Here’s a round-up of other news from Cowes Harbour and beyond.
• Solent Protection Society visit to Cowes Harbour
On 22nd September, 56 members of the Solent Protection Society visited Cowes on their annual ‘away day’, to learn about recent changes in the harbour and proposed further developments both in Cowes Harbour and further up the River Medina.
The group embarked on the Jenny Lee at Trinity Landing with Cowes Harbour Master Capt. Stuart McIntosh for a trip out to view the new Cowes Breakwater under construction and hear about the proposed complementary harbour infrastructure and development plans due to follow in East Cowes.
Paul King of the Solent Protection Society thanked Cowes Harbour Commission and said: “The Harbour Master gave us a very interesting talk about the history, construction and objectives of the new breakwater as we viewed it from close-up. Overall, it was a very successful visit, with a record turnout, and I hope we can repeat it again soon.”
• Presentation of Medina Yard development proposals
John Thompson & Partners (JTP), leaders of the masterplanning team for Medina Yard have announced that a Medina Yard Community Forum and Exhibition will be held on Monday, 5th October from 1600-1930 at Cowes Methodist Church.
This event will be an opportunity to view the latest proposals for the regeneration of the site prior to the submission of a planning application to the Isle of Wight Council later in October. The design team will be on hand to explain the proposals and answer questions, and comments forms will be available.
• Updated proposals for East Cowes Regeneration out now
Updated plans for a multi-million pound regeneration scheme in East Cowes have gone on display following Red Funnel’s submission of its planning application to Isle of Wight Council. The proposals, which have been updated to incorporate feedback from the public, are now on show at Red Funnel’s terminal in East Cowes.
Among the changes that have been made as a direct result of suggestions are the creation of an integrated transport hub, with a bus interchange at the new ferry terminal and better pedestrian access from the terminal into the town.
Visit the exhibition at the terminal to find out more or head to the East Cowes Regeneration website to see the plans online.
The full planning application can be found on Isle of Wight Council’s planning portal.
• Asto Small Ships Regatta 2015
The 2015 Cowes Small Ships Race will be held on Saturday, 3rd October. Taking part will be 23 Sail Training vessels with around 250 young people on board. The first Cowes Small Ships Race took place in 2004 and it has since become a very popular event in the Sail Training calendar.
• Voting open for YJA Yachtsman of the Year Award
Nominations for the 2015 boats.com YJA Yachtsman of the Year Awards are now open, marking the 60th year of this highly competitive and prestigious yachting honour.
Established in 1955 by Sir Max Aitken, Battle of Britain pilot, chairman of Express Newspapers and himself a leading yachtsman from Cowes in both sail and power, the Yachtsman of the Year Award is now established as one of the top yachting honours. Previous winners of the Award include Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Dame Ellen MacArthur and four-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie.
The Awards provide an opportunity for the public to put forward their yachting heroes and celebrate up-and-coming star talent. Nominations are now open at boats.com/nominate and are welcomed until 30th October.
• Living naval history in Cowes Harbour
The replica of Peter the Great’s first warship, the frigate Shtandart, originally built in 1703 in St Petersburg, visited Cowes Harbour over the first weekend of September. The Shtandart moored at Trinity Landing in Cowes and proved a popular attraction with the general public who were encouraged to tour the ship and find out more about life onboard an 18th century frigate.
Photos: The frigate Shtandart at Trinity Landing, Cowes.
