yacht charter england

United Kingdom

The UK packs an extraordinary amount into a tiny island. World-class restaurants, shopping and culture in London. The Dreamy spires of Oxford. Perfectly patchworked countryside. Charter a yacht here and see what we mean.

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Your Guide to the United Kingdom

Legendary landmarks

WORLD-CLASS CITIES

The UK packs an extraordinary amount into a tiny island. World-class restaurants, shopping and culture in London. The Dreamy spires of Oxford. Perfectly patchworked countryside. Stonehenge. The rugged cliffs and surfing beaches of cornwall. Seaside villages in devon. Sail in Cowes. Explore the rugged east coast. Hike the lake district. Discover astonishing historical landmarks.

YOUR GUIDE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM

FESTIVALS & REMOTE ISLANDS

Scotland is a unique mix of wild landscapes, vibrant cities and islands of Instagram-worthy fishing villages. On the east coast, attend the world famous festival, see the military tattoo and climb the extinct volcano of Arthur’s Seat. Head up to the isles of Orkney, with Neolithic sites that are 5000 years old. Down the west coast, explore the enchanting Hebrides islands.

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INSPIRATIONAL ITINERARIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

Highland Fling

Oban to Kerrera. Big Skies, mind-blowing landscapes, romantic castles and superb seafood. The Scottish Highlands really is the Scotland of your imagination.

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Exploring England

A sailing charter in england offers a wide choice of sailing grounds with a wealth of excellent sailing. the country’s exceptional scenery lends itself perfectly to exploration by boat. whether you are in the mood for pastoral splendour or busy cities, there is so much to see and do here. from rugged coastlines to iconic skylines, small islands to a wealth of rivers and canals, picturesque fishing villages and the heart of the capital..

You can sail from the mouth of the Thames estuary into the heart of London. Get a front-row view of the iconic sites in this great city, including iconic buildings like the Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral. No trip would be complete without sailing beneath Tower Bridge or into St Katharine’s Dock in the Pool of London. 

Halfway down the south coast, the Solent offers some of the most exciting sailing in the country – even for seasoned sailors. The constantly changing conditions make it a challenge you will remember for years to come. Look out for the famous Needles (a group of chalk stacks off the Isle of Wight). The Isle of Wight itself is a wonderful place to visit, with beautiful beaches and verdant rolling landscapes inland. The main town, Cowes, is home to the renowned Cowes Week regatta in August. The island’s sailing club runs its famous ‘Round the Island’ race in July, which regularly attracts over 1,400 boats from around the world.

The best time for sailing charters in England

The sailing season here runs from March to November, with peak season over the summer from June to September. Temperatures range between 10 and 14oC in April, to 23oC in July and August.

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Luxury Yacht Charter Holidays in the UK

Itineraries.

• Poole to Poole
• Southampton to Southampton

Yacht charter in The UK

A Yacht Charter in the UK is probably not the first destination that springs to mind when considering a yachting holiday , but, these northern European sailing grounds provide a wealth of splendid scenery that lends itself perfectly to exploration by boat.

Given that the UK is well known for its dreary weather, it’s easy to understand why it might be overlooked for a sailing trip, but don’t forget that this is a nation built on maritime heritage. With some of the most coastlines and iconic skylines in Europe, so many small islands to explore, and a wealth of rivers and canals to navigate, you can experience some of the very best sailing when you charter a luxury yacht in the UK. And it’s even better when the weather is good.

Chartering a yacht in The United Kingdom gives you the chance to see many different sides of the UK, from small fishing villages to vibrant cities, all from the comfort of your own luxury yacht.

What to see on a trip to The United Kingdom?

A myriad of buzzing cosmopolitan cities and quaint villages, all packed full of endless charm and intriguing history, the UK has a vast range of sights and attractions for all visitors.

England’s south coast is renowned for its impressive coastal towns and resorts – Portsmouth and Southampton, for instance, have a unique sailing heritage, while Beer, in Devon, and Mousehole, in Cornwall, are picture-perfect fishing villages. In fact, the whole south coast of England is peppered with picturesque fishing villages that have remained beautifully intact whilst time has ticked by.

With so many places to visit, and some of the most challenging sailing conditions to contend with, a UK yacht charter will truly be an adventure to remember.

Southampton, a city associated with naval exploration and history and still considered one of the most important ports of the United Kingdom, is a great base for so many wonderful locations nearby, such as the New Forest as well coastal drives to Bournemouth and their maritime competitors, Portsmouth.

Boasting a historic harbour, Weymouth is more than sand, lollipop liners and the beach. It is an epicurean centre for those that want to try something new, and the coastal scenery sets it apart as a must-see destination.

Torquay, the so called “heart of the English riviera” is a seafront town with palm trees and red cliffs, alongside fantastic restaurants and boutique hotels.

A trip to the Isle of Scilly feels like a world away from the mainland. This archipelago that surrounds 140 tiny islands appears to have hardly ever changed in decades. No supermarkets, no traffic jams, no multinational hotels, this is a land that understands what it means to be of a time before what we have today. It is something to behold on a personal level as this is a location that always takes your breath away.

Away from the south coast, you can sail into the Thames to marvel at a iconic buildings like the Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge, or sail further along the east coast for a lazy cruise along the Norfolk Broads or to sample more picturesque fishing villages, including the iconic Whitby, the scene of the vampire’s landing in Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

On to Scotland – sailing the turquoise waters and walking the white sands of the highlands and islands will leave you breathless, as will navigating the seas of the inner and outer hebrides.

Along to England’s west coast and you can sail to the picturesque Isle of Man, or sail the Mersey to take in the iconic Liverpool skyline and sample everything this vibrant city has to offer.

There are also some wonderful waters to sail, and brilliant sites to see along the coast of Wales and England’s south west coast.

A luxury yacht charter of The United Kingdom really does offer something for everyone. For the adventurer that wants to learn more about the UK to the historian that wants to sail the seas of the famous leaders and explorers. From families through to groups of friends, it’s a friendly atmosphere that captures each of these towns and locations. Why charter a yacht in The United Kingdom?

Chartering a yacht in The United Kingdom is possibly the only way to really discover the true maritime history of the nation. You see things and experience things that need more than just a moment’s attention. It’s about taking in what makes the coast of the United Kingdom truly different to some of the more exotic locations we offer.

Essential travel information for the United Kingdom

Want to charter a yacht in the United Kingdom but don’t know much about the location. Here is some essential information.

Not known for having particularly good weather, the UK’s high season is between May and early September, but the seasons can get so interchangeable that March and October sometimes have great weather. The colder winter months appear earlier due to geography and the weather significantly changes in winter with lows of 10°C.

The Pound is the UK currency, and English is the main language, although some regions speak Welsh and Gaelic.

How to charter a yacht in the UK

You can access most of the United Kingdom and the destinations by airport, car and train. Princess Charter offer a variety of luxury yachts for hire along the UK and its islands, ranging from 20 metres to 100 metres in length.

To book your perfect getaway, give our team a call 0207 499 5050, or email [email protected] . Alternatively, leave a few details here, and we’ll call you back.

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Bareboat charter

For the experienced sailor wanting the freedom to cruise at their own pace, our UK bareboat yacht charter is for you.

