Island Harbour Entry
LOCK OPERATION TIMES:
Summer 1st April until 30th September Please call for confirmation
Winter 1st October to 31st March 08:00 until 17:00 daily
Please notify our Control Tower of your arrival when passing the Folly Reach, just up-river from Cowes, preferably by calling “Island Harbour” on VHF Channel 80. If you do not have a working radio, then you can telephone us on 01983 539994.
On arrival at the entrance channel please follow the instructions below:
Do not attempt to enter or pass through the lock without permission from the Control Tower. When permission has been granted, a green traffic signal will be visible by the side of the lock gates. If the lights are red, please contact the Control Tower again for further instructions.
As you approach the marina in the river, stay in the main river channel until you reach the green starboard-hand marker buoy, directly opposite our holding pontoon. Then, turn at ninety degrees in towards the lock and keep on this line until you have entered the lock gates. If you have spoken with the Control Tower on VHF Channel 80, then a member of staff will have informed you whether or not we are on ‘freeflow’ and whether or not you can sail straight through the lock without stopping. If we are not on freeflow and you need to be ‘locked-in’ to the marina, then a member of staff will be be waiting for you on the lock-side, to pass you ropes to hold onto, whilst you are moored in the lock.
We normally ask that vessels moor in the lock on the side nearest to the Control Tower (starboard-side when arriving, port-side when leaving). However, if you would prefer to come in to the lock on the opposite site for any reason, just let us know and we will meet you on the other side, as requested.
When you leave the marina you should first call the Control Tower on VHF Channel 80, to request permission to leave your berth. Stay on your berth until this permission has been granted. When exiting the lock, you should also do the same ninety degree turn, just before the green marker buoy. If you cut the corner too much, then there is the risk that at lower tides, you might run into the un-dredged mudbank, that runs opposite to our holding pontoon on the starboard side.
If you would like to download a plan of the Island Harbour pontoons, click here!
Please be aware that particularly at weekends and other busy periods, then a lot of vessels may wish to leave the marina around the same time. We usually operate a ‘booking’ system at these times to organise the exiting traffic. At these busy times, it is advisable that you book a time-slot, as soon as you have decided when you wish to leave. During the week and during the winter, it is not usually necessary to do this.
For more information on the layout of the marina, you may find the Navionics electronic chart at the bottom of this page helpful.
TIDE TABLE ADVICE
The River Medina is tidal and we generally use the Cowes tide times to determine when the river is deep enough for vessels to arrive and leave. The table below gives the approximate times of when it is safe to do so, according to your vessel’s draught. For most vessels, access time are very good. To see the Cowes tide times, please follow this link to the Cowes Harbour Commission site.
If in doubt, you can always check with the Control Tower for guidance. As well as having experienced staff, our lock controls give us an accurate reading of the depth of the river, at its lowest point. We will therefore always be able to tell you at the time, whether it is safe for you to enter or leave.
The approximate times (hours), before and after High Tide, that you can gain access to Island Harbour Marina is shown below.
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GETTING INTO THE MARINA
Before High Tide - During Office Hours
After High Tide - During Office Hours
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GETTING INTO THE MARINA
Before High Tide - Restricted 1 Hour at Low Water
After High Tide - Restricted 1 Hour at Low Water
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GETTING INTO THE MARINA
Before High Tide - 3 hours 30 minutes
After High Tide - 3 hours
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GETTING INTO THE MARINA
Before High Tide - 2 hours 30 minutes
After High Tide - 2 hours 30 minutes
On Neap tides, free flow of water through the lock is only normally available around High Tide and sometimes may not be achievable at all. However, you will still be able to enter the marina using the ‘locking’ process. On very low Neap tides, if your vessel has a draught of 2 metres or more, please contact the Control Tower for guidance. On these rare occasions, whilst the river may be deep enough, access to the marina may still be restricted by the concrete sill that runs underneath our lock gates. This usually only applies to 3.4 or 3.5 metre tides, as measured on the Cowes tide tables.
If you have a deep-draught sailing yacht, you should therefore notify and check with the Control Tower, before passing through the lock on these low Neap tides. If you have a lifting-keel, it is normally advisable for you to raise it, when passing through the lock, regardless of whether we are on Neap or Spring tides.
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GETTING INTO THE MARINA
Before High Tide - 4 hours 30 minutes
After High Tide - 4 hours 30 minutes
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GETTING INTO THE MARINA
Before High Tide - 4 Hours
After High Tide - 3 Hours 30 minutes
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GETTING INTO THE MARINA
Before High Tide - 3 hours 30 minutes
After High Tide - 3 hours
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GETTING INTO THE MARINA
Before High Tide - 2 hours 30 minutes
After High Tide - 2 hours 30 minutes
On Spring tides, free flow of water through the lock should normally be around one hour before High Tide until about two hours after High Tide.
Please note that these estimates are for guidance only and may vary due to atmospheric conditions etc. It is advisable to err on the side of caution by half an hour on falling tides.
For further Tide Information, please visit UK Hydrographic Office website.
GETTING INTO THE MARINA ON NEAP TIDES
GETTING INTO THE MARINA ON SPRING TIDES