It all began in the early seventies when the River Medina was still very much a commercial navigation river. The river moorings, administered now by both Newport Harbour (Isle of Wight Council) and Cowes Harbour Commission, consisted entirely of piled berths and swing moorings managed locally by a Harbour Master based at the Folly. The Folly, then very much a traditional pub and the venue for the Folly Regatta, was a focal point for local river users.  The period was one of increasing change and it was felt by a growing number of people that many of the changes being discussed in relation to river use, did not recognise the needs of the berth holders, the family sailor and those whose enjoyment was taken purely from the peace and tranquillity of the river valley environment.

With a nucleus of interested people the Medina Mariners Association was formed in March 1972 with the aim of  “protecting and furthering the interests of the users of the River Medina”. The MMA grew quickly and by 1973 had 200 members paying an annual subscription fee of 50p per person. Whilst there were no facilities provided by the MMA at that time, there was an extensive social diary with regular talks by local sailing celebrities and folk nights at the Folly.  

A programme of sailing events was soon established for both dinghies and, with an emphasis on encouraging short handed sailing, cruising yachts. The most popular event was the 'Round The Island Single Handed Race', attracting in some years, up to 45 entries.

By the early eighties, with steady membership numbers, the MMA looked to improve access to the river and to establish a greater level of permanency by providing a Committee meeting space, and facilities for storing dinghies.  And so, financed by member donations and grants raised from such bodies as the Sports Council, dinghy storage facilities, a launching slip and a meeting space were constructed.  Seeking to draw on the benefits from an improved financial position for both Members and the MMA itself, the Association in 1981 applied for and was granted charitable status. In doing so it reaffirmed its aims and objectives to promote and protect the leisure users interests in the river and to protect the estuary environment for the benefit of the community as a whole.

A Committee of trustees, who are elected annually at the Annual General Meeting, manages the MMA.

Medina Mariners Association President - Colin Gilbert

Medina Mariners Association Committee elected April 2026

Chairman - David Butler

Honorary Secretary - Vicci Bundle

Honorary Treasurer - Vicky Gooders-Graham

Membership Secretary - Sarah Butler

Dinghy Park Manager - David Butler

Committee Member - David Smith

Committee Member - Adam James

Safeguarding Officer - Mike Joy

Social Secretary - Vacant

 

MMA REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 282493