Every Friday we release our much reduced ‘late offers’ for the following week. View our latest offers here or follow us to see them on facebook.

Yacht Care Services / Managed Yacht Charter

We offer one-off yacht care services and annual packages for yacht owners, as well as a choice of Managed Yacht Charter packages to suit you.  

We offer RYA practical sailing courses, theory courses, and other sailing tuition, sailing on one of the comfortable boats from our fleet or private tuition on your own yacht.

Hamble Point Yacht Charters offers an unrivalled selection of superb sailing yachts and motor boats for bareboat or skippered charter in the Solent.  Click here to view our yachts.

Corporate Sailing Days

Chartering one or more yachts for a corporate sailing day is a unique and effective way to thank your best clients or suppliers and to strengthen relationships for future business development.

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Hire a yacht with a professional skipper and relax for your trip or request an instructor and enjoy some tailored tuition or support.

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Book today and set sail Hamble Point Yacht Charters offers a fleet of beautiful sailing and motor yachts available for charter in the Solent.

Whether you are looking to hire a yacht for a day, weekend, week or longer, for a bareboat charter, skippered charter or a corporate sailing event, we have a sailing or motor yacht to suit you.

Outstanding Yachts Hamble Point Yacht Charters are the leading independent charter fleet operator in the Solent offering a fleet of 20+ yachts between 32 – 52ft, from a variety of manufacturers including Hallberg-Rassy, Dufour, Beneteau, Dehler, Jeanneau and more.

All of our yachts are superbly equipped, expertly maintained and freshly cleaned before your charter. They are unbranded, so you can feel like a true sailor during your charter.

Unbeatable Location We are ideally located in the picturesque Hamble village, with a wide choice of restaurants and pubs to make the most of your sailing trip.

Hamble Point Marina, just outside of Southampton is easy to access by car, offers free on-site parking and is the nearest marina to the centre of the Solent, the main sailing area on the UK’s South Coast, so you can spend more time sailing and less time motoring.

Unique Service Our friendly on-shore support team will ensure your charter experience runs smoothly and you can take advantage of the unique level of service from Hamble Point Yacht Charters

Late-check in available on a Friday, so you can set off early on Saturday without waiting for a handover. (Arrive before 7pm for guaranteed evening handover)

All of our yachts are coded and insured for sailing beyond the Solent – so for longer charters you can explore the UK South West, the Northern coast of France or take a trip to the Channel Islands.

Unlike other companies, we allow night sailing.

Our yachts are unbranded so no-one will know you are on charter and you can fully immerse yourself in the sailing experience.

You can even bring your dog! (additional cleaning charges apply)

We are passionate about delivering an enjoyable and straight-forward charter experience, and we are delighted to hold several Customer Service Award , one being from the British Marine Leisure Boating as well as a 5-star rating on Trip Advisor and the latest Certificate of Excellence.

If you are not yet one of our regular customers, come and see for yourself or sign up for our e-newsletters for special offers and updates on new yachts joining our fleet.

Our services include: Bareboat Yacht Charter, Skippered Yacht Charter, Skippered Motor Yacht Hire, Corporate Sailing, Yacht Management and an RYA Sailing School… Everything you require to make your UK South Coast Solent yachting or boating both enjoyable and exhilarating!

Select Yacht ABRAXAS ACCOMMODATION APHRODITE SPIRIT APPALOOSA BLUE OTTER BLUETOOTH CLOUD NINE EVENT FRANTIC GAELFORCE GRAND CRU GULL JAZZ JUKEBOX KASARA LOXLEY B MAVERICK MISCHIEF OF HAMBLE PETRUCHIO RED KITE REUNION SEAFIN SHORT STOP SILENTIA SOUTHPOINT II SPIRIT SPLASHPROOF TIME TO BOND TUITION TUITION1 TUITION2 WATERPROOF WEATHER BIRD

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WHAT CLIENTS SAY

This is truly a 5 * service. The team really looked after us both ashore on arrival and also while at sea. We were a relatively inexperienced crew but always felt the team ashore had our backs. Thoroughly recommended.

I just wanted to say Thank-you very much for the weekend charter. It was exactly what we were after (albeit cold!) plus Andy was an awesome teacher and great company. We’ll definitely be keen to book again soon!

We had a fabulous four days. Marina is ideally placed for the Solent, boat was in great condition, well equipped and a joy to sail. We were well briefed and the shore side team including the dog very friendly.

We charted one of the sailing yachts for a fantastic weekend cruise in the Solent. The boat was in superb condition and well equipped, the staff was very helpful explaining how things work on the yacht and there was also a video available with all the important information. 10/10 would recommend!

Had a fantastic week chartering Blue Otter, Alex was incredibly helpful and sent loads of information and date checking prior to booking. There was a handover video and both the handover and return were really smooth. The boat was lovely and well maintained and Lee was really helpful in recommending places to visit (and helping identify the steering issue as an autopilot takeover - doh!). Definitely will be back and would fully recommend!

Just back from a lovely week in the Solent. Great service from HPYC from first inquiry through to return handover. Very straightforward to deal with, and the yacht was in excellent condition. We've chartered from many companies in the UK and abroad and the attention to detail (and flawless inventory!) was second to none. Everything about the yacht and equipment had clearly been well looked after and was in immaculate condition. Great service, will use again.

Always very friendly service, and well-maintained yachts. Easy check-in and checkout. Will be back... 

We had a great time and were very happy with everything. Your team were genuinely friendly and were very helpful when we needed it. Is a big contrast to many charter companies I have dealt with in the past.

Watching the sun go down with a glass of bubbly on the deck of a sparkling yacht was unbelievable. What a treat, and a much needed change of scenery in these troubled times. We will be back for sure

Fab service, nothing too much trouble, including my daft questions. I'll be a repeat customer for sure!

We had a great time sailing with Lee for a few days at the beginning of September. Hamble Point Yacht Charters supplied us an impeccable 45 ft Hanse yacht, which was handled with complete mastery by Captain Lee.It was a privilege to sail with Lee, who is clearly a highly skilled professional taking great pride in his work ... but who is also a fantastic character with a great sense of humour and plenty of fun stories to keep the whole family entertained. He balances the serious side of safety and learning about sailing with a whopping dose of amusement and good cheer. We sailed the Solent in some decent seas, visited Bucklers Hard on the banks of the Beaulieu River and learned lots about British nautical history. Our boys started somewhat of a fishing trend catching bass off the back of the boat in Portsmouth and we would love to sail with Lee again in the future.The man truly knows his stuff, maintained the boat impeccably and went to every effort to ensure that we had a great time. Many thanks to “Shippers” and Hamble Point Charters. We’ll be back.

Chartered bareboats with HPYC on numerous occasions most recently in Sept 2020. Always helpful and accommodating. Highly recommend.

We had a fantastic weekend sailing on Loxley B. Boat in super condition and spotlessly clean, Alex. and the team very thorough and always on hand to answer any questions. A great experience. We will be back. Thank you!

