Cowes Harbour Commission logo coloured crest

Cowes Harbour Commission
Harbour Authority & Marine Services
Newsletter 21st September 2020
Cowes Spring Classics 2020 - Photo: Chris Brown Photography
Cowes Harbour Commission to recruit new CEO
As some of you will be aware, I have been considering and discussing with the Commissioners for some time my retirement, never an easy decision especially when you have had the privilege of playing a part in the running and development of Cowes Harbour. I am not really keen on using the retirement word, as I am currently reviewing options and opportunities for the future, which I trust will include some warm weather and blue water cruising.

The Commissioners have decided to split the roles and responsibilities of Chief Executive and Harbour Master and this month’s E-newsletter article provides full details on their decisions. I look forward to working with the Commissioners and CHC team to ensure a smooth transition and handover. In the meantime, it is business as usual or at least the “new normal” and despite the current COVID-19 challenges, daily changes and depressing headlines, one positive is boating activity is up this autumn and boat sales appear to be booming, which is great unless you are looking for one!

Capt. Stuart McIntosh - Cowes Harbour Master

Photo: Cowes Spring Classics 2020 - Chris Brown Photography
CHC commences recruitment for new Chief Executive Officer
CHC recruits new CEO
Cowes Harbour Commission has confirmed that after over 20 years as CEO/Harbour Master, Captain Stuart McIntosh is planning to retire in 2021. Stuart made the decision last year and since then work has been underway with the Board of Commissioners to split his combined role of Harbour Master and Chief Executive Officer to better reflect the development of the commercial side of the harbour and to ensure continued priority is given to safety and security. 

This move will see the progression of Deputy Harbour Master Marine Services Ed Walker to the role of Cowes Harbour Master with responsibility for the safety and security of the Trust Port. The Harbour Master will continue to report directly to the Board of Commissioners who have overall responsibility and accountability for the safety and statutory duties of the harbour, its policies, and General Direction rules. The new separate role of CEO will head up CHC’s executive management team and be responsible for the commercial and yachting services side of the Trust Port. 

The Commission will shortly commence a public recruitment campaign for the new CEO with a view to an appointment in the spring of 2021. See Cowes Harbour Commission on LinkedIn.
Spring finally comes to Cowes
It was heartening to see the Cowes Spring Classics regatta, rescheduled from its original May date due to the Coronavirus pandemic, take place over the weekend of 4th-6th September.

The regatta for classic yachts was sailed in picture perfect conditions, with sunny skies and a good sailing breeze. Excellent race management by Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club ensured the 21 boats entered had a great time on the water, while socially distanced onshore events at Cowes Harbour Commission’s Shepards Marina contributed to the relaxed atmosphere.


Photo: Chris Brown Photography
Cowes Spring Classics flags at Shepards Marina - Chris Brown Photography
September safety message: “read the signs”
Safety message - read the signs
Despite all the unprecedented challenges that COVID-19 continues to bring, it is so pleasing to see that sailors and boaters have at last been able to enjoy the hot weather this season. 

However, the summer holidays also unfortunately saw numerous instances of swimming in and around the Trinity Landing area, as well as dozens of instances of speeding and wash infringements by vessels in the harbour.

Our Harbour Patrols have persistently advised swimmers why activities such as swimming, diving and jumping are not permitted in the harbour and continue to educate boat users about the harbour rules or ‘General Directions’ as they are called. 

New this month is a whole raft of safety signage that is being installed around the harbour to highlight the dangers of swimming, and to inform harbour users about the key dos and don’ts to remember while on the water. 

Additionally, CHC continues to work closely with Hampshire Marine Support Unit who have also had several busy weeks progressing their ‘Operation Wavebreaker’ project to address anti-social behaviour on the water.
Shining the spotlight on Cowes
Cowes is benefiting from an encouraging amount of high-profile marketing generated by luxury cruise lines as a result of the increased level of interest in the Isle of Wight. One such example we are pleased to highlight is a recent “Cruise Expert Insider” report on Cowes and the Island by Lynn Narraway, Managing Director UK & Ireland for Seabourn & Holland America Line.

Cowes Place Plan
The Isle of Wight Council Regeneration team, Northwood Parish Council, Cowes Town Council and Cowes Business Association are working together to create a Place Plan for the two parishes. They need your help to gather essential information and opinion via an online questionnaire:

By having your say and leaving your comments, you will be adding to a better understanding of the plan area and the experiences and aspirations of the people who live and work here; the project partnership can then work to find more effective ways for public services, community groups and businesses to collaborate and shape a better future.
Harbour Port Operative - Afloat
We are looking to recruit an experienced Port Operative to work throughout our Marina and Boatyard, and on all our vessels. Cowes Harbour Services offers a wide ride of marine-based services both ashore and afloat. This role will require both team and individual work in a variety of environments covering commercial and leisure activities. Applications close on Monday, 28th September 2020.

For more information on this role, plus a job description and how to apply, visit:
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Trinity Landing repainted in 2020
CHC Patrol RIB HM1
Shepards Marina
Cowes Harbour Services Fuel Berth