Island Sailing Club

The Island Sailing Club is a sailing club and event venue at 70 High Street in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight. Its clubhouse has a bar and dining facilities, while hosted events bring other audiences through the doors. If you are coming for a concert or a private function, use the organiser’s arrival instructions: admission to a particular event does not automatically describe the club’s ordinary visitor arrangements.

The club began in 1889, when General Charles Baring wanted a sailing organisation that would cater for different interests and abilities. Its founders came from a broad range of occupations, and the early programme included small-boat racing. Richard Barrow designed the clubhouse after land was bought on the High Street. That history puts the building within the working sailing life of Cowes, rather than making it simply a room hired for the evening.

Check with the club before planning a meal, a visit or a group booking. Bar, dining and office hours differ, and an event organiser may have separate arrangements for refreshments and access. The general enquiries number is 01983 296621. For an upstairs performance, ask about the route to the room if stairs are a concern. Knowing which entrance, room and booking you need makes a first visit easier, particularly when several members of a party are arriving separately.