridge Point suggested more of a constant south westerly F4 with small gust uplifts. The decision was taken to race and get some of More »

A Spring in the gig rowing steps

Gig Rowing It's been a busy few weeks for the BHYC Gig Rowing Bembridge members and despite storms and rain we've been able to get on the water for some social and training rows. In addition, it was a great pleasure for BHYC Gig Rowing Bembridge, to be incorporated into the Fitting Out Supper for the very first time this year. BHYC Gig Rowing started 8 months ago and is going from More »

29 Mar 2024

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You are here > Home > Things To Do > Activities > Sailing

Isle of Wight Sailing & Boat Trips

Chances are that if you asked most of Britain’s (or Europe’s) population about sailing hot spots, then The Solent and Cowes Week would be near the top of the list.

The complex tides and currents of the 20-mile-long stretch of water separating the Isle of Wight from the mainland make it a Mecca for sailors and home to some of the best racing to be had anywhere in the world.

Isle of Wight sailing experiences are among the very best and as well as Cowes, there is great yachting to be had all around our coastline.

So, here’s our guide to help you explore the vibrant world of sailing and yachting on the Isle of Wight. You can discover premier watersport opportunities, sail the coastlines and immerse yourself in thrilling yachting experiences amidst stunning seascapes.

The Isle of Wight also has it's own home grown sailing talent due to the perfect surroundings for sailing. 

The Isle of Wight yachting experiences you must not miss...

Cowes and its sailing heritage

From royal family members to yachting celebrities,  Cowes  is the Isle of Wight yachting mecca.

For a start, it is home to the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) and its famous brass starting cannon, which are a landmark of the town’s seafront.

Cowes is known the world over for its racing heritage. The very first America’s Cup was held here in 1851 and is still the biggest race series of the international sailing calendar. The annual Round the Island Race attracts over 1,000 boats in early summer and  Cowes Week  itself is one of the UK’s most successful sporting events and has been held here in early August since 1826.

As well as the RYS, Cowes is home to a number of other top yacht clubs such as the Royal Ocean Racing Club, Royal London YC, the Island Sailing Club and Cowes Corinthian YC. Down the road in Gurnard is the popular Gurnard SC and across the Medina there is East Cowes SC and East Cowes Marina, another great place to moor your boat.

Cowes is also home to training centre UKSA which offers courses for anyone from novices to experienced sailors, with accommodation available for longer sessions.

As well as the clubs, the yachties make Cowes High Street, with its myriad of pubs and restaurants , a vibrant scene when the day’s racing is over.

And for those who like to mix the petrolhead vibe with life on the water, August Bank Holiday Weekend brings the powerboat crowd to town. 

Boutique shops sit next to well-stocked chandleries and the local marinas at  Cowes Yacht Haven  and Shepherd Marina run by  Cowes Harbour Commission  that have excellent facilities for visiting sailors throughout the year. 

Yarmouth, historic port town

Yarmouth Harbour  is the perfect base to explore the west of the Island.  Yarmouth  is a historic port town and is home to the Royal Solent Yacht Club and Yarmouth Sailing Club.

Quieter than the eastern side of the Island, the west is beautifully unspoilt, but don’t be fooled, there are a surprising number of pubs all offering a welcoming drink. Yarmouth itself is postcard pretty with a grade II listed pier offering uninterrupted views across the Solent. You will find independent shops, chandleries and cosy coffee stops perfect for warming up and drying off, when required.

East Wight, fishing and views

The villages of Bembridge , St Helens and Seaview sit at the eastern end of the Island and the huge and beautiful Bembridge Harbour is home to two clubs, Bembridge Sailing Club and Brading Haven Yacht Club, both with berths for visiting yachtsmen within the protected harbour.

Along The Embankment, which joins Bembridge and St Helens, you will find pretty houseboats, a chandlery and even a restaurant and shop selling top local seafood.

Bembridge is also home to one of the most photographed RNLI lifeboats stations in the country with its imposing launch jetty and architectural boathouse.

Near neighbour Seaview is home to a keen dinghy sailing community out of Sea View Yacht Club (of which Sir Ben Ainslie is a member).

Ryde, gateway to the Isle of Wight

The busy seaside town of Ryde  has a small leisure  marina  which dries out completely at low tide but it is great for accessing the amenities of the Isle of Wight’s biggest town. Ryde enjoys views across the Spithead, a busy section of water where the Solent meets the English Channel. Complete with a Victorian pier , Esplanade and a great variety of pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants, there is plenty to keep you occupied. 

Isle of Wight hidden harbours

As well as these main Isle of Wight harbours there are some lesser-known estuaries and havens.  Newtown National Nature Reserve  is a true hidden gem, a paradise for wildlife and owned by the National Trust which maintains a few visitor moorings. It’s the perfect stop to get away from it all. For the  adventurous ,  Ventnor  is located near the southern tip of the Island and has a small fishing haven which can accessed at high tide.

