OVERVIEW


The River Medina is the main river of the Isle of Wight, England. It rises at St Catherine's Down near Chale and flows northwards through the county town Newport towards the Solent at Cowes. The river is a navigable tidal estuary from Newport northwards, where it takes the form of a ria (a drowned valley). Cowes is located at the river mouth on the west bank of the estuary of the River Medina, facing the smaller town of East Cowes on the east bank. The two towns are linked by the Cowes Floating Bridge, a chain ferry.




The river is navigable to Newport, but only as far as Folly Reach is freely accessible by the vast majority of vessels at all states of the tide. Boats with deeper drafts may require some planning, particularly during Springs. The river has 2 metres LWS up to Medham, where the port hand red No. 8 Fl.R.2s is situated. About 300 metres to the south of this mark, depths start to drop to about 1 metre LWS to the Folly Inn Pontoon. Vessels carrying 1.8 metres have enough water for an hour and a half on either side of LWS.




The river's tidal variations are a function of an English Channel oscillation added to by The Solent's dual entrances. As a result, the River Medina's flood lasts for about seven and a half hours, and the ebb is five hours. So expect short, sharp ebbs and extended periods of favourable tides to approach and ascend the river. Another local 'young flood stand' phenomenon is very pronounced during Springs. It occurs about two hours after low water and manifests in a slackening of the tidal stream for about two hours before a final surge to high water.




Since the construction of a new 350-metre breakwater, protecting Cowes' outer harbour from northerly winds, the river has been subject to silting, and depths may be reduced. Nevertheless, those pushing the margins will find the river highly protected and its bed entirely made up of soft silt. If a vessel were to run aground for a short period, it would be in no danger and could safely await a rise.




Whenever coming alongside or departing in the berths of the River Medina, it is advisable that the helm note the tides running under the pontoons. Spring ebbs can attain a rate of 3kns in the river, southward on the flood and northward on the ebb, with the tides running strongest mid-river. Tidal streams run reasonably fair to the river's path.


LOCAL APPROACHES
This guide details the local approaches to Cowes and the run up the River Medina to Newport. Guidance for a Western approach to The Solent and navigating the Western Solent to Cowes is available in the Western Approaches to The Solent and the run-up to Southampton. Likewise, guidance for the eastern approaches and eastern Solent to Cowes is available in Eastern Approaches to The Solent and the run-up to Southampton. Both provide waypoints, information on approaches, and tide times, as well as guidance for Southampton Waters.




The River Medina and Cowes are accessible in all reasonable circumstances, night or day and at any stage of the tide. Vessels larger than 20 metres LOA must contact Ch. 69 [Cowes Harbour Radio] and advise on their arrival/departure. They must also contact Ch. 69 [Cowes Chain Ferry], +44 1983 293041, if the intention is to pass upriver through the narrows where it operates. Although waypoints for this route are provided, they are only indicative as the river navigation will primarily involve avoiding other craft and sounding to find the best water in the upper reaches.





Vessels approaching from the west will encounter few hazards. Egypt Point is made conspicuous by a prominent beacon column standing 7 metres high. It has a race mark and the Gurnard north cardinal mark, which stands 400 metres north of the beacon with ample water between them.



Keeping inside the Gurnard north cardinal buoy and outside the race mark avoids entering the Southampton Precautionary Area or 'Area of Concern' detailed below. Those intended to cut inside the race bouy should give the point a wide berth as it is foul out to 150 metres.

Between Egypt Point and the entrance, vessels should stand 200 metres off the shoreline or outside the 5-metre contour to avoid the drying Grantham Rocks. An easier mark by day to avoid these dangers is to keep north of the line of moorings laid east of Gurnard North Cardinal and 100 metres north of the rocks. At night, the same moorings are unlit and a close lookout is required to avoid them. Keeping due east of the seasonal race bouy until Staboard No1, at the entrance, clears this danger.
On the final approaches to the harbour, vessels should avoid coming inshore under the Royal Yacht Squadron building as there is a reef located 100 metres northwest of the foot of the building, sometimes known as Lion Rock.



Vessels approaching from the north must abide by the special rules to assist the movements of shipping on the road up to the entrance to Southampton Water, known as the Southampton Precautionary Area or 'Area of Concern'. This restricted entry area lies outside the River Medina entrance, east of the line between the Gurnard and west of the Prince Consort North Cardinal Buoy. From this southern limit, as best seen on a chart, the restricted area follows the deep water channels around the Bramble Bank to the Horn starboard buoy within the entrance to Southampton Water.




