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 uequalled number of racing events events and cruising rallies every season. Thousands of yachts sail into Cowes each year with over 10,000 visitors arriving in the town during each of the season’s major events. During Cowes Week the total number of sailors and visitors flooding into the town can exceed 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.