Lots of information from office with a friendly service. We selected a one of the cheaper yachts and was please with find everything work and was cleaned and tidy. We will definitely be back

This was the first time we had tried chartering and as experienced racing sailors we didn't know what to expect. Covid has closed down all our events this year so this was a chance to get afloat at least once in 2020. What a great experience and Alex and all the Hamble staff could not have been more friendly or helpful. We had a great three days and we will be back !! We would have no hesitation is recommending Hamble Point Yacht Charters.

Complimentary Early Boarding this August!

• access_time Aug 6, 2024

Make the most of the remaining Summer and set sail earlier than usual. All new charter bookings for August will receive complimentary early boarding at 1 pm. * Charter bookings made for the August Bank Holiday Weekend will also receive a free of charge day sailing on Monday 26th August (so 3 days sailing for … Continue reading Complimentary Early Boarding this August!

Join our Community

Enjoy three days of sailing for the price of two this August bank holiday weekend!

Browse our yacht charter fleet.

Give our friendly team a call on 02380 457110 or e mail 

* Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

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Hire a boat in England

• Hire a boat in United Kingdom with or without a licence

Nautical Dreams  (2006)

From £389 per day.

Bavaria Cruiser 32  (2003)

From £251 per day.

Bayliner 285 Sports Cruiser on the Thames  (2005)

From £619 per day.

RIVERSCAPES SKIPPERED YACHT CHARTER  (1991)

From £1,435 per day.

Azimut 46 Flybridge for 10 Guests  (2007)

From £3,423 per day.

Jeanneau merry fisher 895  (2023)

From £669 per day.

Sail Tortuga  (2021)

From £1,002 per day.

Enjoy your VIP Tour with 28ft Marlin Rib up to 11 People  (2016)

From £469 per day.

Bavaria 56  (2014)

From £564 per day.

Nina Lucia Najad Aphrodite 36  (1998)

From £608 per day.

Day charter aboard Vesper  (2000)

From £1,304 per day.

Sealine S48  (2003)

From £2,247 per day.

Modern & Comfortable Sailing Boat, Sun Odyssey 42i  (2010)

From £483 per day.

Jeanneau 45 DS for 8 Persons Onboard  (2009)

From £550 per day.

Boat hire in London -- Princess yacht -- Princess 67 FLYBRIDGE  (2006)

From £13,167 per day.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 for 8 Guests  (2007)

From £1,568 per day.

Escapado - First 40.7 Cruiser / Racer  (2008)

From £326 per day.

Skippered sail on beautiful 49ft Sun Odyssey  (2009)

Boat hire in england with click&boat.

Home to the largest city in Europe, world-famous tourist attractions, and over 600 miles of stunning coastline, England is a top-rated tourist destination, with some excellent places for sailing. England is a part of the United Kingdom, but the country itself is divided into nine unique regions, rich in culture and history. See the bustling city life in London , the carved chapels of collegiate towns like Oxford or Cambridge, the fairytale land of Bath, and the dramatic coastline of the Isle of Wight. With a yacht charter in England, you can sail the English Channel, loop around The Solent, or discover the intricate canal system. There is so much to discover on land and beyond, making an England boat trip an ideal holiday. Skip the queues at the airport and opt for a boat hire in England with Click&Boat.

What is the cost of a yacht charter in England?

The cost of a boat hire in England varies considerably depending on where you’re looking to travel as well as the type of vessel you want, how many passengers are on board, and the duration of your hire. The price of a bareboat rental in England is also different to that of a skippered vessel. Below are some average prices for an England boat hire.

To hire a sailboat in England, the average price is about £2,668/ week for 8 passengers.

To rent a motorboat in England you should expect to pay around £1,407 / day for up to 12 guests.

A RIB hire in England for 12 people costs about £469 / day in low season and £689/ day in high season.

The price of a catamaran hire in England for 6 passengers is around £3,390 / week in high season and £1,720 / week in low season.

If you’d like to rent a houseboat in England for the week you’re looking to pay around £3,400 in high season and £1,725 in low season for up to 6 guests.

Where to sail your boat hire in England

England is full of places to sail: from straits to lakes to rivers, you won’t be bored cruising around the country. For inner city sailing, sail around Great London and in the capital to see some of the country’s most important monuments such as The Tower of London, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. Get lost in the mazelike canal network of London to Bristol, then swing down to the Isles of Scilly and sail on the south coast along the English Channel. Great destinations include Plymouth, Cornwall and Dorset, Lymington , Southampton , and around the Isle of Wight. If you want to soak up the sun and get a taste of a traditional English beach town (and fish and chips!) stop in Brighton and relax on the beach!

What can you see and do on boat trips in England?

There’s so much to do on a boat trip in England, and the possibilities are that much greater with a yacht charter. While sailing around England, you can discover hidden gems and underrated destinations. Sail up the Thames to Chertsey and pass through Shepperton Lock, Pharoah’s Island, and the Chertsey Meads. Go to Gosport and discover 24 miles of waterfront, naval heritage, panoramic beaches, and watersports galore.  Adventure lovers can visit Portsmouth to surf around The Solent with activities like windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding and canoeing. Visit the picturesque village of Hamble Le Rice and see the quaint English cottages and active wildlife. Sail along the River Hamble and if you have time, pop over to Warsash, another important maritime destination where merchant seaman are often trained at Solent University’s Maritime Academy. 

What is the best time to hire a boat in England?

If you’re looking to rent a boat in England, the best time to do so would be in summer, from June to August. At this time temperatures are at their highest with the highest average temperature in July at 22°C. Although it rains year-round in England, precipitation levels are at their lowest in summer and autumn and in July and August, there are more hours of sunlight than at other times of the year. Happy sailing!

Ports where you can start your England yacht charter

The United Kingdom has a rich merchant history and of course, this has resulted in innovation in the vast number of ports in the country. These ports are used to adapting to technological advancements and are very large for receiving high quantities of vessels on a daily basis. Below are some of the major British ports and great places to dock your boat hire in England.

• Port of Felixstowe
• Port of Tees
• St. Katherine’s Dock in London
• Bath Waterside Marina
• Shamrock Quay in Southampton
• Port of Liverpool
• Hull Marina
• Port of Southampton
• Royal Quays Marina in North Shields
• Brighton Marina
• Cobbs Quay in Poole
• Fox’s Marina & Boatyard in Ipswich
• Overwater Marina in Crewe

Rent a boat in England with a skipper!

Make your boat trip in England a success with Click&Boat. We have a variety of options for you: from bareboat rentals in England to skippered vessels, we’ve got what you’re looking for. Of course, we always recommend renting a boat with a skipper. There are many benefits to having a skipper or crew; they handle everything when it comes to sailing so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Your skipper will dock, anchor, and sail the boat while you sit back, and relax. The skippers will also most likely be English, and can provide valuable insight about where to go and what to see. Hire a skippered vessel for a safe and smooth sailing journey in London!

What type of boats should I hire in England?

There are many things to consider when choosing the type of yacht to charter in England. If you’re looking to cruise along the canals, a houseboat would be a great option as they are great for living on the water and many of them include heat for a relatively cold English climate. If you want to travel long distances but you’re short on time, a motorboat would be the best option, as it is fast. Sailboats are a great choice for avid sailors or people who want an authentic sailing experience, though they may not be good for people who are prone to seasickness as they tend to sway and bob on the water. If you want a lavish sailing holiday and to experience the very best of the country, you can’t go wrong with a luxury yacht charter in England! Whatever your goal, Click&Boat is here to help make your boat hire dreams, a reality.