In this body of water, large vessels of over 150 metres in length overall, when entering the 'Area of Concern', have a 'Moving Prohibited Zone' of 1,000 metres ahead and 100 metres to either side. A craft under 20 metres (66ft) 'Length Overall' is prohibited from entering this 'Moving Prohibited Zone'. Whenever possible, vessels over 150 metres are escorted by a patrol launch showing a blue flashing light. The absence of the launch does not invalidate the 'Moving Prohibited Zone' - see Western Approaches to The Solent and the run-up to Southampton for details.




Obeying 'Area of Concern' distancing rules is essential. Crafts in breach of these rules will not only be subject to hefty fines but also jeopardise the safety of the vessel and all aboard. If there is any doubt or concern, the Harbour Patrol Launch, call sign [Southampton Patrol], maintains a listening watch on VHF Channel 12. The crew is happy to offer advice and information on the harbour and approaches.




Navigators should also note the position of the well-known and well-marked Bramble Bank specifically catered for large ships in the special arrangements of the 'Area Of Concern'. The bank dries to 1.2 metres, and it is often overlooked by leisure vessels making their way to Cowes to the detriment of all concerned.





Vessels approaching from the east will find Norris Castle, on high ground ¾ of a mile eastward of Cowes, a conspicuous mark for the approach of the entrance. About a ½ mile eastwards, take care to stand well off Old Castle Point and use the yellow race mark, moored in about 4 metres of water, as a good mark for the offing. From the foot of the ruined castle, it shallows and increasingly so westward as the Shrape Mud drying patch starts to extend out from the shore.




Upon rounding this mark, an eastern or northern approaching vessel may use the Eastern Channel or Small Craft Channel to conveniently cut into Cowes Harbour's inner Fairway.



The Eastern Channel, or Small Craft Channel, passes north of The Sharpe Mud and Sharpe Breakwater into the harbour. It has a maintained depth of 2.25 metres below chart datum and is only 35 metres wide at its narrowest point.






However, it is well marked with tidal gauges on either end, three pairs of lit lateral buoys, progressing inward Fl.R.2s / Fl.G.2s, Fl.R. 5s / Fl.G.5s, then off the head of the Sharpe Breakwater, Fl.R.3s / Fl.G.3s leading to three lit Yellow markers and the 4A Red Beacon, L Fl.R.5s, at its western end where it joins the Inner Fairway near the Red Jet terminal. Cowes Harbour Commission actively encourages leisure craft to use the eastern Small Craft Channel, but small vessels don't need to avail themselves of this.





Those choosing to use the Small Craft Channel should find the Shrape Beacon, LFl.R.10s 3m 3M, about 300 metres northwest of Old Castle Point and 200 metres eastward of the channel's outer entrance. The Shrape Beacon, as with its corresponding inner 4A Beacon inside the main Fairway, has a tidal gauge indicating the available depth over Chart Datum. All that is required is to add 2.25 m to the height shown on the gauge, and it is very quick and easy to determine if the height of the tide encountered is adequate to use the cut. When approaching the Shrape Beacon, vessels should keep clear of the moorings on either side or the Shrape Watersports Area located to the east of the Shrape Breakwater, as races are often held in this area. Finally, avoid impeding commercial vessels in the Inner Fairway when exiting the channel's western end.




If the Small Craft Channel is not practicable to continue west, passing to the north of the new breakwater to reach the eastern side of the outer Fairway. Numerous unlit mooring buoys are encountered north of the new breakwater on the approach to the outer Fairway. It is best to cross the outer Fairway to approach the town on the western side but only cross the Fairway when it is safe to do so and at right angles.




RIVER MEDINA


When converging upon the river entrance, be sure to make a 360° sweep for shipping movements. The High-Speed Catamaran service has its berth on Cowes Town Quay and the larger Ro-Ro ferries at East Cowes. Several commercial ships also visit the many wharves and quays of the River Medina. Leisure yachts converge to start or finish a race in front of the Royal Yacht Squadron clubhouse or the harbour entrance.




It is essential to monitor tidal flows in the outer and inner fairways. Between HW -3 and HW, a strong westerly setting current that attains speeds of up to 4 knots can be experienced across the entrance.

The new 350-metre breakwater in Cowes' outer harbour has altered the tidal streams, particularly the westerly-setting cross current that has been divided by the structure. It now pushes strong currents north and further south inside the outer harbour while creating a tidal shadow of slack water immediately to the southwest of the breakwater. From HW -3 to HW, expect the current to set towards the western shore in the Inner Fairway.




From the first waypoint, the Starboard hand green No. 1 and port hand red No. 2, situated 200 metres to the east, are readily apparent. Likewise, Cowes behind, situated on both sides of the entrance, is divided by the river into two parts: Cowes and East Cowes. From here, it is a simple matter of passing through the marks and entering the Inner Fairway at the mouth of River Medina to the north of the Royal Yacht Squadron building and haven.

