RYA Sailing School, Solent Yacht Charter, Yacht Guardiennage & Maintenance.

The Isle of Wight is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing break at any time of the year. It is a stunning Island with un-spoilt scenery and a wealth of fascinating attractions.

There are an amazing number of attractions on the Isle of Wight for a place that measures only 23 miles by 13 miles. The Isle of Wight has over 60 places to visit with plenty of things to do come rain or shine! There are fun parks with thrilling rides, animal and bird sanctuaries, carnivals and festivals to delight visitors of all ages.

Wherever you go on the Isle of Wight you will see evidence of a fascinating past going back to the time of the dinosaurs, roman villas, medieval castles, historic houses and exhibitions which reflect life in a bygone age. No holiday is complete without a visit to Queen Victoria's favorite seaside home, the magnificent Osborne House, given to the nation by King Edward VII.

Children love to journey back to prehistoric times, looking at fossils and life-sized animated models at the Island's dinosaur museums. Maritime heritage can be discovered at a number of museums, with displays of pirate gold and silver, and countless artifacts recovered from shipwrecks.

It's easy to see why outdoor activities like walking, cycling and sailing are so popular on the Island; it has over 500 miles of footpaths, 30 miles of Heritage Coastline while more than half the Island is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Cowes

Best known as the world's premier yachting centre, Cowes is the Island's main port with a natural harbour at the mouth of the Medina River. Yachtsmen from all over the world participate in the season's prestigious sailing events, of which the best known is Cowes Week, held annually at the beginning of August. For ten days the whole town is completely transformed.

Its narrow streets and numerous pubs and restaurants give Cowes an almost carnival atmosphere even when the regatta is not on. Shopping in the narrow pedestrian High Street is a delight with an array of fashionable clothing shops, gift shops, delicatessens, cafes, restaurants and lively pubs.

From Cowes you can take the floating bridge across to East Cowes, the original industrial heart of the island, and then up and out towards Osborne House, Queen Victoria's former stately and lavishly furnished seaside holiday home. It has been preserved much as it was when the Queen died here in 1901. There are gorgeous views, peaceful surroundings and delightful gardens to enjoy

Isle of Wight Map

Yarmouth

Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, is a picturesque fishing, ferry and yachting port widely regarded as one of the jewels of the South Coast. The deepwater harbour retains its old world aura while visiting yachtsmen will find a range of amenities which are very much up to date and accepted as being among the best in the South.

Yarmouth has grown up as a result of its natural harbour, which is guarded by Yarmouth Castle, a fortification built to protect the Solent from invading forces by Henry VIII in 1547. The Harbour attracts many yachts and motor cruisers.

This is a bustling town that has an active community all year round. It is the boats and yachts, however, which attract much of the business and custom. The square has a varied range of shops and delightful eating establishments

Isle of Wight - Festivals, Carnivals and Concerts

The Isle of Wight Music Festival, White Air Extreme Sports Festival, Cowes Week, Isle of Wight Walking Festival, Wight Diamond Mountain Bike Festival plus many other carnivals and concerts - the list goes on. With over 1000 local, national and international events the Isle of Wight is the place to be seen.

In 2010, see some of the top bands and artists perform at a range of distinct Island music events: The Isle of Wight International Jazz (Divas) Festival, The Isle of Wight Festival, the Osborne House Classical Concert in July, The Bestival, the hippy happening of the year and the Isle of Wight Folk & Blues Festival in September. Throughout the year, the Island is alive with local carnival celebrations, confirming a reputation as England's carnival island.