COWES HARBOUR ISLE OF WIGHT 50° 46’.08 N, 001° 17’.95 W

Situated on the northern side of the Isle of Wight at the mouth of the River Medina, Cowes Harbour can lay a pretty strong claim to being one of the birthplaces of yachting as we know it these days. There are many reasons for this; on one level you have to look at the socio economic status of the UK in the mid-19th century and also the fact that the royal family holidayed at nearby Osborne House and happened to be keen sailors. Yet in a more simplistic reading, the success of Cowes lies squarely on its superb location. The River Medina provides all tide shelter with generous depths, while the north side of the Isle of Wight faces straight onto the sheltered waters and cruising heaven that is the Solent. It all means