Take care when approaching the new breakwater, as there is an exclusion zone around it. The breakwater and exclusion zone buoys are lit at night, which can be confusing when arriving at Cowes in the dark.


The primary concern when entering Cowes and the River Medina should always be avoiding other craft. Cowes has more than 30,000 commercial vessel movements each year. As the UK's sailing headquarters, it has a constant flow of leisure traffic added to this number. However, the large vehicle and passenger ferries, such as the Red Jets high-speed catamarans, turning off Cowes Town Quay, and large vehicle ferries approaching and departing from East Cowes Red Funnel Terminal, present the most significant concern. These large commercial vessels can often only navigate in the centre of the Fairway, and it is important not to impede their passage. Rule 9 applies to the inner and outer Fairway extending approximately 500 metres north of the No. 1 and No. 2 buoys.

Likewise, keep a good lookout for leisure vessel movements inside the harbour, especially around the town quay area, some of which may not be operated by experienced crews. There is ample room to keep clear of all other vessels passing along the docks and pontoons of Cowes on the west side of the river.

The Harbour Authority mandates a speed limit of 6 knots, and it is advisable for sailing vessels to operate under power, especially in the vicinity of the chain ferry. This speed limit extends beyond Folly Inn to Seaclose, south of Newport Rowing Club, from which the Isle of Wight Council imposes a limit of 4 knots to Newport.

Once within the entrance, in the Inner Fairway and west of the outer breakwater, a tidal shadow will be experienced. This significantly reduced flow occurs when the tide is running westwards: two hours before and five hours after high water.

The inner harbour is well marked and lit at night with two port hand buoys, No. 4 Fl 3R5s and No. 6 Fl 2 R5s. The starboard side has a series of landings, marina pontoons and piers with deep water close alongside. At night, everything is lit: 2FG (vert) or 2FR (vert).

Within the entrance, follow the series of landings, marina pontoons and piers with deep water close alongside upriver to the chain ferry that has absolute right of way. Keeping close to Cowes' western shoreline, first passing the Royal Yacht Squadron's yacht haven. This haven is only available to Royal Yacht Squadron members. Still, Cowes Harbour Commission's Trinity Landing, located immediately south, is available to make a quick set-down or collection and has the possibility of an overnight stay.





Cowes Harbour's 'M row' and 'J row' of swinging moorings, laid outside the harbour, Trinity Landing, Town Quay, Shepards Wharf and Whitegates River Pontoons, located on the eastern side of the Fairway immediately south of the Chain Ferry, are all managed by Cowes Harbour Commission and covered in the Cowes Harbour Commissioners entry. Contact the Harbour Master on Ch. 69 to use any of these berthing options.




400 metres upriver on the starboard-hand side are the jetties and pontoons of the Town Quay. The Town Quay is typically overwhelmed by small boats and RIBS, which is best suited for this area, and there may be some small boat activity exiting or entering this area.




The Red Jet High-Speed catamaran passenger ferry berth is on the Jubilee Pontoon, which stands out from the Town Quay. A keen eye should be maintained for any movement of this vessel as it typically crosses the path of a yacht entering the harbour. When approaching its berth, the Hi-Speed Catamaran ferry turns round to starboard in a tight circle to face outward.




The larger Red Funnel Ro-Ro car ferry berths 600 metres above on the opposite East Cowes side of the river. There is ample room for it to pass along the eastern shore, but it may use thrust when manoeuvring, causing unexpected turbulence in the river.




Immediately upriver of the Jubilee Pontoon on the western shore is Cowes Yacht Haven marina. Cowes Yacht Haven is the first of the Cowes' marinas, and as it fronts the town, it is extremely popular. Immediately upriver from Cowes Yacht Haven, only separated by a fuel jetty, is the second and smaller of the town's marinas Cowes Harbour Shepards Marina that is likewise only a couple of minutes from the town centre. Both marinas make the vast majority of their berths available for visitors.




150 metres south of Shepards Wharf, Cowes Chain Ferry plies its trade, 18 hours a day, 365 days a year, across the narrow mouth of the River Medina between Cowes and East Cowes. Be prepared to stop and turn immediately if the white light at the front of the vessel's pilot house starts to flash as the chain ferry asserts its right of way.



When the ferry is alongside a minimum depth of 1.7 metres below chart datum can be expected above the chains in the centre of the Fairway.





The river's most convenient fuel jetty is 100 metres above the chain ferry, on the west or starboard side. On the opposite port side and eastern bank are Cowes Harbour Commission's Whitegates River Pontoons. Immediately above this is East Cowes Marina .