Shanklin Sailing Club and Yaverland Sailing Club are two other welcoming yacht clubs on the south coast while on the north coast, Wootton Creek is home to the Royal Victoria Yacht Club.

The county town of  Newport  has a popular tidal harbour, the quayside has good facilities and is just a two-minute walk from the town centre. Island Harbour also sits on the Medina river just north of Newport and is home to a chandlery.

Isle of Wight boat charters

Salty Sailing offers a unique opportunity to set sail and explore the beautiful coastline, stunning bays and interesting wildlife of the Isle of Wight. From one day sailing experiences to all inclusive holidays they pride themselves on making sure you have an unforgettable time. So, whether you want to 'learn the ropes' or to sit back and enjoy the views, join them for an experience to remember.

Or if you would like to get afloat but are not fussed if it is under sail, Black Rock Charters can take you around The Needles or for a fishing session.

For a close-up view of the dramatic Needles Rocks and Lighthouse, head onto a Needles Pleasure Cruise  for a dramatic trip around the famous landmark!

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Number of results: 11

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating

Needles Pleasure Cruises

TOTLAND BAY

Two types of trips, the slow and fast cruise.

East Cowes Marina

Marina / Harbour

East Cowes Marina welcomes visiting yachts and motor boats all year round to our 360 berth marina on the sunny and sheltered banks of the river Medina.

Black Rock Charters & Fishing

Day & Sunset Trips.

Salty Sailing

Salty Sailing offers a unique opportunity to set sail and explore the beautiful coastline, stunning bays and interesting wildlife of the Isle of Wight.

Solent Cruises

Solent Cruises have been operating boat trips, harbour tours and boat charters for many years. Our flagship trips include harbour and Solent tours around Cowes and into Portsmouth.

Tourism For All

UKSA enjoys a 4-acre, waterfront location in Cowes on the sunny Isle of Wight and is the perfect location for residential and non-residential sailing, watersports and team building for students aged 6 years and over.

Through our multi-activity fun…

Yarmouth Harbour

The Quay, YARMOUTH

Welcome to Yarmouth Harbour – situated on the Isle of Wight’s northwest coast and gateway to West Wight’s Isle of Wight National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

Bembridge Marine Rib Hire

Water Based Activities

Explore the beautiful Solent area with its landmarks, sandy beaches and vibrant ports, in one of our fully equipped self-drive hire RIBs. 

Cowes Harbour Commission

Cowes Harbour Commission, Cowes, Isle of Wight. Harbour Authority and Marine Services Provider. Marine services include: Shepards Marina, Cowes Harbour Services Boatyard – Storage – Moorings - Fuel – Commercial.

Bembridge Harbour Authority

A leisure harbour with a residents' Marina, a visitors' Marina, 2 yacht clubs, an Angling Club, a commercial fishermans' pontoon & a variety of marine businesses.

Cowes Yacht Haven Ltd

Cowes Yacht Haven is a world-class marina based in the heart of Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Its town centre location allows for easy access to a high street full of pubs, restaurants and shops within seconds.

The Isle of Wight is a hub of activity all year round. Subscribe to our newsletter here to receive our latest stories, holiday or short break ideas, competitions and interesting events.

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A Unique Waterside Lifestyle

Island harbour marina, the control tower | mill lane | newport | isle of wight | england | po30 2la, marina office: 01983 539 994, a unique waterside lifestyle.

Island Harbour Marina is one of the Solent’s best-kept secrets. Conveniently situated on the River Medina, two miles south of Cowes, it’s one of the most picturesque riverside locations.

This peaceful marina offers over 200 berths for annual moorings and visiting yachts, as well as many other amenities including a chandlery, boat builders with a repair workshop, 50 ton hoist and slip crane, hard standing, luxury showers and laundry room, car parking and FREE Wi-Fi.

We have a new cycle track into Newport, the County Town of the Isle of Wight and riverside walks, ideal for ramblers and dog walkers. We are also convenient for Island bus routes, making Island Harbour a great central base from which to discover the island.

The stunning setting, sense of space and well appointed facilities combine to make Island Harbour an exceptionally sought after marina and a great place to relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

If you have never been here before, give us a try. You won’t regret it! If you don’t have a boat, but fancy staying by the side of a scenic riverbank, we can also accommodate campervans and tents. Give us a call for rates and further information. —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

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Marine Weather & Tides for Island Harbour and the Solent

Uavend Investments LLP (In Administration) c/o The Administrator, Lucas Ross Limited, Stanmore House, 64-68 Blackburn Street, Radcliffe, Manchester, M26 2JS

Telephone (0161) 5095095

Email:  [email protected]

“The business, affairs, and property of Uavend Investments LLP is being managed by the

Administrator as an agent and without personal liability”.

Telephone: 01983 539 994          Email: [email protected]

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Please contact Emma the Island Sailing Club's Membership & Benefits Officer at [email protected]  or call 01983 296621 to discuss your Membership at the Club.

Last updated 10:19 on 19 December 2023