History
Cowes Boatyard is located at the historic Medina Yard in Cowes. With a maritime history stretching back to the early 1800's, this former FBM shipbuilding yard was acquired to become the base to launch the British America’s Cup team GBR Challenge 2001 – 2003.
Early 1800s
Thomas White purchases flourishing local shipbuilding businesses, located at Nye’s Yard (East Cowes) and Thetis Yard (West Cowes)
1815
Thetis Yard officially opens 1 October 1815. Engraving (published by S. Horsey Jr. ), A view of West Cowes from East Cowes circa 1815
Source: County Record Images (CWS008). © Dave J. Quigley, 7 October 1997.
1859
Chain Ferry connecting East and West Cowes opens. Floating Bridge Company formed and buys Ferry rights. Engraving, Cowes harbour (West Cowes) shown from East Cowes Seafront, Circa 1850s.
Source:County Record Images (CWS032). © Dave J. Quigley, 14 October 1997.
1862
Island’s first locomotive railway, 4 1/2 miles from Cowes to Newport opens 16 June. Route in operation till 1960s. Train approaching Cowes Station 1963
Source: http://www.disusedstations.org.uk/c/cowes/index.shtml
1882
Ferry connecting East and West Cowes bought by Steam Packet Company (later part of Red Funnel). New bridge built in 1896.
Floating Bridge c 1892, Postcard, http://www.simplonpc.co.uk
1898
John Samuel White, Thomas’ grandson, groups all shipbuilding in East Cowes and fit out in West Cowes (engineering works). A view across the River Medina looking towards East Cowes, showing in Arctic Road under construction, (circa early 1900s).
Source: County Record Images (CWS144). © Dave J. Quigley, June 1998.
1911
J.S. White orders 80 ton Hammerhead crane. Major fire in Machine Shop starts on Tennyson Road. Extensive damage from Thetis Road to Medina Road.
Damage from 1911 fire. Source: Just Fifty Yards from the Floating Bridge, Compiled by Brian Greening.
1912
J Samuel White & Co starts building aircraft. Image: A White navyplane being lower into the sea in the First World War.
Source: Just Fifty Yards from the Floating Bridge, Compiled by Brian Greening.
1942
Luftwaffe drops 200 tons of bombs on Cowes. Polish destroyer, Blyskawica, in for refit at J Samuel White, retaliates. Medina Road buildings suffer major damage. Image: Damage from air raid.
Source: County Record Images (CWS142). © Dave J. Quigley, June 1998