Welcome to the Classic Boat Museum & Gallery

We are an exciting and award winning all weather attraction based on the waterside in the Isle of Wight. We are able to offer a fascinating collection of sailing and power boats of local and national interest to both family visitors and maritime enthusiasts alike.

Open throughout the year, our displays also include photographs, films, tools, artefacts, models, books and many other items associated with the history of boating over the past century. From unique trophies loaned by Dame Ellen MacArthur to classic wooden boats of international renown, we have something of interest to both children and adults.

The Museum opened its doors in Newport in 1996 with just a handful of boats, however it now has more than 50 craft available for visitors to view. From notable sailing boats such as Uffa Fox's Airborne Lifeboat, Lord Brabazon’s autogyro rigged Bembridge Redwing and 'Coweslip', the Flying Fifteen belonging to HRH Prince Philip, to everyday dinghies, canoes and rowing boats, as well as elegant river craft and powerboats. Over the years many painstaking restoration projects have been undertaken, which have lead to some prestigious awards and an outstanding reputation.

We are a Registered Museum and a Charity and look forward very much to welcoming you along to one of our two sites, either the Museum on the River Medina at Newport, in the centre of the island, or to the Gallery in East Cowes, right at the heart of British yachting and just across the water from the famous Royal Yacht Squadron.