2016 was another successful, busy year for Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC). I am
pleased to provide this introduction to our Annual Report for 2016/17. It gives me an
opportunity to highlight some of the key issues and achievements of 2016 and also to
look forward to some of our current plans and objectives.
The maintenance of a safe harbour for both commercial and leisure users has been and
remains CHC’s overriding priority. In the last 12 months there have been a number of
incidents or close quarter situations involving harbour users that had the potential to
cause serious injury or worse. Fortunately, this has not been the case but each incident
has been investigated in order that all involved can learn from it and implement any
necessary procedures. We have received excellent co-operation from both commercial
and leisure users in the harbour with regard to safety management, incident investigation
and implementation of actions resulting from lessons learnt. CHC will continue to
priortise safety and promote working in partnership with all harbour users to improve
safety within our harbour.
The complete Cowes Breakwater has been in place now for some 18 months and has
clearly reduced wave conditions in many parts of the harbour. The Cowes Breakwater
is phase 1 of the Outer Harbour Project. As of writing, we are still in negotiations with
the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and their chosen development partners
Victoria Quay Estates Limited regarding the funding to be provided by the developers for
phases 2 and 3, the Shrape Breakwater extension and the Eastern Channel dredge. The
responsibilities of CHC are limited to the delivery of the harbour infrastructure necessary
to provide a true sheltered harbour. We will continue to keep you advised of progress
on this development and in particular the delivery of the harbour infrastructure including
the Eastern Channel, which CHC is aware the harbour users are keen to see dredged as
soon as possible.
Dear Stakeholders,
Our harbour is a busy one. 2016 saw a marked increase in commercial traffic, partially
due to the increased import of road construction material for the Island Roads project.
Cowes enjoyed hosting a number of key sailing events last year including the World
Championships for the International Etchells keelboat, the International Tempest class,
and J/111 yachts. Beautiful vintage designs graced the Solent for Charles Stanley Cowes
Classics Week and Panerai British Classic Week, whilst international teams competed
in the Brewin Dolphin Commodores’ Cup. The 85th Round the Island Race was held in
July, and Cowes Week, the oldest and largest annual sailing regatta in the world, took
place in August.
In spring 2016, CHC published its Strategic Plan for 2016-2021. One of the objectives
was to develop a Port Master Plan by the end of 2017. It will be important that this plan
addresses the current and future plans of all the harbour stakeholders and therefore
CHC is already engaged in discussions with the key stakeholder groups and Advisory
Committee. The retention and development of waterfront marine employment sites is an
important CHC policy. In this regard the future of the HCA/Isle of Wight Council Kingston
Marine Park is key as is the proposed regeneration of East Cowes. Another and long-
standing CHC objective was the development of a cost effective and environmentally
aware maintainance dredging plan for the Medina Estuary. Much effort has been put
into understanding the evolution of the estuary and the drivers and factors that influence
the Medina sedimentation regime. In May 2017 CHC commenced consultation with
the stakeholders who have an interest and need for maintenance dredging, regarding
the possibility of forming a new plan and partnership approach to deliver cost-effective
maintaince dredging.
Annual Report 2016 - 2017
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