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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

Superb, comprehensive marina facilities are available in Cowes and the regattas will be based at Shepherds Marina. In addition, 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. A system will be established for co-ordinating mooring bookings.

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.		 elephant_at_landsendrd.freeserve.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".		 jaffa_at_willment group.com

Shipping your Boat

Whereas some boats may wish to sail to Cowes and some will have their own transport, we are making arrangements with ... (to be notified) to provide transport to one of the yards mentioned above. 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.

    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. 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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