Isle of Wight Sailing & Boat Trips

If you ask anyone with a keen interest in sailing, you can bet they have heard of the Solent and the Isle of Wight. Separating the Island from the mainland, the Solent stretches 20 miles long and is one of the busiest stretches of water in the world, serving as a major shipping lane, as well as a hub for water sports. The Isle of Wight also has it's own home grown sailing talent due to the perfect surroundings for sailing. 

Many people choose to head over using the excellent ferry connections but equally, many people like to make their own way over, sailing in by wind or the power of their motoryacht. If you have the nautical know-how, the Isle of Wight is one of the best places to sail to, offering a warm welcome all year round. 

Cowes and its sailing heritage

The most famous nautical town, Cowes is the mecca for all things sailing and is home to the Royal Yacht Squadron, founded in 1815. Known the world over for it’s racing heritage, the very first America’s Cup was held here in 1851 and is still the biggest race of the international nautical calendar to this day. The annual Round the Island Race attracts over 1600 boats in June, from amateurs to famous faces and Cowes Week itself is one of the UK’s most successful sporting events and has been held here in early August since 1826.

The fun doesn't stop on dry land either as Cowes town boasts a number of pubs and restaurants where you will regularly see those in red oilies mixing with those in civvies. Boutique shops sit next to well stocked chandleries and the local marinas at Cowes Yacht Haven and Shepherd Marina run by Cowes Harbour Commission that have excellent facilities for visiting sailors throughout the year. 

West Wight, historic port town

Yarmouth Harbour is the perfect base from which to explore the west of the Island. Yarmouth is a historic port town, centering around a market square. Quieter than the eastern side of the Island, the west is beautifully unspoilt, but don’t be fooled, there are a surprising number of pubs all offering a welcoming drink. The town itself is postcard pretty with a grade II listed pier offering uninterrupted views across the Solent. You will find a number of independent shops and cosy coffee stops perfect for warming up and drying off in when required.

East Wight, fishing and views

Bembridge, situated in the most easterly point of the Island, is a busy coastal village, considered to be one of the largest villages in the UK. The substantial harbour also houses the local fishing fleet serving the cafes and restaurants with their famous crab and shellfish. The centre is picturesque with a quintessential village feel just like its near neighbour seaview which is home to a keen dinghy sailing community. You will find all the amenities you need in as well as lively pubs and eateries. Bembridge has its own harbour office and is also home to one of the most photographed RNLI lifeboats stations in the country with its imposing launch jetty and architectural boathouse.

Gateway to the Island

Ryde is a busy seaside town regularly referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Island’ and an ideal stop-off point for a family sailing holiday along the south coast. There are miles of excellent sandy beaches and shallow waters with activities pretty much as soon as you step off the boat including bowling and boating lakes. 

With it's relatively small leisure marina that dries out completely at low tide, Ryde enjoys views across the Spithead, a busy section of water where the Solent meets the English Channel, with large ships passing by. Complete with a Victorian pier, quintessential Esplanade and a great variety of pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants, there is plenty to keep you occupied. 

So much choice

As well as these main Isle of Wight harbours there are some lesser known estuaries and havens that are well worth seeking out. Newtown National Nature Reserve is a true hidden gem, a paradise for wildlife and owned by the National Trust which maintains a few visitor moorings. It’s the perfect stop to get away from it all. For the adventurous, Ventnor is located near the southern tip of the Island and has a small fishing haven which can accessed at high tide. But be careful to dodge the lobster pots that are dotted around the entrance.

The county town of Newport has a popular tidal harbour, the quayside has good facilities and is just two minutes walk from the town centre. Island Harbour also sits on the Medina river just north of Newport and on the way to East Cowes where there is another marina with all the facilities and knowledgeable staff to help with exploring the Island.

A visit to the Isle of Wight is always a magical experience made all the more memorable when you arrive on the wind.