Isle of Wight Sailing & Boat Trips

Chances are that if you asked most of Britain’s (or Europe’s) population about sailing hot spots, then The Solent and Cowes Week would be near the top of the list.

The complex tides and currents of the 20-mile-long stretch of water separating the Isle of Wight from the mainland make it a Mecca for sailors and home to some of the best racing to be had anywhere in the world.

Isle of Wight sailing experiences are among the very best and as well as Cowes, there is great yachting to be had all around our coastline.

So, here’s our guide to help you explore the vibrant world of sailing and yachting on the Isle of Wight. You can discover premier watersport opportunities, sail the coastlines and immerse yourself in thrilling yachting experiences amidst stunning seascapes.

The Isle of Wight also has it's own home grown sailing talent due to the perfect surroundings for sailing. 

The Isle of Wight yachting experiences you must not miss...

Cowes and its sailing heritage

From royal family members to yachting celebrities, Cowes is the Isle of Wight yachting mecca.

For a start, it is home to the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) and its famous brass starting cannon, which are a landmark of the town’s seafront.

Cowes is known the world over for its racing heritage. The very first America’s Cup was held here in 1851 and is still the biggest race series of the international sailing calendar. The annual Round the Island Race attracts over 1,000 boats in early summer and Cowes Week itself is one of the UK’s most successful sporting events and has been held here in early August since 1826.

As well as the RYS, Cowes is home to a number of other top yacht clubs such as the Royal Ocean Racing Club, Royal London YC, the Island Sailing Club and Cowes Corinthian YC. Down the road in Gurnard is the popular Gurnard SC and across the Medina there is East Cowes SC and East Cowes Marina, another great place to moor your boat.

Cowes is also home to training centre UKSA which offers courses for anyone from novices to experienced sailors, with accommodation available for longer sessions.

As well as the clubs, the yachties make Cowes High Street, with its myriad of pubs and restaurants, a vibrant scene when the day’s racing is over.

And for those who like to mix the petrolhead vibe with life on the water, August Bank Holiday Weekend brings the powerboat crowd to town. 

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. 

Yarmouth, historic port town

Yarmouth Harbour is the perfect base to explore the west of the Island. Yarmouth is a historic port town and is home to the Royal Solent Yacht Club and Yarmouth Sailing Club.

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. Yarmouth itself is postcard pretty with a grade II listed pier offering uninterrupted views across the Solent. You will find independent shops, chandleries and cosy coffee stops perfect for warming up and drying off, when required.

East Wight, fishing and views

The villages of Bembridge, St Helens and Seaview sit at the eastern end of the Island and the huge and beautiful Bembridge Harbour is home to two clubs, Bembridge Sailing Club and Brading Haven Yacht Club, both with berths for visiting yachtsmen within the protected harbour.

Along The Embankment, which joins Bembridge and St Helens, you will find pretty houseboats, a chandlery and even a restaurant and shop selling top local seafood.

Bembridge is also home to one of the most photographed RNLI lifeboats stations in the country with its imposing launch jetty and architectural boathouse.

Near neighbour Seaview is home to a keen dinghy sailing community out of Sea View Yacht Club (of which Sir Ben Ainslie is a member).

Ryde, gateway to the Isle of Wight

The busy seaside town of Ryde has a small leisure marina which dries out completely at low tide but it is great for accessing the amenities of the Isle of Wight’s biggest town. Ryde enjoys views across the Spithead, a busy section of water where the Solent meets the English Channel. Complete with a Victorian pier, Esplanade and a great variety of pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants, there is plenty to keep you occupied. 

Isle of Wight hidden harbours

As well as these main Isle of Wight harbours there are some lesser-known estuaries and havens. 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.

Shanklin Sailing Club and Yaverland Sailing Club are two other welcoming yacht clubs on the south coast while on the north coast, Wootton Creek is home to the Royal Victoria Yacht Club.

The county town of Newport has a popular tidal harbour, the quayside has good facilities and is just a two-minute walk from the town centre. Island Harbour also sits on the Medina river just north of Newport and is home to a chandlery.

Isle of Wight boat charters

Salty Sailing offers a unique opportunity to set sail and explore the beautiful coastline, stunning bays and interesting wildlife of the Isle of Wight. From one day sailing experiences to all inclusive holidays they pride themselves on making sure you have an unforgettable time. So, whether you want to 'learn the ropes' or to sit back and enjoy the views, join them for an experience to remember.

Or if you would like to get afloat but are not fussed if it is under sail, Black Rock Charters can take you around The Needles or for a fishing session.

For a close-up view of the dramatic Needles Rocks and Lighthouse, head onto a Needles Pleasure Cruise for a dramatic trip around the famous landmark!