Hire a boat near England

In England, privately owned boats are available for hire. See other boats in the area.

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UK Yacht Charter

Destinations  >  Regions  >  Northern Europe > United Kingdom

Destination Spotlight: UK Yacht Charter

Though often overlooked for its more tropical Mediterranean neighbours, a UK luxury yacht charter is one of the most rewarding yachting adventures out there. Offering up a huge variety of unforgettable experiences, a bespoke UK yacht charter with Yachtzoo offers an off-the-beaten-track discovery of world-class sailing, rich history, and breathtaking coastal landscapes from Cornwall to London to the Scottish Isles. 

UK yacht charter

The United Kingdom boasts a maritime heritage dating back centuries. A luxury yacht holiday along the British coast provides diverse charter destinations, exceptional marinas and unique anchorage spots: from the metropolises of London and Edinburgh to the spectacular coastal retreats of Cornwall, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. In addition to excellent yacht facilities and easy cruising distances, one of the many beauties of cruising in the UK is the long summer days. Take advantage of the opportunities for long, warm evenings enjoying the best of a luxury yacht charter in England with family and friends.

London yacht charter

Delivering a distinctly different vibe to the surf and sailing hotspots of England’s southern coast, the British capital is a fantastic stop on any UK yacht charter itinerary. Cruise up the River Thames and spot the iconic city landmarks from the water, and disembark to spend some time discovering the London in unparalleled comfort and style. Shop til you drop in London’s best boutiques, soak up unforgettable city vistas with an aperitif in a private city sky bar, and catch an award-winning theatre show in the legendary West End.

Scotland by superyacht

Covering the northern third of the UK, Scotland is renowned for its wild beauty, rolling landscapes and ancient history – as well as its world-famous whiskey and superb golf courses! Scotland is divided into three regions: the lowlands, highlands and the Scottish isles. Arrive in Edinburgh and spend a day or two getting to know the city before continuing to discover the beauty of cruising the UK or, for a particularly unique yacht charter experience, cruise through a selection of the best of the 790 Scottish islands and take in compact wild landscapes, beautiful beaches and far-reaching views. Loch Drumbuie is one of the best yachting anchorages in Scotland with crystal clear water perfect for kayaking, while Kerrera Island is a great spot for a memorable final anchorage. A peaceful setting with jaw-dropping scenery, it is the perfect place to end your remote adventure discovering the best of Scotland.

Sailing hotspots

The southern English coast is renowned for charming coastal villages and excellent sailing. Solent and the Isle of Wight is the epicentre of the British sailing scene and home to the Cowes Week regatta. Held annually in early August, the Cowes Week regatta is one of the most popular races in the world. Whether you are a seasoned racer looking to join in the action or an avid sailor looking for the perfect family holiday, England’s southern coast is the place to be to feel the spirit of yachting. 

In addition to fantastic sailing, the southwestern coast of England offers some of the best surfing in Europe. For those looking to combine excellent surf with exquisite coastal landscapes and the quintessential essence of English village life, Torquay, Newquay and St Ives are not to be missed. Get a taste of the real Britain and snack on famous Cornish pasties or scones and Cornish clotted cream before enjoying a Michelin-star restaurant with sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean. Welcome to the English Riviera.

When is the best time to cruise the UK?

The best time to charter a yacht in the UK is from late April to early October. Temperatures in the height of summer reach averages of 21 degrees celsius, though the weather can be unpredictable throughout the UK! Rain or shine, a yacht charter in the UK offers the opportunity to discover the authentic side of Britain, from the bright lights of London to the golden sands of Torquay and the breathtakingly wild landscapes of Scotland. 

Looking to contact a UK yacht charter broker?

YACHTZOO prides itself on privacy and trust for our charter clients. Booking a yacht charter in the UK is no different. With the help of YACHTZOO’s dedicated UK yacht charter broker specialists, you can choose between the highest quality superyachts, a choice of itineraries and the best rates available.

If you would like to book a UK yacht charter, please get in touch with a YACHTZOO UK boat charter broker by filling in the form here . A dedicated yacht charter broker will be in touch with you by phone or by e-mail with the perfect vessels for an unforgettable luxury yacht trip in England.

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WELCOME ONBOARD SOLARIS

The uk's largest and most luxurious sunseeker charter yacht.

SCROLL FOR MORE INFORMATION

ESCAPE YOUR EVERYDAY

Step onboard, switch off and let our experienced crew take care of the rest.

Solaris is the largest and most luxurious Sunseeker available to charter in the UK. Based in Poole Harbour, our 2022, £4.8 million, 76ft Sunseeker yacht and her crew can be yours for the day.

Bring your colleagues, friends or family and join us for the ultimate day at sea. From corporate entertaining to special family occasions, or just a day on the water with friends, the luxurious surroundings of Solaris offers the ultimate escape for you and your guests.

ABOUT SOLARIS: 

Solaris Charters is a luxury yacht charter company based in Poole, Dorset in the UK. Our flagship vessel is a 2022 Sunseeker 76 Yacht, berthed year round in the picturesque Salterns Marina, adjacent to the spectacular Sandbanks Peninsula.

Solaris is MCA coded and comes with a fully qualified Captain and Stewardess. Our crew have many years of experience in the marine industry, having previously worked for the Sunseeker brand,  along with other private charter boats. They are locally based and know the harbour and surrounding waters extremely well.

YOUR TIME FOR

CAPTURE YOUR PERFECT DAY OUT

Whether you are looking to create forever memories with family and friends, or looking to spend quality time with valuable clients, taking time out onboard a Solaris Charter is an escape from the pace of everyday life.

On board Solaris we work with you to personalise your charter to suit your exacting requirements. Whether that is creating an unforgettable day for a special family celebration, or creating a unique day based around spending quality time with your clients - we have it covered!

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Phone / whatsapp: +44 7719 494 292

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WHAT OUR GUESTs SAY...

Mr & Mrs O Private Charter

We had an amazing time, thank you so much. The crew were brilliant - nothing could have been better, we will be back! 

Mr H Corporate Charter

Thank you to you both for such an incredible day yesterday, everything was perfect, from the food at The Hut, to the weather and even the dodgy dancing on the way back in! The boat is spectacular, we have have never hosted such a successful corporate day - our guests are already asking for the date for next year!!

Miss J Private Charter

The buffet lunch was epic. The boat was beautiful, it was immaculate. The crew could not have done more for us, but managed to maintain a relaxed and fun feel throughout the whole day. Thank you for everything.

p.s. wish you were here..

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Large superyachts visiting London, England on the river Thames are an exciting spectacle, but also a fantastic base to access events and the central parts of the city, making London a very interesting yacht charter prospect. There are also luxury yacht marinas and berths available with more currently being developed.

On such marina is the historic St Katharine Docks in central London which has berthage for 200 luxury yachts and historic barges. A haven of tranquillity and nestled in the heart of the City of London, St Katharine’s is directly adjacent to the iconic Tower Bridge and next to the Tower of London. The marina is home to visiting and local superyachts and also provides space for private and corporate events amongst the associated commercial buildings.

