by Wight Boy | Mar 25, 2026 | Isle of Wight Cowes
Cowes Week is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious sailing regattas, and in 2026, it is set to reach a momentous milestone: its 200th anniversary. For two centuries, the Solent has been the stage for some of the most competitive and thrilling yacht racing in the world, and the bicentenary promises to be the most spectacular edition yet.
Two Centuries of Maritime Tradition
From August 1st to August 7th, 2026, the town of Cowes will become the global heart of sailing. What started in 1826 with a single race for a gold cup has evolved into a week-long festival that attracts over 1,000 yachts and 8,000 competitors, ranging from Olympic professionals to weekend enthusiasts.
A Legacy Born in 1826
The regatta's roots are deeply tied to the Royal Yacht Squadron, which hosted the first "Cowes Regatta" two hundred years ago. Over the decades, it has seen the evolution of sailing technology, from heavy wooden cutters to high-tech carbon fibre racing machines. The 200th anniversary is not just a celebration of racing, but a tribute to the enduring spirit of the maritime community on the Isle of Wight.
What to Expect for the Bicentenary
While the final schedule is still being refined, visitors can expect a range of special events to mark the 200-year mark:
- Historic Fleet Reviews: A display of classic yachts representing two centuries of sailing history.
- Enhanced Shore-side Festivities: Live music, local food stalls, and interactive exhibitions across Cowes.
- The Bicentenary Gala: Special celebrations hosted by the local yacht clubs to honour the regatta's history.
- Iconic Fireworks: The traditional Friday night fireworks display is expected to be more grand than ever before.
Planning Your Visit
With the 200th anniversary expected to draw record crowds, planning early is essential. Whether you are a sailor looking to compete or a spectator wanting to soak up the atmosphere, accommodation on the Island fills up fast. Be sure to check the official Cowes Week website for the latest updates on race entries and event ticketing.
Join us in 2026 as we celebrate 200 years of wind, waves, and world-class racing at the iconic Cowes Week!
by Wight Boy | Mar 2, 2026 | Falmouth
Intro
Falmouth is a deep-water harbour on the south coast of Cornwall, forming part of our South West Harbours series. Known for its maritime heritage, sheltered waters and busy waterfront, it offers excellent facilities for visiting yachts and motorboats, as well as a lively town ashore.
Location & approach
Falmouth sits at the mouth of the River Fal and Carrick Roads, with one of the largest natural harbours in the world. The harbour is well sheltered, and approaches are generally straightforward in settled conditions, with good buoyage and clear landmarks.
Arriving by boat, you’ll follow the charted channels into Falmouth Harbour or the surrounding mooring areas, keeping a lookout for commercial traffic, ferries and local craft. Depths are good, but as ever, checking tide times, visibility and local notices before arrival is important.
Harbour facilities
Falmouth caters well for visiting leisure craft, with a choice of marinas, town quays and moorings. Depending on where you berth, facilities typically include:
- Toilets and showers
- Shore power and fresh water
- Wi‑Fi at many berths and marinas
- Fuel berths in the harbour area
- Waste and recycling facilities
- Nearby shops, chandlers and engineering services
Harbour authorities, marinas and yacht clubs can provide up‑to‑date information on berthing options, events and any local restrictions.
Moorings & marinas
There are several options for visiting boats in and around Falmouth, including:
- Marina berths with finger pontoons
- Alongside berths on town quays
- Visitor moorings in suitable areas of Carrick Roads
As this is a deep-water harbour, depths are generally generous, but it’s still important to confirm berth details, pilotage and any tidal considerations relevant to your own vessel before you arrive.
Ashore: food, shops & services
Ashore, Falmouth offers a good mix of maritime character and visitor-friendly facilities.
- Cafés, pubs and restaurants overlooking the water
- Supermarkets and smaller food shops in town
- Chandlers, boatyards and marine engineers
- Harbourfront shops and galleries
The town centre is within walking distance of many berths, making it easy to combine boat work with time off exploring ashore.
Walks, beaches & things to do
Falmouth is a great base for exploring the coastline and countryside of this part of Cornwall.
- Walk sections of the South West Coast Path for harbour and sea views
- Visit nearby beaches such as Gyllyngvase and Swanpool
- Explore local museums and maritime attractions
- Enjoy boat trips and ferries around the estuary and to nearby villages
Whether you prefer a quiet anchorage feel or a lively harbourfront, there are plenty of options within easy reach.
Practical information
Falmouth is accessible by road via the A39 from Truro and connections beyond. Parking is available in and around the town and near the waterfront, though availability and charges vary with season and location.
Public transport includes:
- Rail services to Falmouth from Truro and the wider network via branch lines
- Local buses serving the town and surrounding area
- Ferry and boat services on the Fal and to nearby points of interest
Accessibility differs between individual marinas, quays and facilities, so if you have specific needs, it’s worth checking ahead with your intended berth or harbour authority.
