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A colourful fleet of yachts racing downwind with large spinnakers across the Solent during a major sailing regatta, creating a vibrant and dynamic scene on the water.

RTIR 2026

History

The Round The Island Race is a complete circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight which has been running since 1931. Typically over 1600 boats will take part with as many as 15,000 competitors, making it the fourth largest sporting event in the UK.

At a glance

Ribs offer the maximum flexibility to make the best of The Round the Island Race. Typically we will watch the class 0 and class 1 race starts at the Royal Yacht Squadron start line and then follow along the Solent before nipping ashore for breakfast.

Spectating

We are back out on the water for the best seats in the house at the Needles to watch the iconic rounding by the main fleet with spinnakers flying. We are free to continue following the fleet or return to shore for a delicious lunch at a carefully selected waterside yacht club or restaurant before heading to the finish line once again to catch up on the action.

Support

Please talk to us if your would like to charter a Rib in support of your team or your entry. Ribs are perfect for transferring crew from and to the mainland for those short of time. Super early starts can easily be organised.

Charter details

Ribs are chartered by the day during the Round Island Race although you are welcome to use the boats for as little or as much of the day as you choose. The skipper, boat and unlimited fuel are included in the price.

Luxury motor yacht powering across the Solent during a private charter with Solent Rib Charter

Motor Yacht

Varka

For a more luxurious view of the Round the Island Race Motor Yacht Varka with comfortable seating for ten provides an alternative viewing platform. Our stunning Princess V65 ‘Varka’ has a spacious open plan layout with several stylish areas for sitting, relaxing and stretching out, ‘Varka’ never feels cramped.

Race gallery

  • A fleet of yachts with brightly coloured spinnakers sailing past The Needles lighthouse during a calm Solent regatta, creating a vibrant and scenic race display on the water.
  • A competitive fleet of high-performance racing yachts sailing closely together with dark sails during a Solent regatta, creating an intense and energetic race scene on the water.
  • A Solent Rib Charter hospitality RIB carrying guests close to the action as large Artemis-branded racing yachts compete during a Solent regatta, with colourful flags and spectators on board.
  • A Solent Rib Charter support RIB speeds past a fleet of high-performance racing yachts with dark sails during a competitive Solent regatta, capturing the action on the water.
  • A RIB making a turn causing a splash of water behind it. Passengers having fun.
  • Several rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) travel together toward a shoreline lined with houses, boats, and marina buildings. Passengers in life jackets sit facing forward as the boats create wakes behind them. Union Jack flags and masts of docked sailboats are visible along the waterfront.
  • A fleet of yachts with brightly coloured spinnakers sailing past The Needles lighthouse during a calm Solent regatta, creating a vibrant and scenic race display on the water.
  • A competitive fleet of high-performance racing yachts sailing closely together with dark sails during a Solent regatta, creating an intense and energetic race scene on the water.
  • A Solent Rib Charter hospitality RIB carrying guests close to the action as large Artemis-branded racing yachts compete during a Solent regatta, with colourful flags and spectators on board.
  • A Solent Rib Charter support RIB speeds past a fleet of high-performance racing yachts with dark sails during a competitive Solent regatta, capturing the action on the water.
  • A RIB making a turn causing a splash of water behind it. Passengers having fun.
  • Several rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) travel together toward a shoreline lined with houses, boats, and marina buildings. Passengers in life jackets sit facing forward as the boats create wakes behind them. Union Jack flags and masts of docked sailboats are visible along the waterfront.
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Our locations

The Solent and beyond

The Solent may be our home, but we operate throughout the UK, offering reliable nationwide support with consistently excellent service.

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What our customers say

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.
Jonathan Gold

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.
David Chudleigh

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.
Tim Walkden

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.
Oliver Masters

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!
Ben Peddie

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.
Mark O'Donoghue

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!
Sarah Ward

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.
Martin Rennison

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!
Simon Hedley
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A group of people enjoy a fast RIB ride past Hurst Castle, with passengers smiling and waving as the boat cuts through choppy green water.

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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.

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01590 607101 Phone number