Cowes – The sailing Capital of the Solent with a Dog

We couldn't complete the circumnavigation without popping into Cowes for a night. Cowes is the beating heart of sailing in the Solent - famous for Cowes Week, the fastnet start line, and a rich maritime history. Jen calls this her second home as most RORC and JOG races plus all the Police regatta's start here.

For visiting yachts, it offers plenty of marina options, a lively town packed with pubs and cafés, and some of the best dog walks on the Isle of Wight. Svea certainly approved!

⚓ Marinas in Cowes

There are three main marinas, each with its own character:

• Shepherds Marina – Our home for this stop. Smaller and more relaxed than the bigger marinas, with friendly staff and an easy walk into town. Great if you prefer a quieter base but still want to be close to the action.

• Cowes Yacht Haven – Right in the centre of Cowes. Perfect for those who want to be at the heart of the buzz, especially during regattas. Facilities are excellent, but it can get noisy in peak season.

• East Cowes Marina – Across the river via the chain ferry (known locally as the “floating bridge”). A little more sheltered and spacious, with a great on-site pub (The Lifeboat) which is dog-friendly inside and out.

⛵ Cowes Sailing Clubs – A Guide for Sailors (and Dogs 🐾)

Cowes isn’t just the sailing capital of the UK, it’s a place where the clubs are as much a part of the town as the regattas. Each one has its own personality, history, and traditions. If you’re sailing in with a four-legged crew mate, here’s what you need to know.

⚓ Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS)

• The most famous of all, perched on the waterfront at the entrance to the Medina.

• Home of Cowes Week, steeped in naval and royal history.

• Extremely formal and exclusive - membership is by invitation only.

• Dogs: not permitted, though you’ll often see them on the green outside while owners mingle.

⚓ Royal London Yacht Club (RLYC)

• A graceful clubhouse overlooking the Parade.

• Known for its racing programme and friendly regatta dinners.

• More accessible than the Squadron but still quite traditional.

• Dogs: generally not allowed indoors, though outside seating gives harbour views where Svea enjoyed watching the boats.

⚓ Royal Thames Yacht Club (RTYC)

• London’s oldest yacht club, with a Cowes base that keeps members close to the action.

• Less imposing than the Squadron but still smart and very racing-focused.

• A good spot for members who want easy access to the Solent.

• Dogs: like most London-rooted clubs, dogs are not allowed inside.

⚓ Island Sailing Club (ISC)

• The most relaxed and welcoming of the “big four.”

• Right on the Parade with an open bar and dining area where visiting yachtsmen (and women) can join without fuss.

• Famous for the Round the Island Race, which attracts thousands of boats.

• Dogs: ISC is refreshingly flexible - Svea was allowed inside, making it a favourite stop for us and a club we may join when re relocate to the IOW next month. 🐕

⚓ Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC)

• The global hub of offshore yacht racing, with a Cowes base complementing its London HQ.

• Organisers of legendary events like the Fastnet Race.

• The Cowes clubhouse is smaller, but lively during race weeks and stacked with offshore expertise. Talks are often held here and are open to none members.

• Dogs: no dogs inside, but Svea was welcomed on the terrace, so it feels more relaxed than some.

🐾 Dog Sailor’s Tip

With most clubs sticking to a no-dogs policy indoors (the ISC being the glorious exception), it’s worth planning your stop with this in mind. Cowes itself is full of dog-friendly pubs, cafés, and green spaces by the waterfront, so there are plenty of options for you and your four-pawed first mate.

🍺 Dog-Friendly Pubs & Cafés

Cowes is packed with places where dogs are as welcome as sailors:

• The Anchor Inn – A classic Cowes pub, lively and dog-friendly, with great food and live music several nights a week.

• The Duke of York – Cosy, with good food and water bowls for dogs. If you fancy a night off the boat, B and B costs £60 here and includes a brilliant breakfast.

• The Lifeboat (East Cowes) – A marina pub with plenty of space and a warm welcome for dogs.

• Tiffins Café – A relaxed spot famous for its excellent breakfasts, with dogs happily snoozing under tables.

• Gastronome – A small, stylish café and deli where Svea was offered her own treat while we enjoyed coffee.

🐾 Dog Walks

Cowes is brilliant for stretching four legs after a sail:

• The Parade & Esplanade – A gentle seaside walk west from the town, with wide views across the Solent. Perfect for morning strolls.

• Northwood Park – A leafy park just behind the town with big open lawns, shady trees, and plenty of squirrels to keep dogs entertained.

• Medina Estuary Path – From East Cowes you can wander along the river, with peaceful views and lots of sniffs for adventurous noses.

Svea loved running free on the Esplanade, nose in the sea breeze!

Staying at Shepherds Marina was ideal – a quiet base just a few minutes’ walk into town. From there, it was easy to explore Northwood Park, wander along the Esplanade, and sample Cowes’ excellent pubs. For sailors with dogs, Cowes really does tick all the boxes: good marinas, great walks, and a town that loves dogs almost as much as boats.

Rating: Svea gives Cowes an 8 paw rating - 🐾🐾🐾🐾