Closing
With its sheltered deep-water harbour, strong maritime tradition and attractive town, Falmouth is a natural highlight of any South West cruising plan. It works equally well as a practical stop for reprovisioning and repairs or as a destination in its own right within your South West Harbours itinerary.
by | Mar 2, 2026 | England, Newhaven
Intro
Gosport sits on the western side of Portsmouth Harbour and forms part of our South Harbours series. It offers a choice of marinas and moorings with direct access to the busy waters of the Solent, making it a popular base for cruising yachts, motorboats and racing fleets.
Location & approach
Gosport lies within the natural harbour shared with Portsmouth, on the Hampshire coast. Approaches are via the well-marked channel into Portsmouth Harbour, which is busy with ferries, naval vessels and commercial traffic.
Arriving by boat, you’ll follow the charted harbour entrance, paying close attention to traffic separation, speed limits and any current local notices. Visibility, tide and wind over tide can all influence conditions, so a careful pilotage plan is recommended.
Harbour facilities
Gosport offers a strong set of facilities for visiting and based boats, with several marinas and service yards. Depending on your berth, you can expect:
- Toilets and showers
- Shore power and fresh water on pontoons
- Wi‑Fi in many marina areas
- Fuel berth at selected locations
- Waste and recycling facilities
- Nearby chandlers, boatyards and marine engineers
Harbour offices and marinas can advise on berth availability, local rules and any ongoing works or events that may affect your visit.
Moorings & marinas
Gosport is well set up for short and longer stays, with multiple marinas and mooring options on the Gosport side of the harbour:
- Marina berths with finger pontoons
- Alongside berths and rafts by arrangement
- Visitor berths suitable for short stays or longer stopovers
Depths are good, but it’s important to follow the harbour approach carefully and observe any guidance relating to commercial and naval movements in and out of Portsmouth.
Ashore: food, shops & services
Ashore, Gosport provides practical facilities for crews alongside access to a broader range of services in the wider Gosport and Portsmouth area.
- Cafés and pubs near the waterfront
- Local shops and supermarkets within reach of the marinas
- Chandlers and marine service providers
- Easy access to Portsmouth by ferry across the harbour
Many crews treat Gosport as a convenient jumping-off point for Solent cruising, racing or exploring the historic naval attractions across the water in Portsmouth.
Walks, beaches & things to do
From Gosport you can enjoy local waterfront walks, views across the harbour and trips further afield around the Solent.
- Walk sections of the waterfront for views of Portsmouth and harbour traffic
- Visit local museums and historic sites in Gosport and Portsmouth
- Use local transport for day trips to nearby coastal towns and countryside
The combination of harbour activity and nearby attractions makes Gosport a practical and interesting stop on the south coast.
Practical information
Gosport is reached by road via the A32, with local routes linking to the M27 and wider motorway network. Car parks and marina parking are available in various locations, though charges and availability vary.
Public transport options include:
- Bus services within Gosport and to nearby towns
- A regular passenger ferry to Portsmouth, connecting with rail services
- Road links to regional rail stations and larger hubs
Accessibility differs between individual marinas and shore facilities, so it’s worth checking ahead if you have specific requirements.
Closing
With strong facilities, sheltered berthing and direct access to the Solent, Gosport is a practical and popular harbour for both local and visiting boats. It works well as a base, a crew-change point or a stop within a wider South Harbours itinerary along this busy stretch of coast.
by | Mar 2, 2026 | England, St Katherine Docks
Intro
Brighton is a well-known leisure harbour and seaside destination on the south coast of England, forming part of our South East Harbours series. Best known for its pier, promenade and vibrant city atmosphere, it also offers marina facilities for visiting yachts and motorboats, plus easy access to the wider waterfront and town.
Location & approach
Brighton sits on the English Channel coast of East Sussex. The harbour and marina facilities lie to the east of Brighton’s main seafront, with approaches that are straightforward in settled weather but can be exposed in strong onshore winds and heavy seas.
Arriving by boat, you’ll follow the marked entrance to the marina area, taking care to stay clear of commercial movements and local traffic. The coastline here is largely open and can be lively in strong south or south-westerly conditions, so checking weather, visibility and tide times is essential before your approach.
Harbour facilities
Brighton’s harbour and marina facilities are geared towards leisure craft, with a broad range of services for visiting boats. Depending on exactly where you berth, you can typically expect:
- Toilets and hot showers
- Shore power and fresh water on the pontoons
- Wi‑Fi in many parts of the marina
- Fuel berth at selected locations
- Waste and recycling points
- Nearby provisions and chandlery
Local staff and marina offices can provide current information on berthing, facilities and any ongoing works or events that might affect your stay.
Moorings & marinas
Brighton caters mainly for leisure and cruising craft, with marina berths and visitor options that usually include:
- Visitor finger berths within the marina
- Alongside berths on designated pontoons
- Short-stay options by arrangement with the marina
Depths and access are generally good, but exposure to strong onshore winds can affect conditions at the harbour entrance. As always, it’s wise to confirm pilotage details, berth availability and any local notices before you arrive.
Ashore: food, shops & services
Ashore, Brighton is famous for its lively seafront and city centre, so there’s no shortage of options for crews and visitors coming in by boat.