St Katharine Docks has a thousand years of dramatic history to its name, making it one of the most interesting marina histories in the world.  King Edgar originally gifted 13 acres of land to 13 knights in 1125for trade. St Katharine’s docks have been used ever since throughout the ages for one purpose or another and then in 1825 construction began on the docks, laying down the framework for what you see today.

When visiting the UK with London on the itinerary, yachts also dock in the city of Southampton in south-west England. Many vessels drop anchor at Ocean Village Marina or Hamble Point Marina. Expect a coach or train journey time of around 1 hour 20 minutes from Southampton into South London.

London, the UK’s exciting capital city attracts visitors from around the world. Go shopping in Oxford Street, Regent Street as well as famous department stores like Harrods, Harvey Nichols or Selfridges. How about a night out at the theatre? Watch a play, musical, drama or ballet at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, the London Palladium or the Old Vic. There are many places to visit in London. It’s such a diverse city with some of the world’s best sights, attractions and activities. 

See the city from above on the London Eye, meet a celeb at Madame Tussaud’s or examine the treasures at the British Museum. Sightseeing couldn’t be better. Check out the underwater creatures at Sea Life London or marvel at the strange objects in the Science Museum. There really is something for everyone in London and plenty to do to make up a luxury yacht charter itinerary.

Buy a day ticket for a London, red double-decker bus on-off tour. What a great vantage point to catch fantastic views of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral and of course, Buckingham Palace. You’ll get a birds-eye view of London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey and the Changing of the Guard. Spend an afternoon at London Zoo, home to more than 16,000 animals like tigers, hippos, and giraffes. 

A little outside London is Kensington Palace, an intriguing Royal Palace that also houses an exhibition of Princess Diana’s dresses. Find out where Queen Victoria lived as a child and see the wonderful collection of paintings from the Royal Collection. To keep you in holiday mode, take a river cruise down the River Thames. Relax and enjoy the magnificent views as you sail past Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Cleopatra’s Needle, The Shard and the London Eye Pier. After so much excitement, it’s back to your superyacht in Southampton for the next part of your voyage.

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A honeymoon yacht charter is the perfect getaway after your wedding. You and your spouse can settle down to spend some quality time together on board, as your private boat heads toward your dream destination. Relax on a Caribbean beach with a cocktail in hand, or discover the wonders of Thailand together. The choice is yours.

Tempted by a summer yacht charter? Set sail for the Mediterranean , where you can unwind in one of Ibiza ’s famous wellness retreats, or explore the iconic pink streets of Saint-Tropez .   Greece also makes the perfect destination for an explorer yacht charter holiday, thanks to its abundance of islands. Perfectly blending beautiful coastlines, sunsets and sites of antiquity, you’ll be well on your way to an indescribable Greek adventure.

If it’s cooler climes you’re after, don’t panic. Alaska and Antarctica are both popular destinations for expedition yacht charters that are filled with thrills. Try heli-skiing and hiking, kayaking through icebergs or experiencing them from below in a submersible, before warming up on board your luxury winter yacht charter.

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Yacht Elan 333 for rent in Poole

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Sailing yacht Elan 31 available for charter in Hamble le Rice

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Sailing yacht Bavaria 32 for hire in Hamble le Rice

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Sailboat Sun Odyssey 37.1 available for charter in Hamble le Rice

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Watch CBS News

Tornado likely sank luxury yacht off coast of Sicily, officials say, as search for survivors continues

Updated on: August 20, 2024 / 7:56 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Police divers resumed searching Tuesday for six people believed trapped in the hull of a superyacht that sank in deep seas off Sicily, including a British tech magnate who was celebrating his recent acquittal on fraud charges with the people who had defended him at trial.

Civil protection officials said they believed the Bayesian, a 184-foot British-flagged yacht, had been struck by a tornado over the water. The ship had been moored about a half-mile offshore off Porticello near Palermo when a storm rolled and the vessel sank at about 5 a.m. local time on Monday . 

Grainy film from closed-circuit cameras from shore, broadcast on the website of the Giornale di Sicilia, showed the majestic, illuminated 246-foot mast of the Bayesian weathering the storm and then disappearing over the course of a minute.

Fifteen of the 22 people aboard survived, including a mother who reported holding her 1-year-old baby over the waves to save her. One body was recovered, identified by officials as the Antiguan-born on-board chef. The rest of the 10-person crew survived, including the captain whom prosecutors reportedly sought to interview.

However, CBS News senior weather producer David Parkinson said Tuesday that it's still too early to determine whether the yacht was hit by a waterspout or a downburst. A waterspout is a meteorological term for a tornado over water, while a downburst consists of powerful winds that descend from a thunderstorm and can often be misinterpreted as a tornado, according to the National Weather Service.

As of now, Parkinson said, it's only safe to say that the yacht was impacted by a severe thunderstorm. Based on satellite imagery, there were strong to violent thunderstorms in the area where the yacht sank, Parkinson said.

That said, early Monday morning conditions were appropriate for either the development of a waterspout or a downburst, Parkinson explained. At around 4 a.m. local time Monday, the winds spiked, with wind gusts above 43 mph in Palermo. About 10 minutes later in the town of Aspra — which is 20 miles from Palermo and three to four miles west of where the boat sank — wind gusts of 51 mph were recorded, and the thunderstorms appeared to intensify as they moved east.

In cases of downbursts, when wind hits the water's surface, it increases the wind speed, Parkinson said. While at the time the boat sank, water temperatures were 84 degrees Fahrenheit, which would be warm enough to support the development of a waterspout, Parkinson said. 

"It's a great, great tragedy," said Britain's ambassador to Italy, Edward Llewellyn, who visited Porticello on Tuesday. Britain sent four investigators to the scene, given the disaster involved a British-flagged ship and British citizens were among the missing.

Fire rescue officials have said the six other passengers will be considered missing until they are located in the wreckage. They include tycoon Mike Lynch , who was once hailed as Britain's king of technology and was cleared in June of fraud and conspiracy charges in a U.S. federal trial related to Hewlett Packard's $11 billion takeover of his company, Autonomy Corp.

Also unaccounted for are Christopher Morvillo, one of Lynch's lawyers, and Jonathan Bloomer, a chairman at Morgan Stanley International and the former head of the Autonomy audit committee who testified in Lynch's defense.

The wreckage of the luxury craft is some 164 feet underwater — far deeper than most recreational divers are certified for and a depth that requires special precautions. Recovery crews could only stay for 12-minute shifts, a measure that slowed their efforts to reach the cramped inside of the wreck.

Karsten Borner, the captain of the Sir Robert Baden Powell, which rescued the 15 survivors who managed to get into a lifeboat, said he was close enough to be able to see the Bayesian as the storm came in.

"A moment later, she was gone," he said. "They said they went flat on the water and were sunk in two minutes," Borner added, quoting the survivors.

The rotating search teams, each made up of two specialized cave divers, worked Tuesday to open up access points to get inside the wreck. They were using a remote-controlled underwater vehicle, or ROV, to help in the search.

