We have been taking on board feedback received from our Cowes Harbour Moorings customers with regard to winter berthing in the harbour. 

As a result, Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) has taken the decision to introduce a discount on winter berthing at Shepards Wharf Marina, exclusively for CHC annual mooring holders. 

This will entitle all CHC annual berth holders to a 10% discount off the standard winter monthly rate in the marina; this offer is available from 1st November 2016 to 31st March 2017.

Information on all the marina facilities at Shepards Wharf and how to book the CHC berth holders' benefit can be found at cowesharbourcommission.co.uk/winter_berths. 



All winter berths benefit from the full range of marina facilities including, free Wi-Fi, electricity and water on pontoons, inclusive showers, free pump out, garbage disposal and recycling facilities, as well as site-wide CCTV.

(The standard winter monthly rate at Shepards Wharf is £15.50 per metre per month.)

A warm winter welcome awaits you at Shepards Wharf Marina!

As the 2016 boating season draws to a close for most, we have been looking at what boat owners can do to prepare for winter and reduce the risk of damage to their craft. Working with leading online insurer, Craftinsure.com, we have identified some of the most common problems and can pass on the following seasonal advice.



Whilst Cowes is a relatively sheltered location, it makes sense to minimise wind resistance for boats laid up ashore. It may not be necessary to un-step masts, but remove spray dodgers and boom covers for example, and ensure furling headsails are securely tied to prevent them from unfurling in strong winds.

Check your rig for any signs of corrosion (especially around fittings) and for any missing pins or other components. Tape up any that could work loose from vibration over the winter period. Major rig failures have occurred for the sake of a missing clevis pin costing a few pence!

Sadly, even the most secure locations are not totally immune to theft, and the long hours of darkness increases this risk during winter. It therefore makes sense to remove electronics and other valuable items as far as possible for safe storage. Outboard motors are still the most common target for thieves, and so it is essential that these are either locked away or secured with a purpose designed anti-theft device if left on the transom. Fit hatches with good quality locks and close any cabin curtains and blinds.

Read the full article for more advice and tips at cowesharbourcommission.co.uk

We have been informed by Sally Water Taxis that they will not be operating a service over the winter. Therefore, Cowes Harbour Commission is now providing a water taxi service between the hours of 0900 and 1730, seven days a week, up to 31st March 2017.

The 'Cowes Harbour Taxi' service is provided by our duty Berthing Masters and Shepards Wharf Marina staff.

Please note that advance booking is highly recommended to ensure that you can be accommodated at your preferred time. The Cowes Harbour Taxi can be booked direct by telephoning 07855 767918, via Shepards Wharf Marina on 01983 297821 or via VHF Ch69 call sign 'HM1'.  The service may be available outside of normal operating hours, subject to booking in advance.

Further details can be found at cowesharbourcommission.co.uk/water_taxis

If you would like to enquire about mooring availability in Cowes Harbour, or have a general enquiry regarding moorings, do get in touch or pay us a visit at the Shepards Wharf Marina Office.

For those of you who are new to Cowes Harbour - welcome! - and check out our mooring location chartlet, which illustrates all the different mooring options available from "M Row" in the Outer Harbour down to the "Folly visitor pontoons". Click on any of the numbers 1 - 13 on the mooring location chartlet for brief information on each mooring area. 

Jock Rafferty

Manager

Cowes Harbour Moorings &  Shepards Wharf Marina

shepards.chc@cowes.co.uk

01983 297821

VHF Channel 69 Call sign 'Cowes Harbour Radio' (Not 24hr)