Cowes Harbour Handbook
The Cowes Harbour Handbook (previously known as the Cowes Port Handbook) is the
official, definitive guide to Cowes Harbour, the River Medina, Cowes and East Cowes on the
Isle of Wight, for leisure sailors and boaters, visitors, local residents and commercial harbour
users. CHC supports the delivery of the annual Handbook publication by providing year-
round assistance to the publisher and editorial team.
Cowes.co.uk
During 2016, the COWES.co.uk website, owned by CHC, was managed on behalf of the
Commission by a partnership between Destination Cowes and Visit Isle of Wight Ltd for
the benefit of Cowes and East Cowes. In March 2017, CHC agreed for the cowes.co.uk
domain name to be redirected to the new Destination Cowes website:
visitisleofwight.co.uk/cowes
Wessex Cancer Trust Charity
Working with the Wessex Cancer Trust Charity, CHC offers free parking at the Harbour Office
car park for patients travelling by Red Jet to Southampton for treatment.
Procurement of Services & Supplies
The Commission’s procurement activities positively favour Isle of Wight and local suppliers
and resources wherever possible, within governance and ‘best value’ requirements.
Local Employment
As a Trust Port, Cowes Harbour aims to continue to increase its involvement in the local
community, providing employment, boosting the local economy, and supporting stakeholders.
Developing Young People
CHC is actively involved in a continuing programme of apprenticeships. In the autumn of
2016, CHC introduced an exciting new marine apprenticeship scheme, which was promoted
at the Marine Careers Fair in September 2016, hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron
Foundation in Cowes.
CHC’s first Port Operative Apprenticeship opportunity attracted a considerable amount of
interest and following a rigorous interview process the successful applicant was selected
for the new position and started at Shepards Wharf Marina in January 2017. CHC’s aim is
to establish an annual marine apprenticeship scheme, delivered as a stakeholder benefit
investment to Cowes Harbour.
Pump Out Provision
CHC provides a sanitation pump-out station, located on the south pontoon at Shepards
Wharf Marina. CHC offers this free holding tank pump-out facility year-round to encourage
more sailors and boaters to use pump-outs and as part of the Commission’s long-term
commitment to sustainability.
Estuaries Partnership Subsidy
CHC continues to work as a funding member of the Isle of Wight Estuaries Project, a
partnership between CHC, the Environment Agency, Isle of Wight Council, Natural England,
and Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners, which promotes and supports sustainable
management of estuaries on the Island. The partnership jointly subsidises the employment
of an Estuaries Officer. The current focus of the project is the management of the Medina
Estuary and the Western Yar Estuary. The Estuaries Officer works closely with all the partners
on projects for both these estuaries.
Annual Report 2016 - 2017
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