The Cowes Classic Boat Museum's yachts, motor and lifeboats now open to view by the public in Cowes
Over 50 yachts and boats now have a new home in West Cowes in one of the historic boat sheds under the Hammerhead crane in Cowes (West).
The Boat Shed (117), as is has become known to the volunteers and helpers who have worked tirelessly to enable the museum to open this Summer, required extensive work to ensure it was water tight and safe for the public. The first stage is now complete and the 'Shed' is ready for the public.
Opening on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10-4pm the museum provides visitors with a voyage of discovery mapping out the history of the Isle of Wight and Cowes through its marine heritage.
The Shed displays Isle of Wight lifeboats, racing yachts, motor yachts and flying boats including the 2017 America's Cup test catamaran sailed by Ben Ainslee, (which flew on foils!) This is very fitting as the first ever America's Cup race was started from Cowes. It was then named the the Hundred Guinea Cup by the Royal Yacht Squadron for a race around the Isle of Wight. On August 20, 1851, The cup was won by the yacht America, a 100-foot (30-metre) schooner from New York City, and subsequently became known as the America's Cup.
Mark McNeill, Chairman of the Museum added, " It is a very proud moment for us to be able to once again give access to the incredible range of yachts, motorboats, lifeboats and dinghies that have been curated over many years by the Museum. My thanks go to all our loyal volunteers and supporters, both individuals and companies, who have helped us through winter storms and health and safety to create a safe and dry space which offers a unique insight into how Cowes and the Isle of Wight have been at the forefront of marine technology and innovation for over 300 years. From the America's Cup, Uffa Fox, J. Samuel White, The Admiral's Cup and the RNLI if you have an interest in anything nautical then there is something for you down at the Shed!"
The Shed is now open for a limited time each week, however, we are looking for Volunteers to help us open more often and would be pleased to talk to anyone interested in helping.
Please email info@maritimeisle.org if you would be interested in helping.