The divers hadn't been able to access the below-deck cabins because they were blocked by furniture that had shifted during the violent storm. Rescue crews said they assume the missing six are in those cabins because the storm struck when most would be sleeping, but the teams haven't verified their presence there through portholes.

Luca Cari, a spokesman for the rescue teams, said the search was proceeding much more slowly than another big shipwreck in Italy, the 2012 Costa Concordia cruise ship that flipped on its side off Tuscany's coast, because of the depth of the wreck and the limited space divers have to maneuver.

"That was much simpler. Here everything is more tight," he said.

The outing was intended at least in part as a celebration of Lynch's acquittal and a "looking forward to what was coming next," said Reid Weingarten, a Washington attorney and a member of Lynch's defense team who was not on the yacht.

"A lot of people went, a lot of people were planning to go and then of course this happened," Weingarten said.

Some of the people who stood by Lynch throughout the ordeal were on board, including Morvillo, the lawyer, who Weingarten worked with and said "was like a brother."

Morvillo's wife, Neda, is also missing, according to his law firm Clifford Chance.

Aki Hussain, CEO of international insurer Hiscox Group, where Bloomer, the witness, was chairman, said the company was "deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic event."

"Our thoughts are with all those affected, in particular our Chair, Jonathan Bloomer, and his wife Judy, who are among the missing, and with their family as they await further news from this terrible situation," he added.

Among the survivors, the Emslie family was released from Palermo's pediatric hospital on Tuesday where little Sofia had been kept overnight after her rescue. Her mother, Charlotte Golunski, had reported that she momentarily lost hold of the 1-year-old in the water but then managed to hold her up over the waves until a lifeboat inflated and they were both pulled to safety, doctors said.

The father, identified by ANSA news agency as James Emslie, also survived.

"They don't talk much, primarily because they consider themselves survivors and they don't understand why they survived given what they went through," said Dr. Domenico Cipolla, head of the emergency room at Di Cristina Pediatric Hospital.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Cipolla said Golunski had reported that she and the baby were sleeping in the cabin and suddenly found themselves in the water, where they also found Emslie who had been in a different part of the ship. Cipolla said the parents had been in touch with other survivors, who are being housed at a nearby hotel and were waiting for other family members to arrive in Sicily.

The baby slept well overnight and all were released after final checks Tuesday morning, he said according to a videotaped interview posted on Palermo Today, adding that psychologists had been made available.

Among the other survivors was Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares. Hannah Lynch, reportedly the couple's 18-year-old daughter, is among the missing.

The yacht's registered owner is listed as Revtom Ltd., according to online maritime database Equasis. Bacares is listed as Revtom's sole owner, according to corporate registration documents from the Isle of Man.

Its name, Bayesian, may be a reference to "Bayesian Inference," one of the two main approaches to statistical machine learning and the one that was used by Lynch's company.

The yacht, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, was carrying 12 passengers and 10 crew. According to online charter companies, it had been available for charter for about $215,000 a week and was notable for its massive aluminum mast, one of the tallest in the world.

The coast guard said to date there was no trace of fuel leaks from the wreckage.

In an unrelated event, Lynch's co-defendant in the Autonomy trial who was also cleared, Stephen Chamberlain, was killed Sunday when he was hit by a car while running in Cambridgeshire, England, said Chamberlain's lawyer, Gary Lincenberg.

• Boat Accident
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More from CBS News

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Morgan Stanley Chief Jonathan Bloomer Also On Sunken Bayesian Yacht With Michael Lynch

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The chairman of Morgan Stanley International was reportedly among the six missing people—including UK tech mogul Michael Lynch— after the 184-foot luxury sailing yacht Bayesian sank in rough seas near Sicily early Monday morning, according to new reports.

Italian emergency services headed out to sea towards the area off the Sicilian coast on Tuesday, ... [+] Aug. 20, 2024.

Lynch , a British tech entrepreneur and one-time billionaire, and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah Lynch are confirmed to be among those still missing after the ship sank (his wife, Angela Bacares, was rescued).

Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of the Morgan Stanley International bank and insurance company Hiscox, is also reportedly among the missing along with his wife, Judy.

Authorities on Monday told the BBC the missing people are presumed to still be inside the boat, and rescue operations resumed Tuesday morning.

The vessel had 22 people on board — 10 crew and 12 passengers — including people from the United States, Britain and Canada, when it overturned at around 5 a.m. Monday, according to the Italian coast guard.

Fifteen people were rescued from the vessel (including a 1-year-old girl), one person was found dead and six, including two Americans , remain missing, according to multiple reports.

Local media reported the person who died was a member of the crew, thought to be the yacht’s chef .

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Who Are The Missing People Aboard The Bayesian Yacht?

Lynch, 59, and his daughter were the first to be reported as among the missing. Lynch's lawyer Chris Morvillo, a former assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, has also not been found, nor has his wife and jewelry designer Neda Morvillo. Bloomer, 70, a close friend of Lynch's, is also missing along with his wife, Judy.

Key Background

The Bayesian was anchored near the port of Porticello overnight Sunday when a harsh storm hit the coast that included a " waterspout ," a tornado-like swirling column of air and water. The ship tipped over and quickly was drug underwater by its massive mast —it had the tallest aluminum mast in the world at 246 feet. Of the 15 people rescued in the aftermath, eight were treated at a local hospital.

Lynch was acquitted in a fraud trial in June after he was accused by Hewlett-Packard of artificially inflating the value of Autonomy before HP bought it for more than $11 billion in 2011. HP wrote off $8.8 million of Autonomy's value within a year of buying the company. Today, The Times estimates Lynch has a net worth of £500 million. He "had a lot of pride" in his yacht, a member of his staff told the U.K. paper, and business filings show the boat is legally owned by his wife, Bacares.

Surprising Fact: Lynch's Co-Defendant Stephen Chamberlain Died The Same Weekend

Stephen Chamberlain, who was acquitted in the same trial as Lynch in June, died hours after news broke of Lynch's disappearance. Chamberlain was hit by a car while jogging in England on Saturday morning and was put on life support before his death was announced late Monday, the Guardian reported . Lynch and Chamberlain were both indicted for conspiracy and wire fraud in the sale of Autonomy to HP before being acquitted.

What To Watch For

An ongoing search operation includes divers attempting to search the vessel, now sitting 160 feet below sea level, as well as rescue boats and helicopters, according to CNN .

$215,000. That's the cost to charter the Bayesian, a single-mast sailing vessel, for one week .

Crucial Quote

“She told me that while they were sleeping, at a certain point the yacht overturned due to the tornado, and they found themselves in the water,” Dr. Domenico Cipolla, head of the emergency room at the pediatric hospital in Palermo, Italy, told The Times . “Some of them immediately managed to get onto the lifeboat. And some, evidently, didn’t make it.”

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Deep seas and tight spaces impede search for 6 missing after yacht sinks off Sicily

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Police divers resumed searching Tuesday for six people believed trapped in the hull of a superyacht that sank in deep seas off Sicily, including British tech magnate Mike Lynch, who was celebrating his recent acquittal on fraud charges with the people who had defended him at trial.

