The Solent

Corporate group enjoying a high-speed Solent Rib Charter experience, waving as the RIB powers across the Solent

Solent Rib Charter boats speeding past The Needles and lighthouse on a high-speed RIB adventure near the Isle of Wight

The Solent is the stretch of water that separates the Isle of Wight from the south coast of England. Approximately twenty miles long and up to five miles wide, the Solent is a sheltered sea area with significant maritime importance.

Solent Rib Charter high-speed RIB powering across the Solent with a corporate group onboard during a team experience day

Why the Solent

World centre of yachting

The combination of shelter, the myriad of ports and the geographical proximity to London and the south combine to make the Solent historically significant and to this day, the acknowledged world centre of yachting.

At a glance

Ports and harbours

Major ports within the Solent include Southampton with an oil terminal, container port and liner terminal as well as Portsmouth, the home of the Royal Navy. Other ports and harbours include Lymington, Beaulieu, Yarmouth, Cowes, Ryde, Freshwater, Hamble, Bembridge, Chichester and Langstone all of which have a rich history and are stunningly picturesque.

Picturesque coastline

The Solent has a variety of coastline from soaring chalk cliffs by the Needles lighthouse to multi-coloured sand cliffs in Alum Bay. There is a SSSI protected salt marsh nature reserve lining Lymington river whilst a trip up Beaulieu river reveals landscapes straight out of Constable paintings.

Regattas and events

The Solent is always a hive of activity with many regattas and events taking place throughout the year. Principal events are listed on our ‘what’s on’ page. For major national events such as Cowes Week or the America’s Cup, booking well in advance is important.

Lymington

Lymington is our home port, perfectly positioned for all the most popular parts of the Solent. We also operate from every other port in the Solent; there is no difference in price for a day’s charter.

What our customers say

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Another wildly successful client RIB day with the wonderful Solent RIB Charter.

Another wildly successful client RIB day with the wonderful Solent RIB Charter. Well organised with friendly and professional skippers, our clients had a brilliant time again on what is one of our most popular annual events, thanks to Jakob, Christian & the team!

I would strongly recommend Solent Rib Charter.

Fantastic Experience – Dealt with Jakob who was really helpful and efficient and had a brilliant day on the water. I would strongly recommend Solent Rib Charter and will definitely be using them again when I’m next in Lymington.

Skipper Jon on the day was great & always showed on time.

Very helpful with the passage plan and crafting the day ahead of time. Skipper Jon on the day was great, relaxed and always showed on time. Made for a wonderful day. The blast by The Needles was invigorating. We had two groups and a lovely lunch in Yarmouth.

These guys were brilliant. Would highly recommend them.

These guys were brilliant – both in helping to organise our trip for 40 scouts (many thanks Theo), and on the day: everyone was full of praise for rib skipper (Mike) for being relaxed and fun, but also super safe. Would highly recommend them. 30th Reigate Scouts.

I'd absolutely 100% recommend these guys.

Chartered a bareboat RIB with Solent Rib Charter on the bank holiday weekend for a day out to the Isle of Wight. Absolutely top-notch customer service and I can’t overstate how helpful he was! I’d absolutely 100% recommend these guys.

Incredible company who at last minute were able to step in like heroes.

Incredible company who at last minute were able to step in like heroes when we were let down by another charter for my 40th Birthday (50 people from Lymington to The Hut and back!). If you want to book a RIB for any occasion, make sure you book with Solent Rib Charter!

From start to finish the process was seamless.

We selected Solent Rib Charter for a team incentive. From start to finish the process was seamless. They were really flexible and allowed for us to enjoy the sights and have a relaxed lunch in Cowes. It was a great day out.

Really nice people, with great kit and knowledge.

Rented a RIB from these guys which they brought down to Padstow. Boat in superb condition (their boats are used commercially and for leisure, so super well maintained). Summary: really nice people, with great kit and knowledge.

The most professional Rib charter company you will ever come across!

The most professional Rib charter company you will ever come across! Immaculately maintained boats and professional skippers make them stand out from the rest. Highly recommended!