Upriver of the chain ferry, the channel is flanked by port and starboard jetties and pontoons. All are well-lit with 2FR (vert) and 2FG (vert) as far as the conspicuous National Power Jetty. After this, the east side of the river is marked by two lit port hand red buoys, No. 8 and No. 10, and lines of private pontoons that flank the west side of the river, of which most are lit at their end-posts.




400 metres above the National Power Jetty, the channel starts to narrow and become abruptly shallow. Between the Medham beacon, VQ3 5s, and The Folly Inn, the depth is, at times, only about 1 metre LWS. From this point on, the best water is found 20 metres out from the side of the river pontoons on the starboard side.




The Folly Inn, on the east side of the river, makes itself plain by the word 'INN' clearly marked in white on its black slate roof. On closer approaches, the transition from private moorings to the Folly Inn Visitor pontoons' commencement is clearly marked by signs on the northern end posts.




Just above the Folly Inn, the river widens out into Folly Lake, but also shoals with less than 1 metre available in its deepest parts at low water Springs.



Island Harbour Marina stands on the east bank of the river in a rural secluded valley setting. It is approximately halfway between Cowes and Newport.



The best water can be found by following the lines of mooring piles south of the Folly Inn and then steering straight for the green starboard navigational buoy opposite the marina. This buoy holds a pontoon beneath the distinctive hexagonal lock tower of Island Harbour Marina.




The channel to Newport dries to 1.2 metres above Island Harbour Marina but has at least 2 metres or more at Portsmouth –1½ to +2. Continue past the red port buoy to pass the large hanger on Cement Mills Wharf on the opposite western bank. It has two pairs of fixed green lights, 2F.G, positioned on either end of its quay. Beyond this, the channel is buoyed and partially lit, with the best water being generally found west of the centre along this stretch.

Pass under the overhead power cables that span the river a ¼ of a mile above Cement Mills Wharf. It has a safe vertical clearance of 33 metres.



Just under 200 metres above the power cables, the hammerhead Medina Valley Centre pontoon will be seen on the west bank 2F.G. From this point, the river's large white leading marks on the east bank will come into view. These comprise white diamond top marks and horizontal red lights at night. When in-line on 192.2°T, along with several buoys so that the channel is unmistakable, they indicate the Fairway in the approaches to Newport. The shallowest point on this transit is a drying height of 1.3 CD.

Follow the transit, passing The Newport Rowing Club, whose clubhouse is projected into the river. At the end of this stretch, a gentle turn to starboard opens up a view down to Newport's commercial quays and small craft moorings.



Bilge keel or multihull vessels that can take to the ground may come alongside the visitors' pontoons at Newport . When on the final approaches to the town, these line Corporation Quay on the east side of the river.





Above the quay, a dual-carriageway road bridge spans the river, creating the navigational limit for sailing vessels. Beyond this, the river soon turns into a stream that disappears into a culvert under an old warehouse, now converted into the Quay Arts Centre.

LISTED WAYPOINTS
The complete course is 4.16 miles from the waypoint 'Wester Entrance ' to 'Corporation and Town Quays' tending in a southerly direction (reciprocal northerly).

What is the best sailing time?

May to September is the traditional UK Sailing season, with June to July offering the best weather. The amount of bad weather varies quite widely from year to year. The British Isles' weather is highly variable because they are islands between the Atlantic Ocean and an extensive continental European land mass. As a result, the entire area lays under an area where five main air masses meet and alternate:

• • Tropical Maritime Air Mass - from the Atlantic


• • Polar Maritime Air Mass - from Greenland


• • Arctic Maritime Air Mass


• • Polar Continental Air Mass - from central Europe


• • Tropical Continental Air Mass - from North Africa

The air masses can come in from any direction, bringing with them all types of weather and creating weather fronts where they meet. Fine summer weather is typically punctuated by the passage of Atlantic depressions, bringing periods of strong wind and rain and sometimes poor visibility.

Gales, however, rarely cause surprises as they are usually forecasted well in advance. Good weather windows of 48 hours are easy to predict, but any longer than that, there's an increasing chance of change. Winters see a predominance of wind and rain. Still, many weekenders enjoy the protected waters of The Solent who like the offseason reduction of boating activity and berthing fees.

Across the British Isles, the prevailing winds are from the southwest. The Solent, however, is subject to a high degree of local heating. In the western Solent, the sea breeze effect can be strong enough to reverse a northeast Beauford Force 3 morning wind and turn it into a south-westerly Force 4 by early afternoon. The results of the heating of the Isle of Wight is much less than that of the mainland, but it leads to more variable and lighter winds than on its northern side.

Are there any security concerns?

Never an issue has been known to occur to a vessel cruising the waters of The Solent or the shores of the Isle of Wight.

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