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Harbour Information

Using Cowes Harbour

Cowes Harbour is the main commercial port for the Isle of Wight and one of the foremost destinations for sailors in the world.

Main hazards when approaching Cowes Harbour

  • Frequent movements of large commercial ships including liners, tankers and container ships using the deep draft channel immediately to the north of the harbour
  • Ferries, high-speed passenger ferries and smaller commercial ships entering and leaving Cowes
  • Strong tidal streams running across the entrance at speeds up to 3 knots and up to 4 knots in the deeper water of the Solent
  • The very shallow Shrape Watersports Area immediately to the east of the entrance

Approaches to Cowes, fairways, and cautions

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Entering Cowes via the Eastern Channel

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