- Cafés, pubs and restaurants both around the marina and along the main seafront
- Supermarkets and smaller food shops within reach of the harbour area
- Chandlery and marine services associated with the marina
- Plenty of non-marine shops, entertainment and nightlife in the city itself
Many crews use Brighton as a base to enjoy both the waterfront and the wider city, with good facilities within walking distance of popular berthing areas.
Walks, beaches & things to do
Brighton is well known as a seaside resort, and there’s plenty to explore on foot once you step ashore:
- Walk the promenade and enjoy views along the shingle beach
- Visit Brighton Pier and the surrounding attractions
- Explore the Lanes and North Laine for independent shops and cafés
- Take in the city’s cultural venues, museums and galleries
Coastal walks and longer outings inland are easy to set up from Brighton, with public transport connections offering access to nearby countryside and viewpoints.
Practical information
By road, Brighton is reached via the A23 from the north, connecting to the M23 and wider motorway network, and the A27 running east–west along the coast. There are car parks near the seafront and marina, but charges and availability vary, particularly at busy times and weekends.
Public transport is strong, with:
- Frequent rail services to Brighton from London and other major towns
- Local buses linking the marina, seafront and city centre
- Taxi and rideshare options readily available
Accessibility varies between marina pontoons, harbour facilities and the wider seafront. If you have specific requirements, it’s worth checking ahead with your chosen marina or harbour office.
Closing
Whether you arrive by sea or from the shore side, Brighton offers a blend of marina facilities, classic seaside atmosphere and city energy that makes it a popular stop on any South East Harbours itinerary. It’s a practical and lively place to pause, explore and plan your next leg along the coast.
by | Mar 2, 2026 | England, Plymouth
Intro
Plymouth is a deep-water working and leisure harbour on the south coast of Devon, forming part of our South West Harbours series. It’s a major naval port and a popular destination for cruising yachts, motorboats and visiting ships, offering several marinas, visitor berths, ferry services and easy access to the city’s historic waterfront.
Location & approach
Plymouth Harbour sits at the western end of the English Channel, where the Rivers Tamar, Tavy and Plym meet. The natural harbour, Plymouth Sound, is well sheltered behind the Breakwater, with clear approaches in settled weather and good buoyage.
Arriving by boat, approaches to Plymouth are generally straightforward in good visibility, with the Breakwater and navigation marks easy to identify. Care is needed in strong south‑westerlies and poor visibility, and you should always keep clear of commercial traffic, naval vessels and designated exclusion zones.
Harbour facilities
As a major port, Plymouth offers an excellent range of facilities for visiting craft. Depending on where you berth, you can expect:
- Toilets and hot showers
- Shore power and fresh water on pontoons
- Wi‑Fi at many marinas
- Fuel berths for diesel and petrol at selected locations
- Waste and recycling points
- Nearby provisions, chandlery and engineering services
Harbour control, marinas and yacht clubs can provide up‑to‑date local information on berthing, navigation and any current restrictions or events.
Moorings & marinas
Plymouth has several marinas and mooring options within the Sound and along the rivers, catering for visiting yachts and motorboats:
- Modern marinas with visitor berths
- Alongside berths and finger pontoons
- Occasional visitors’ buoys and short‑stay options
Depths are generally good thanks to the deep‑water nature of the harbour, but always check individual marina details, tide times and pilotage information before arrival, especially if you have a deeper draught vessel.
Ashore: food, shops & services
Ashore, Plymouth offers everything from waterfront cafés and traditional pubs to restaurants with marina views and the shops and services of a sizeable city.
- Historic waterfront areas such as the Barbican and Royal William Yard
- Supermarkets, local shops and specialist food stores
- Chandlers, marine engineers and boatyards in and around the harbour
- Banks, pharmacies and other everyday services within easy reach
Many visiting crews base themselves close to the marinas, where most day‑to‑day needs can be met on foot.
Walks, beaches & things to do
Plymouth is an excellent base for exploring both the city and the surrounding coastline:
- Stroll along the Hoe for classic views across Plymouth Sound
- Wander the narrow streets and harbourfront around the Barbican
- Take coastal walks using local paths and sections of the South West Coast Path
- Visit nearby beaches and coves around the Sound and along the coast
- Explore museums, historic sites and waterfront attractions within the city
Whether you’re staying aboard or ashore, there’s plenty to keep both crews and families occupied.
Practical information
By road, Plymouth is reached via the A38, which connects to the wider road network. There are car parks near the waterfront and marinas, though charges and availability vary, especially in busy periods.
Public transport is good, with:
- Mainline rail services to Plymouth railway station
- Local buses linking the city centre, waterfront and outlying areas
- Ferry services operating within the harbour and across the Tamar
Accessibility varies between marinas, pontoons and waterfront areas, so if you have specific requirements, it’s worth checking ahead with your chosen marina or harbour facility.
Closing
Whether you’re arriving under sail, by motorboat or exploring from ashore, Plymouth offers a blend of deep‑water shelter, modern facilities and rich maritime history that makes it a natural hub for cruising the South West. As part of your South West Harbours itinerary, it’s a practical, well‑equipped and rewarding stop.