Cowes visitor berths?

[Robin]

We haven't been into Cowes for probably 10 years so are way out of date with where to stop as a visitor and I just looked at the marina rates for us and for two nights I'd rather not bother! Are there still Harbour Commission pile moorings or pontoons in the river not too far from the town? I tried the website but it is a dreadful hotch potch and I couldn't even find a map or a river chart that might show visitor spots. I know we could go up to the Folly but SWMBO has ideas about visiting some shop a friend has recommended for designer shirts, I need to at least seem to have explored all possibilities...

 

[jstr]

Re: Cowes vistor berths?

We love Shepards Wharf - just past the Yacht Haven on the right.

Tel: 01983 297821
Visitors Berths
Showers and Toilets

Shepards Wharf Marina
Medina Road, Cowes
Isle of Wight. PO31 7HT

 

[Evadne]

Re: Cowes vistor berths?

The short answer is "yes".

I wouldn't recommend West Cowes marina for a quiet overnight stay myself, very bumpy as well as expensive.
If going to Cowes itself we always stay at East Cowes marina and walk down to the floating bridge.
Our owner's association booked into Shephard's wharf a few years ago, now a comfortable (but not that cheap) marina.

 

[AIDY]

Yes - you can still go on the H/M pontoon just after the chain ferry... similar price to lymington town quay. but not done it this year.

 

[Robin]

Re: Cowes vistor berths?

Thanks for quick replies guys but if SWMBO goes shopping on top of the marina rates (over £40/night for us and we want two nights) I'd be boosting the economy almost single handed! Looking for something a bit more down market, even though we have always used East Cowes in the past and enjoyed it but with a smaller boat it was less painful.

 

[jhr]

I think that the pontoons to the north of East Cowes Marina are Harbour Commission? Otherwise, the Folly is your best bet and - as you have already realised - presents huge cost-savings because of the relative difficulty of getting in to Town from there /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.

Maybe moor at the Folly, get ashore, and send SWMBO into Town on the Folly water taxi? (not cheap, but probably still a lower overall cost than going into one of the marinas, and you get to avoid being dragged round lots of over-priced shops). You can await her return in the Pub.

Sorted!

 

[johnalison]

We managed to get onto one of the pontoons on a Saturday in June a couple of years ago so it is possible, and reasonably quiet. The water-taxi will cost a few quid though, so we tend to use our dinghy & save the money.

 

[jonjo]

Agree the Cowes internet presence is a disaster. I tend to avoid the place but from recollection there is a new offshore pontoon on the seaward side of the floating bridge.

Alternatively for a more peaceful night I think there are some visitor piles roughly opposite East Cowes marina. East Cowes marina to Cowes High street is quite a hike 30 minutes-ish including 5 minutes waiting at the floating bridge and some dismal street scenery, however two years ago I saw a water taxi departing from east cowes marina.

Be aware of the big rock concert date early summer.

If you do cave in and opt for the convenience of berthing at the Cowes Yacht haven best visit you GP beforehand for a set of inoculations typically given prior to travel to dodgy 3rd world countries. The shower block at the Haven should be declared a public health hazard.

 

[islandsailor]

UKSA just up river of the chain ferry have visitor berths 10 minute walk into town, and although I have no up to date info historically very cheap sure if you phone them they can confirm prices

 

[Robin]

Thanks all. it looks like there are some spots still to try if we get there early enough and we might try this Friday to beat any Bank Holiday rush.

 

[Seafort]

Let's face it you are going to COWES, dont worry, whatever you do it will cost too much.

I have enough trouble keeping hands in pockets when there let alone worry about SWMBO. I get encouraged to buy all sorts of c*** and then get faced with "Well you bought that". Bungie cord / Handbag. Hang on a mo!

Do not under any cicumstances take your spare sail ashore, you may end up with a 'cool' jacket but no b***** spare sail.

Have a good one.

Dave.

 

[Aries]

Yes, there are two sets of visitors pontoons at Cowes. One is opposite East Cowes Marina and the other just opposite the fuel barge. They are only available on the channel sides of the pontoon. You can raft out from them even though some people insist that you cannot raft next to them if they are alongside. (Selfish whatsits!)

West Cowes is OK mid week, but a mad house of Sunsail and racing boats on Saturdays.

Sheperds is usually fine mid week, in fact we were there this Friday overnight.

 

[Robin]

Once again thanks for the updates. keeping money in the wallet is always difficult I know but at least a bit of bungy is something tangible to take home compared to donating funds in large amounts to use a berth probably already paid for by someone else and for showers we never use because our own is so much better!