Island Sailing Club (ISC)

Club information

• Country: United Kingdom
• Town/City: Cowes

© Island Sailing Club

Lovely clubroom facing the water

Island Sailing Club (ISC)

Located at 70 High Street in the heart of Cowes, the Island Sailing Club (ISC) is one of the most vibrant and accessible sailing clubs on the Isle of Wight. Founded in 1889, the club has built an outstanding reputation for organising high-quality racing, fostering inclusivity, and supporting sailors of all backgrounds — from seasoned professionals to complete beginners.

ISC is perhaps best known internationally as the organiser of the Round the Island Race, one of the largest yacht races in the world, attracting more than 1,200 boats and thousands of sailors each year. This hallmark event reflects the club’s ethos: open, ambitious, and deeply connected to the local and global sailing communities.

Its clubhouse is ideally positioned right on Cowes waterfront, with direct views across the Solent. Members and visiting yachtsmen can enjoy a large lounge and restaurant area with outdoor seating, a fully stocked bar, meeting rooms, and event spaces. The terrace is a favourite spot during regatta season, offering a prime location to watch the action on the water.

The club also boasts excellent water access via its own pontoon, with berthing for visitors and race fleets. Drying moorings are available, and ISC cooperates closely with Shepards Marina and other local service providers for extended stays and support.

Training and development are key priorities. ISC runs RYA training programmes, youth sailing schemes, and encourages broad participation in its local racing calendar, which includes Friday evening racing, spring and autumn series, and occasional passage races.

Social life at ISC is famously inclusive and lively. Weekly events, guest speakers, prize-givings, and post-race drinks ensure a warm, clubby atmosphere that is as welcoming to newcomers as it is to Cowes regulars.

The Island Sailing Club remains a cornerstone of Solent sailing — inclusive, historic, and always buzzing with activity.