Start of construction of the new Cowes Marina?

Yes it does rather clatter through there on a spring...tho I think the BW probably alleviates the rate of knots just a tad...The real question tho is.. 'Does Cowes really need another marina? Its all starting to look rather less 'pretty IOW' and more like height of the season... Monaco.
 
I imagined they’d put another barrier at the river end to reduce the tidal flow. But as long as the berths align with the tide, I can’t see much difficulty. Itkll be entirely populated with AWBs and motor boats owned by folk from the North Island anyway, so not that bothered. It is however going to make sailing back to Corinthians/Shepherds/Cowes Yacht Haven in an XOD or other non motorised dayboat, ie Dragons, Darings, Etchells etc so much more difficult. We’ll be stuck out in the fastest tide, tacking across the path of the Red Funnel ferries.
 
Last time I visited Cowes was in January maybe over 10 years ago; probably a little more than 10 years ago.

Lots of room for a 70 footer, place was deserted.

Very cold. Ice on pontoons.

Porta cabins had been set up for loos and showers owing to renovations during off-season.

The pub was warm.

Only stayed two nights.
 
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Cowes has enough yachts already,looks most odd and what with the w c being miles away up a ramp at low tide adisaster,only need a dredger loosing it steering to wipe it out …
 
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Cowes has enough yachts already,looks most odd and what with the w c being miles away up a ramp at low tide adisaster,only need a dredger loosing it steering to wipe it out …
I always find it odd how successful in the sailing events this country is at the Olympics whilst at the same time disparaging and hating all things boaty in the media. Having spent lots of time at La Base in Lorient ( that’s S Britanny by the way ) where the array of performance boats is the most spectacular I have seen anywhere in the world. Cowes/The Hamble look like Ikea car parks in comparison. Some sensible development and modernisation in the Medina River should be applauded, unless that is, the assembled throng here wishes to preside over the steady demise of yachting.
People’s Republic of France celebrates their boaties, and all the industries that go with them, we need to learn ‘cos we won’t get it all back once its gone.
 
I always find it odd how successful in the sailing events this country is at the Olympics whilst at the same time disparaging and hating all things boaty in the media. Having spent lots of time at La Base in Lorient ( that’s S Britanny by the way ) where the array of performance boats is the most spectacular I have seen anywhere in the world. Cowes/The Hamble look like Ikea car parks in comparison. Some sensible development and modernisation in the Medina River should be applauded, unless that is, the assembled throng here wishes to preside over the steady demise of yachting.
People’s Republic of France celebrates their boaties, and all the industries that go with them, we need to learn ‘cos we won’t get it all back once its gone.
Ithought Portland had been developed to encourage olímpicyachting .Livingin Galicia I obviously am not in a position to to comment but the enclosed “marina” planned for east Cowes looks a bit odd.France seems to have more deep water space for their large marinas.What about a more adventurous development on the western shore near zHythe on Southampton water or a development off Netly again in Southampton.Or a lock system across the Medina just beyond the south end of the commercial dock on the West Bank of the Medina.I sailed and lived in Cowes many years ago and it seeme crowded then.
 
The problem in Solent is lack of investment -you only have to visit the marina at St Cast to see what could be achieved-on Iow you end up with half baked schemes like Ryde marina,Ventnor,island harbour etc. it’s clear the French can do these things better for some reason
 
The problem in Solent is lack of investment -you only have to visit the marina at St Cast to see what could be achieved-on Iow you end up with half baked schemes like Ryde marina,Ventnor,island harbour etc. it’s clear the French can do these things better for some reason
I don’t know, but I get the impression that in France and elsewhere a yacht harbour or marina is seen as a civic amenity and at least some public money is used in setting it up.
 
I don’t know, but I get the impression that in France and elsewhere a yacht harbour or marina is seen as a civic amenity and at least some public money is used in setting it up.
And France is going the way of Island Harbour because of it. The French do it well, for sure, but only by spending money they don’t have.
 
And France is going the way of Island Harbour because of it. The French do it well, for sure, but only by spending money they don’t have.
And France is going the way of Island Harbour because of it. The French do it well, for sure, but only by spending money they don’t have.
whereas on most things I quite agree with what you say about France, on matters boaty it’s simply a matter of attitude. They do not have the reverence of their floaty toys that Brits seem to have and there’s no snobbery. The likes of Squadron and the Royal Thames don’t exist over there, arrogant country clubs with an emphasis on the first syllable.
 

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