COWES TOWN
WELCOME TO COWES The towns of Cowes and East Cowes either side of Cowes Harbour are steeped in maritime history and if you’ve never stepped ashore, then you’re in for a treat. Used to welcoming visitors here since Victorian times, you should find everything you need to ensure your stay is filled with Island magic. You can cross the river Medina, which separates Cowes and East Cowes and flows down to the county town of Newport, either by foot and vehicle using the Cowes Floating Bridge, or calling a water taxi to ferry you across. There are delightful walks and cycle trails along both sides of the Medina estuary and town seafronts if you want to stretch your legs and explore. Of course, sailing is a way of life here, so you’ll find all the boat services, equipment and kit you’ll need. There are several chandleries like Pascall Atkey with its vintage shopfront and interior, and Jolliffes stocks everything from paddleboards to
clinometers. Cowes is home to world famous sail makers Ratsey and Lapthorne, and North Sails. Spinlock supply rope holding equipment and personal safety protection, and there are a wealth of other specialist sailing services in and around the town. You can also learn or improve sailing skills at the many training schools such as UKSA, who provide all manner of courses from watersports to Yachtmaster qualifications. Cowes is filled with a wide range of sail clothing shops, whether you’re planning a gentle cruise down to Yarmouth, or about to circumnavigate the globe. Toio stock a wide range of garments and cowesharbourcommission.co.uk
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