Solent Yacht Charter

UK yacht hire from Lymington Hampshire

Now taking bookings for the 2025 season which commenced with a March full of blue skies. In addition to private yacht charter you can now book individual berths for one of our scheduled sailings featured below. 

Day Cruises, £79pp

– Poole Quay, 22nd April, 7th May, Saturday 24th May, Saturday 7th June, Saturday 21st June, Sunday 6th July, Sunday 20th July, Sunday 3rd August, 19th August, 3rd September, 17th September, Saturday 4th October

Sail out past the Needles, across Christchurch Bay to Studland Bay, into Poole harbour past iconic  Sandbanks peninsula and Browsea Island to berth for lunch at historic Poole Quay.

– Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, Saturdays 12th April, 17th May, 14th June, 12th July, 26th July, 9th August, 6th September, 27th September

Sail eastwards through the Solent past Cowes and Osborne Bay to enter Portsmouth Harbour before calling Queens Harbour Master on VHF for permission to cross to the Spinnaker Tower. Walk ashore to the waterside bars and designer outlet shops immediately adjacent to the marina.

– Colwell, Totland and Alum Bay, 22nd April, 6th May, Saturday 24th May, Saturday 7th June, Saturday 21st June, Saturday 5th July, Sunday 20th July, Sunday 3rd August, Tuesday 19th August, Wednesday 3rd September, Thursday 2nd October

Take the falling ebb tide out through Hurst narrows past Fort Victoria and Hurst Castle to the renowned The Hut waterside restaurant or picnic in sheltered Totland Bay where you can safely swim from the yachts. Visit Alum Bay close to the Needles lighthouse with its spectacular multicoloured Jurassic cliffs.

– Beaulieu River, Sunday 13 th April, Sunday 27th April, Sunday 11th May, Wednesday 28th May, Saturday 14th June, Saturday 28th June, Saturday 12th July, Saturday 26th July, Sunday 10th August, Sunday 24th August, Saturday 6th September, Sunday 21st September, Saturday 11th October

Cruise down the Lymington river to the Solent where we hoist the sails and take the rising flood tide to the mouth of the Beaulieu river. Here we pay attention to pilotage marks to navigate over the sandbar then up to Bucklers Hard where 5 of Nelson’s warships at Trafalgar were built and the Master Builders pub.

Apart from the above, if you have a specific date or destination in mind we will treat you as a lead customer for another scheduled adventure. For all cruises we encourage you to get on the helm and take full part in sailing the yacht as you experience the thrill of being on the water under sail. We are never far from a shoreside bar or bay to drop anchor in for refreshments which usually feature complimentary cream teas.

Lymington yacht charter allows operation at all states of the tide, there is no sand bar preventing entering or leaving the river at low water on a spring tide. Days out for birthdays for example are always popular, a short sail takes us to Yarmouth on the island or the amazing TheHut seafood restaurant at Colwell Bay.

If you are contemplating an impromptu outing on the water, check the weather here

Cowes Week

We are planning some special Solent yacht charter events for the 2025 season combining a days sailing with close quarter viewing of world famous sailing regattas. These include Cowes Week which takes place from 2nd to 8th August. Spectacular race viewing is available off the starting line at the Royal Yacht Squadron. If you have a special birthday to celebrate during this period this would be a Solent boat charter idea they would all thank you for. Moreover we can also land you ashore to experience the lively shore side music entertainment and cuisine in the competitors village.

Round The Island Race

Next up is the Round The Island Race, another Solent yacht charter occasion not to miss. In 2025, the race day is Saturday 7th June. Charter us for the weekend and you will get two nights in Cowes to soak up the atmosphere. You will even join the fleet down the Solent for a while for you to experience the racing close up. We have taken part in the actual race around 10 times, at times claimed to be the worlds largest major race with up to 1800 yachts taking place.

Old Gaffers Regatta Yarmouth Isle of Wight

The Solent Old Gaffers regatta, usually takes place in Yarmouth Isle of Wight in May. Our crews can enjoy the colourful gaff-rigged traditional sailing boats with local cuisine, music and crafts on offer. Above all a half day booking is sufficient as Yarmouth is a short trip across the Solent from Lymington. Many of our destinations are on the Isle of Wight so your Solent crossing worth up to £40 depending on the season is included in our price.

Eastern Solent Destinations

These Solent boat charters nevertheless allow us to visit destinations further afield. Newtown Creek is a great spot for drinks at anchor while viewing the population of seals. The Medina river is full of interesting bars and restaurants, for instance we like the Folly Inn at Whippenham. Another favorite is the Gosport lightship restaurant and across the other side of Portsmouth Harbour , Gunwharf Quays with its Spinnaker Tower and outlet shopping. For the later trips, you will need to book a full day when tides are favorable.

Solent Yacht Charter Further Afield

There are bay days, Totland, Colwell, Hurst, Alum, the later boasting outstanding scenery. Alum Bay is close by the Needles light house at the most westerly tip of the island. Swim in the bay from the yachts bathing platform, enjoy a complimentary afternoon cream team in the yachts cockpit.

Experienced sailors may enjoy a sail across Christchurch Bay to Old Harry Rocks, location of the beautiful blue flag Studland Bay beaches. Occasionaly we may be lucky enough to spot dolphins swimming in the yachts bow wave if under sail.

Sea Miles – Solent yacht charter

Finally for anyone wishing to compile sea miles for their Royal Yachting Association (RYA) cerificates, we schedule Weymouth weekends calling in at the spectacular Lulworth Cove on Dorsets Jurassic coast. A return course via Alderney in the Channel Islands is a possibility if wind and tide direction make this a better option.