By Isle of Wight Observer
The Island’s Classic Boat Museum’s 30th season has been officially launched, by local yachting royalty.
Double Olympic gold medallist, Shirley Robertson, and former America’s Cup training skipper, Harold Cudmore, were guests of honour at the launch event, attended by around 150 people.
The museum, now based on one site at Medina Village, after previously operating in Cowes and East Cowes, is set for a significant year in 2026.
It houses more than 100 boats, along with maritime artefacts and archives, ranging from dinghies, lifeboats, and powerboats, to Sir Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup AC75 racer.
Guests heard that plans are advancing to expand the museum’s activities on the site, with the aim of making it a top-class maritime visitor attraction.
Chairman, Michael Loftus, said the trustees wanted to raise awareness of the museum, including through a partnership with the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, the return of the historic royal Flying Fifteen, Coweslip, and the Maritime Heritage Trail as part of Cowes 200.
He said: “We have just completed a grant-funded scoping study working with three top heritage consultants and a leading local surveyor to expand our activities on this site.
“The results of this study are overwhelmingly positive and we will be working closely with local stakeholders and national funding bodies to achieve this.
“With its rich maritime heritage, the Island deserves a destination visitor attraction in Cowes, linking maritime heritage with maritime skills and jobs.”
The museum is open from 11am to 3pm, Tuesday to Friday. More details are available at iw.observer/classic-boats.