The luxury sailboat, off Porticello near Palermo, was some 165 feet underwater — far deeper than most recreational divers are certified for and a depth that requires special precautions. Recovery crews could stay only for 12-minute shifts, a measure that slowed efforts to reach the cramped inside of the wreck.

Divers tag-teamed the shifts and were using a remote-controlled underwater vehicle, or ROV, to help in the search. They hadn’t been able to access the below-deck cabins because they were blocked by furniture that shifted when a violent storm struck the vessel early Monday. Rescue crews said they assume the missing six are in those cabins because the storm struck when most would be sleeping, but the teams haven’t verified their presence there through portholes.

The Bayesian, a 184-foot British-flagged yacht, was moored about half a mile offshore when a storm rolled in before 4 a.m. Monday. Civil protection officials said they believed the ship was struck by a tornado over the water, known as a waterspout.

Grainy film from closed-circuit cameras from shore, broadcast on the website of the Giornale di Sicilia, showed the illuminated 246-foot mast of the Bayesian weathering the storm and then disappearing over the course of a minute.

Fifteen of the 22 people aboard survived, including a mother who reported holding her 1-year-old baby over the waves to save her. One body has been recovered, identified by officials as the onboard chef. The rest of the 10-person crew survived, including the captain, whom prosecutors reportedly sought to interview.

The survivors were rescued by a nearby sailboat after getting into a lifeboat.

Lynch, who was once hailed as Britain’s king of technology, was cleared in June of fraud and conspiracy charges in a U.S. federal trial related to Hewlett-Packard Co.’s $11-billion takeover of his company, Autonomy Corp. His wife, Angela Bacares, survived the sinking. Hannah Lynch, the couple’s 18-year-old daughter, is reportedly unaccounted for.

Also unaccounted for are Christopher Morvillo, one of Lynch’s lawyers, and Jonathan Bloomer, a chairman at Morgan Stanley International and the former head of the Autonomy audit committee who testified in Lynch’s defense.

Karsten Borner, the captain of the Sir Robert Baden Powell, which rescued the survivors who managed to get into a lifeboat, said he was close enough to be able to see the Bayesian as the storm came in.

“A moment later, she was gone,” he said. “They said they went flat on the water and were sunk in two minutes,” Borner added, quoting the survivors.

Luca Cari, a spokesman for the rescue teams, said the search was proceeding much more slowly than another big shipwreck in Italy, the 2012 Costa Concordia cruise ship that flipped on its side off Tuscany’s coast, because of the depth of the wreck and the space divers have to maneuver.

“That was much simpler. Here everything is more tight,” he said.

The outing was intended at least in part as a celebration of Lynch’s acquittal and a “looking forward to what was coming next,” said Reid Weingarten, a Washington attorney and a member of Lynch’s defense team who was not on the yacht.

Among the survivors, the Emslie-Golunski family was released from Palermo’s pediatric hospital on Tuesday. Charlotte Golunski had reported that she momentarily lost hold of her 1-year-old daughter, Sofia, in the water but then managed to hold her up over the waves until they were both pulled to safety, doctors said.

The father, identified by ANSA news agency as James Emslie, also survived.

“They don’t talk much, primarily because they consider themselves survivors and they don’t understand why they survived given what they went through,” said Dr. Domenico Cipolla, head of the emergency room at Di Cristina pediatric hospital.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Cipolla said the parents had been in touch with other survivors, who are being housed at a nearby hotel and were waiting for other family members to arrive in Sicily.

The Bayesian, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, is registered to Revtom Ltd., according to online maritime database Equasis. Bacares, Lynch’s wife, is listed as Revtom’s sole owner, according to corporate registration documents from the Isle of Man.

According to online charter companies, it had been available for charter for about $215,000 a week and was notable for its massive aluminum mast, one of the tallest in the world.

The coast guard said to date there was no trace of fuel leaks from the wreckage.

In a separate event, Lynch’s co-defendant in the Autonomy trial who was also cleared, Stephen Chamberlain, was killed Sunday when he was hit by a car while running in Cambridgeshire, England, said Chamberlain’s lawyer, Gary Lincenberg.

Associated Press writers Stellacci and Rosa reported from Porticello, Winfield from Rome. AP writers Eric Tucker in Washington and Danica Kirka and Kelvin Chan in London contributed to this report.

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New England Yacht Charters

A New England yacht charter is popular with the jet-set for good reason. Synonymous with sailing and superyachting, with six spectacular states crammed full of history, culture and a patchwork of beautiful scenery all in one cruising area, there are cruising grounds in New England to suit every taste. It is one of the best yacht charter destinations in the world to experience a combination of modern metropolitan cities, picturesque islands and adventurous offshore activities amongst an atmosphere of bonefide yachting heritage. Simply put, a yacht rental in New England never disappoints. 

New England luxury yacht charter guide

In addition to the natural beauty and variety of cultural highlights on offer throughout New England, it also plays host to a number of world-renowned events on the yachting and social calendars. It is possibly most famous as the home of the prestigious America's Cup which each year brings together the world’s best sailing yachts for one of the most challenging and exhilarating race courses in the industry. For sailing yacht enthusiasts this can create a unique opportunity to take part in a regatta charter or just attend the event and soak up the fantastic atmosphere.

Yacht charter itineraries in New England

In terms of charter itineraries in New England, the cruising grounds are usually divided into two areas: southern New England and Maine. Southern New England is home to some of the most famous yachting destinations in the world, with many charters starting out Newport, Rhode Island. Widely considered the yachting capital of the world, this stunning region has long attracted the SuperyachtSet to its shores and is great place to enjoy world-class restaurants and bars, as well as the host of idyllic coves and bays peppered along the coast.

In contrast, the rocky coastline of Maine boasts an iconic mix of scenery comprising of towering lighthouses, off-lying islets and seaside villages backed by mountains. From touring the Connecticut vineyards to enjoying freshly-caught lobster in one of the charming seafood restaurants, this a place where charter guests can really relax into life at sea.

Planning your luxury yacht charter in New England

If you are planning your first New England yacht charter, you’ll find that your superyacht captain or charter broker will have the best advice on how to enjoy the best aspects of the region. This is the time to lean on their extensive expertise!

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For more information about chartering a luxury motor yacht or sailing yacht in New England, please contact your preferred yacht charter broker who can help you plan your yacht rental vacation.

Your broker will also need plenty of time to tailor an itinerary to suit you, and enough time to book ahead for the nights you wish to spend in marinas. We recommend booking up to 3 months in advance to give your yacht charter broker the optimum time to organise everything down to the last detail. 

