Bird's-eye view of Cowes fairway

Cowes fairway

When you arrive in Cowes by water you will enter the fairway. Here's a bird's-eye view that will help you get your bearings and find your mooring easily.

A comprehensive guide to mooring and berthing in Cowes with all the main marinas can be found here.

Once in the fairway, the famous landmarks of Cowes come into focus.  Immediately to port are the outer mooring buoys, with the giant Union Jack flag doors of Venture Quays ahead and the majestic Royal Yacht Squadron to starboard. The historic Cowes Parade stretches along the waterfront encompassing Trinity Landing, a public pontoon facility, and many of the famous yacht clubs. Red Funnel’s terminal for the Red Jet, its fast passenger service, is next door to the old Town Quay. This is home to the Harbour Master’s offices and used by visiting RIBs and yachts seeking a scrubbing berth.

Next in line is Cowes Yacht Haven and then Shepards Wharf Marina, various boatyards and then the historic chain ferry that links Cowes and East Cowes. The other side of the river hosts the East Cowes terminal for Red Funnel’s car ferry service from Southampton.

1. No. 1 Green Harbour Buoy

2. No. 2 Red Harbour Buoy

3. Royal Yacht Squadron

4. Trinity Landing

5. Cowes Parade

6. Red Jet Terminal

7. Town Quay

8. Cowes Yacht Haven

9. Shepards Wharf Marina

10. East Cowes Car Ferry Terminal

11. Venture Quays

12. Chain Ferry

13. East Cowes Marina