Major Event Rib Support

Solent Rib Charter Guest Chaser boat carrying spectators close to America’s Cup World Series racing, with ORACLE Team USA and other AC45 yachts competing in the background.

A Solent Rib Charter media support RIB carrying photographers with large telephoto lenses during a major sailing event, with a crowded shoreline of spectators in the background.

A coordinated fleet of Solent Rib Charter support boats displaying race-management flags while assisting an America’s Cup racing yacht inside the harbour during event operations.

The America’s Cup is the world’s most prestigious international sailing event with a rich and controversial history. The race began in 1851 and the Cup is the oldest sporting trophy in the world, and is just one example of how we have supported major events in the past.

RIB support boat following a high-performance foiling race yacht during a major sailing event on the Solent

Backround

America's Cup Case Study

Solent Rib Charter is proud to be the official Rib Charter Supplier for European venues of the America’s Cup. Recent regattas have included Plymouth in 2011 and Portsmouth in both 2015 and 2016. Over 2000 spectator boats and 248,000 shoreside spectators watched Sir Ben Ainslie’s Landrover B.A.R team win both Portsmouth events.

At a glance

Now an epic race series touring the globe with 45’ catamarans raced by the world’s top sailors, the event is the sailing equivalent of Formula 1. The series vies with the Extreme 40’ series (who have also appointed Solent Rib Charter as their official supplier).

Portsmouth

We had circa thirty boats operational for each regatta. Our boats were used by race officers, for the VIP ‘guest chaser ‘ boats, team boats, media boats and VIP boats. We even installed the pontoon system in the event village to enable the Trimarans to moor alongside.

Plymouth

In Plymouth we operated with ten Ribs and crew on a variety of tasks over ten days including; race team support, media boats, VIP boats and even towing the advertising hoardings!

J Class Regattas & London Olympics

We are also the official Rib charter supplier to the J Class Association providing Rib support for the J Class Regattas that took place in 2012 and 2015. We were also the Olympic Official Rib Charter supplier for the London 2012 Olympic games.

Aerial view of multiple black and yellow RIBs powering across deep green water in a wide formation, leaving long parallel white wakes trailing behind them.

Testimonial

What did Americas Cup race management think?

“Superb Service – each event was a fantastic success and part of that success was your fantastic service and support. As usual Solent Rib Charter supplied extremely well presented boats, professional crew and a superb service, thanks very much, it was a pleasure working with you again”.

Event gallery

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

A group of people wearing life jackets enjoy a fast RIB boat ride on the Solent, smiling and waving as the boat cuts through the water with splashes around them.

America's Cup Case Study