Cowes Harbour Commission
Harbour Authority & Marine Services Provider
Newsletter 30th November 2016
Cowes Outer Harbour Project
Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) is continuing negotiations on the Harbour Infrastructure Funding Agreement (HIFA), which is essential for progressing Phases 2 and 3, the Shrape Breakwater extension and Eastern Channel dredge. Talks are also underway to finalise details of the construction costs and delivery with Boskalis Westminster. We are still working towards delivering the programme next year, but it is dependent upon securing the ‘HIFA’ funding agreement with the Homes and Communities Agency and their development partners.

Other news this month includes an update on preparations for the new Chain Ferry, developments planned for next year's Handbook, and an article on the River Medina written by Capt. Peter Jackson, who is our current 'Dedicated Person' for harbour navigation and safety and also an ex-Commissioner.

I hope you find our November newsletter, in its new mobile responsive format, both informative and interesting. Our next E-news is scheduled for issue prior to Christmas.

Captain Stuart McIntosh Cowes Harbour Master
Preparations for new Chain Ferry
CHC has issued a works licence to the IW Council for alterations to be made to the current Cowes Chain Ferry slipways at both East and West Cowes in preparation for the new floating bridge, due to come into service in March 2017. 

The slipways upgrade project is planned to commence on 3rd January 2017 and is due to last approximately 12 weeks. Whilst these works are taking place a replacement launch service will be provided for foot passengers.

The works will be carried out by the IW Council’s appointed contractor GeoMarine and will involve the removal of the current surfaces, relocation of the northern chain and resurfacing of the slipways. There will also be extensive works to the slipway foundations, the adjacent retaining walls and some minor refurbishing of the passenger waiting areas.

Read more on the CHC website
Your essential guide to Cowes Harbour
Production has started on next year’s Handbook, led by our new editor, Cowes-based publishing consultant and boat builder Martin Nott, who is working closely with CHC and Horizon Publishing.

Renamed the ' Cowes Harbour Handbook' for 2017 to better reflect the publication’s role as the definitive guide to the harbour, Cowes, East Cowes and the River Medina, proposed developments include: a “What’s new in Cowes” section, expanded information on High Street and marine businesses, plus an in-depth focus on marine expertise in the harbour. There are also exciting plans to enhance the online version of the Handbook with bonus interactive content for readers and new digital features for advertisers.

Read more online and find out how to advertise in the Cowes Harbour Handbook
Destination Cowes at London's World Travel Market
Visit Isle of Wight and ‘Destination Cowes’ attended the World Travel Market earlier this month, where over 50,000 travel professionals gathered at Excel London to look at destination ideas from around the world.

At the show, Visit Isle of Wight introduced the new Island Destination Manual and the trade gateway, a new initiative to attract overseas visitors. On 7th November during a busy press day, the new ‘Destination Cowes’ partnership was launched on the exhibition stand by CHC and Cowes Town Council. 

Read more online and learn about future Visit Isle of Wight plans
Port Operative Apprentice on board at Shepards Wharf
CHC’s first Port Operative Apprenticeship attracted a considerable amount of interest and following a rigorous interview process, the successful applicant, Sam Saunders from Gurnard has recently been selected for the new position.

Sam will be based at Shepards Wharf Marina, and will learn a range of skills relating to moving and storing boats, marina maintenance, environmental good practice, security, health and safety, customer service, mooring and berthing boats.

Read the full story online
Richard Martch of Cowes Sailmakers has just opened up at Kingston, moving into the mezzanine in the main Kingston Marine Services building, and complementing the existing services of 1st Class Covers and the wide range of marine trades already on site at Kingston Wharf.

The Medina Estuary offers a base for every type of boating and the river is featured in an engaging article entitled ‘ River Sailors’ written by CHC’s Designated Person and ex-Commissioner Capt. Peter Jackson in  Sailing Today’s December issue:

Cowes, synonymous with yachting for over 200 years, is visited annually by thousands of sailors.  Many never venture upstream of the ‘floating bridge’, unaware of the tranquillity and delights of the River Medina’s upper reaches, navigable as far as Newport.  

The River Medina rises in the downs not far inland from St Catherine’s Point, flows north for about 6 miles to Newport where it becomes tidal, and thence another 4 miles to the Solent itself. The nature of the river, a mixture of industry, commerce and leisure, has been carefully guarded over the years. It remains the Isle of Wight’s main transportation gateway for passengers, vehicles and bulk cargoes. The industrial legacies of J Samuel White and Saunders Roe live on, however, it is still possible to indulge in a Swallows and Amazons experience on the river, either in dinghy, kayak, rowing skiff or on a paddleboard.

Cowes Harbour Commission | 01983 293952 | chc@cowes.co.uk | cowesharbourcommission.co.uk