Cowes Fleet Captain David Franks said: "Cowes has a terrific reputation and has held the Etchells Worlds twice previously, so it is great news to be bringing the event back here again. The extremely helpful attitude of everyone at Shepards Wharf, along with the marina's investment in a new dry sailing crane and the regatta centre opening this year, has been instrumental in our decision to choose Cowes."

Capt. Stuart McIntosh, Cowes Harbour Master, said: "It is very exciting and a privilege to be holding the Etchells Worlds in Cowes next year. The Harbour Commission continues to work proactively to attract more events to Cowes, and with the Etchells World Championship here in 2016 we can ensure that the yachting world's focus stays on Cowes right through to September."

"The Etchells Worlds attracts top competitors from around the world along with the keenest amateurs, and so we are delighted that Cowes has been selected to hold the event and for the Royal London Yacht Club to be the Organising Authority," commented Peter Taylor, Commodore of the Royal London.

Two Commissioners, David Riley and Jeremy Dale, have opted to re-apply for a position on the Board and will go through the same application and selection process as all other respondents. CHC will be advertising the Harbour Commissioner positions in the Isle of Wight County Press on 30th January and 6th February, and also on the CHC website.

Cowes Harbour is in an exciting and challenging phase of its development with the new breakwater and East Cowes development projects. A major Strategic Review is also currently under way considering the vision, strategic objectives, plans and policies for Cowes Harbour and as a Commissioner you would play an important part in helping to shape the future of the harbour and its services.

The following skills and experience have been identified as being beneficial to the current Board of Commissioners, but should not be considered prescriptive: HR & Personnel; Finance; Safety; Marketing.

If you are interested in being considered for these positions, further details can be obtained from: Captain Stuart McIntosh, Harbour Master/Chief Executive, Cowes Harbour Commission, Harbour Office, Town Quay, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7AS. Email: chc@cowes.co.uk.

The closing date for applications is 19th February 2015.

CHC would like to encourage Cowes businesses interested in being featured in the Handbook to contact Maddy Dobson via maddy@solent.co. For all other advertising enquiries, contact David Brooks via david@solent.co or phone 01983 200336.

Strategic Review feedback on Port Handbook

In CHC's Strategic Review online survey last autumn, we asked how stakeholders rate our communications with harbour users and stakeholders, which includes the annual Port Handbook. We were very pleased to see that over 80% of respondents gave favourable comments and stated the Handbook was deemed to be good, very good or excellent.

The Port Handbook is one example of how CHC works proactively to promote Cowes through investment in stakeholder benefits, providing long-term benefits to the harbour and its broad and diverse range of stakeholders.

CHC issues on average around 40 Notices per year. The Notices may contain information regarding construction or dredging works, major regattas, or relating to the safety of navigation.

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