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Lady Elaine

50m   Christensen

from $225,000 p/week

Aspen Alternative

from $480,000 p/w eek

Utopia IV 12

63m Rossinavi

from $505,000 p/w eek

Blue Moon 12

60m Feadship

60m   2005/2021

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59m Perini Navi

59m   2013/2018

from $268,000 p/w eek ♦︎ *

Unbridled 12

58m Trinity Yachts

58m   2009/2019

from $295,000 p/w eek

Chantal Ma Vie 12

55m Feadship

55m   1993/2017

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51m Feadship

51m   2007/2020

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Aspen Alternative 10

50m Trinity Yachts

50m   2010/2022

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Ocean Club 12

50m   2009/2018

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Lady Elaine 9 6 12

50m Christensen

50m   2008/2018

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Remember When 12

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49m   2011/2022

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Zoom Zoom Zoom 10

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49m   2005/2016

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48m   2005/2022

Mirabella 11

48m Trinity Yachts

48m   2004/2019

from $165,000 p/w eek

Miss Christine 11

48m   2006/2022

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Alessandra III 12

47m Sunseeker

47m   2016/2022

from $231,000 p/w eek

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47m   2007/2019

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46m Delta Marine

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from $125,000 p/w eek

from $135,000 p/w eek

43m Eastern Shipbuilding

from $68,000 p/w eek

Serenity 12

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Marybelle 8

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39m   2003/2022

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38m   1978/2019

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Leverage 10

38m Palmer Johnson

38m   2003/2023

38m Breauxs Bay Craft

38m   1979/2023

from $69,000 p/w eek

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38m   2007/2019

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37m   2006/2016

Temptation 8

37m   2005/2023

Mariner III 12

37m Winslow Marine Rail & Shipbuild...

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37m   1993/2017

Lady Victoria 8

37m Feadship

37m   1991/2022

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Liquidity 10

37m Platinum Marine Services Ltd.

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36m   2001/2023

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35m VALDETTARO

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Now Or Never 8

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Yacht that sank off Sicily was carrying people celebrating UK tech magnate’s acquittal on fraud charges

Divers on the scene scene of the search for a missing boat, in Porticello, southern Italy. (Italian Firefighters via AP, HO)

PORTICELLO, Sicily — Police divers resumed searching Tuesday for six people believed trapped in the hull of a superyacht that sank in deep seas off Sicily, including a British tech magnate who was celebrating his recent acquittal on fraud charges with the people who had defended him at trial.

The resting place of their sailboat is some 50 meters (164 feet) underwater off Porticello — a depth that required special precautions that complicated the work: Recovery crews said they were working in 12-minute shifts, a measure that slowed down their efforts to reach the cramped inside of the wreck.

The Bayesian, a 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged yacht, was moored about a kilometer (a half-mile) offshore when a storm rolled in before 4 a.m. Monday. Civil protection officials said they believed the ship was struck by a tornado over the water, known as a waterspout, and sank quickly.

Grainy film from closed-circuit cameras from shore, broadcast on the website of the Giornale di Sicilia, showed the majestic, illuminated 75-meter (266-foot) mast of the Bayesian weathering the storm and then disappear over the course of a minute.

Fifteen of the 22 people aboard survived, including a mother who reported holding her 1-year-old baby over the waves to save her. One body has been recovered, identified by officials as the Antiguan-born on-board chef. The rest of the 10-person crew survived, including the captain whom prosecutors reportedly sought to interview.

“It’s a great, great tragedy,” said Britain’s ambassador to Italy, Edward Llewellyn, who visited Porticello on Tuesday. Britain sent four investigators to the scene, given the disaster involved a British-flagged ship and British citizens were among the missing.

Emergency services at the scene of the search for a missing boat, in Porticello, southern Italy, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. Rescue teams and divers returned to the site of a storm-sunken superyacht Tuesday to search for six people, including British tech magnate Mike Lynch, who are believed to be still trapped in the hull 50 meters (164-feet) underwater. (AP Photo/Salvatore Cavalli)

Fire rescue officials have said the six other passengers will be considered missing until they are located in the wreckage. They include the tycoon Mike Lynch, who was once hailed as Britain’s king of technology and was cleared in June of fraud and conspiracy charges in a U.S. federal trial related to Hewlett Packard’s $11 billion takeover of his company, Autonomy Corp.

Also unaccounted for are Christopher Morvillo, one of Lynch’s lawyers, and Jonathan Bloomer, a chairman at Morgan Stanley International and the former head of the Autonomy audit committee who testified in Lynch’s defense.

Karsten Borner, the captain of the Sir Robert Baden Powell, which rescued the 15 survivors who managed to get into a lifeboat, said he was close enough to be able to see the Bayesian as the storm came in.

“A moment later, she was gone,” he said. “They said they went flat on the water and were sunk in two minutes,” Borner added, quoting the survivors.

The rotating search teams, each made up of two specialized cave divers, worked Tuesday to open up access points to get inside the wreck, which lies at a depth far beyond what most recreational divers are certified to reach. They were using a remote-controlled underwater vehicle, or ROV, to help in the search.

The divers have not yet been able to access the below-deck cabins because they were blocked by furniture that had shifted during the violent storm. Rescue crews said they assume the missing six are in those cabins because the storm struck when most would be sleeping, but the teams haven’t verified their presence there through portholes.

Luca Cari, a spokesman for the rescue teams, said the search was proceeding much more slowly than another big shipwreck in Italy, the 2012 Costa Concordia cruise ship that flipped on its side off Tuscany’s coast, because of the depth of the wreck and the limited space divers have to maneuver.

“That was much simpler. Here everything is more tight,” he said.

The outing was intended at least in part as a celebration of Lynch’s acquittal and a “looking forward to what was coming next,” said Reid Weingarten, a Washington attorney and a member of Lynch’s defense team who was not on the yacht.

“A lot of people went, a lot of people were planning to go and then of course this happened,” Weingarten said.

Some of the people who stood by Lynch throughout the ordeal were on board, including Morvillo, the lawyer, who Weingarten worked with and said “was like a brother.”

Morvillo’s wife, Neda, is also missing, according to his law firm Clifford Chance.

Aki Hussain, CEO of international insurer Hiscox Group, where Bloomer, the witness, was chairman, said the company was “deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic event.”

“Our thoughts are with all those affected, in particular our Chair, Jonathan Bloomer, and his wife Judy, who are among the missing, and with their family as they await further news from this terrible situation,” he added.

Charlotte Golunski, who survived the disaster, said she momentarily lost hold of her 1-year-old daughter Sofia in the water, but then managed to hold her up over the waves until a lifeboat inflated and they were both pulled to safety, Italian news agency ANSA reported.

The father, identified by ANSA as James Emslie, also survived, as did Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares. Hannah Lynch, reportedly the couple’s 18-year-old daughter, is among the missing.

The yacht’s registered owner is listed as Revtom Ltd., according to online maritime database Equasis. Bacares is listed as Revtom’s sole owner, according to corporate registration documents from the Isle of Man.

Its name, Bayesian, may be a reference to “Bayesian Inference,” one of the two main approaches to statistical machine learning and the one that was used by Lynch’s company.

The yacht, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, was carrying 12 passengers and 10 crew. According to online charter companies, it had been available for charter for 195,000 euros (about $215,000) a week and was notable for its massive 75-meter-tall (246-foot-tall) aluminum mast, one of the tallest in the world.

The coast guard said to date there was no trace of fuel leaks from the wreckage.

In an unrelated event, Lynch’s co-defendant in the Autonomy trial who was also cleared, Stephen Chamberlain, was killed Sunday when he was hit by a car while running in Cambridgeshire, England, said Chamberlain’s lawyer, Gary Lincenberg.

Winfield reported from Rome. Associated Press writers Eric Tucker in Washington, and Danica Kirka and Kelvin Chan in London, contributed.