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Cowes Harbour Commission
Harbour Authority & Marine Services
Newsletter 30th September 2019
CHC moorings on the River Medina
CHC Strategic Plan 2016-2021: Mid-Term Review Completed
Cowes Harbour Commission’s current 5 year Strategic Plan was published in June 2016. Since then, we have reviewed the Plan periodically and our Annual Reports always contain a progress summary. 

However, since that time there have been various changes that have had, or may yet have a significant effect on Cowes Harbour. A particular example is the decision of Homes England’s development partner not to proceed with the proposed East Cowes waterfront and new marina redevelopment. Additionally, we find that the market for marine services is changing year by year. The popularity and sponsorship of yachting events and the volume of commercial shipping are also examples of the changing market and customer demands. As Harbour Authority for Cowes, we must recognise and react to these changes in plenty of time. 

In light of all these changes, the CHC Board of Commissioners considered it prudent to review our Strategic Plan to 2021 and we have now finished that process, as reported in our lead article below.

Capt. Stuart McIntosh - Cowes Harbour Master
Strategic Plan Mid-Term Review
Revised 5 year Strategic Plan
In June of this year, Cowes Harbour Commission commenced a mid-term review of CHC’s Strategic Plan 2016-2021 and asked the Advisory Committee and other stakeholders for their ideas and input. The review is now complete and we would like to thank all those who contributed to the discussion.

As a result of the review, the Strategic Plan has been updated. Changes are limited in number but are intended to ensure that CHC focuses on the current key issues. The key points from the revised Strategic Plan are highlighted in the “ Mid-Term Review Summary ”.

Oceans of opportunities
Cowes Harbour Commission was proud to join around 40 other exhibitors at the Royal Yacht Squadron Isle of Wight Foundation’s third Marine Careers Fair on 18th September, which featured presentations, workshops and exhibitors from a broad range of marine careers providers, trainers and businesses.

CHC was represented by Deputy Harbour Master Jon Howden and Marine Services Manager Jock Rafferty, who were on hand to talk to primary and secondary school students about working in the marine industry and the range of opportunities on offer within a port authority. 

DHM Jon Howden - RYS Marine Careers Fair
Round the Island Race 2018
Handbook publisher’s offer to businesses
In July, Cowes Harbour Commission was delighted to announce that the contract for next year’s Cowes Harbour Handbook had been awarded to Island-based media company Style of Wight . The Style team are excited to be working with CHC on the 2020/21 edition and readers can look forward to a refreshed and easier to navigate layout, with the introduction of new local content and interviews.

If you would like your business to be seen by the thousands of leisure sailors and boaters, visitors, local residents and commercial harbour users that read this essential Cowes Handbook, you can download a rate card , or contact Style of Wight now to ensure your place in the next edition.

If you book your advert before 31st October quoting “CHC Newsletter”, you will receive a 15% discount. Call Style of Wight on 01983 861007 or email office@styleofwight.co.uk .
QUOTE "CHC NEWSLETTER"
Medina Estuary water quality
This year, there have been particularly high levels of growth of algae within the Medina Estuary and this has caused some issues for stakeholders and wildlife. High levels of nutrients in coastal waters cause the increase in algae growth and these nutrients come from a variety of sources, mainly from land-based activities. Some years also see higher levels of growth due to the weather conditions and levels of additional input. The highly complex nature of the coastal environment means there is not an easy solution to the problem but many actions are being undertaken throughout the Solent to try to address it. The Environment Agency has prepared a briefing paper to help explain the issue; the paper is available to view online .
Topsail schooner joins Small Ships race
Saturday, 5th October 2019 sees the annual Small Ships race return to Cowes; this end of season event sees many of the UK’s smaller Sail Training vessels race around the Solent after a start off the Royal Yacht Squadron.

This year’s fleet has three new entries; the Island Trust is bringing their new topsail schooner Johanna Lucretia , which will be sailing with students from the Isle of Wight College; from Chatham comes the yacht Bright Star , entered by the Morning Star Trust who will also be racing their concrete ketch, Morning Star of Revelation ; and the Ballard School from New Milton will have an all girl crew on their Contessa, High Spirit .


Photo: TS Sir Stelios, ASTO Small Ships Race Cowes 2018 © Max Mudie / ASTO
ASTO Small Ships Race 2018 - Photo credit Max Mudie / ASTO
Job vacancies at CHC
Cowes Harbour Commission is currently recruiting to fill three vacancies; if you are interested, please see the " Jobs " section on our website. The positions open are: Patrol Officer; Marina / Port Operative; and Part-Time Receptionist. Applications close on Friday, 4th October 2019.
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