United Kingdom Yacht Charter

Charter of yachts in the United Kingdom!

The United Kingdom made up of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, is an island nation in the Northwest of Europe with a long tradition of sailing and yachting and is the ideal place to Charter a yacht and experiences the sea.

Popular for tea and sweets, Shakespeare and the Beatles’ birthplace, there is much more to the United Kingdom than the red telephone boxes and double-decker busses we see on London postcards. With Southampton hosting one of the biggest boat shows in Europe, Southampton Boat Show, and Scotland having several islands and hundreds of kilometers of coastline, you naturally don’t have to look for a boat rental in the United Kingdom.

Top boat rental destinations in the United Kingdom

• Southampton’s
• Portsmouth’s
• Birmingham, Worcester,
• Gosport’s
• The Thames River, London
• Cheshire: Cheshire
• District of the Lake
• Plymouth’s
• Cornwall’s
• Enniskillen’s
• The Fermanagh
• Falkirk’s
• The island of Mull

How much would it cost to Charter a yacht in the UK?

Yachtco has boats to hire in the United Kingdom for any budget. From sailboats and yachts to motorboats and RIBs. Find something for your budget with Yachtco via a free personal consultant who will give you a free quote. You can rent a sailboat from €80 / day to €800 / day for a top-quality sailboat. If you want a longer sailing holiday, you can hire a boat from €1200 per week to €11000 for a luxury yacht charter.

Charter of yachts United Kingdom

Yachtco is the world’s leading boat rental and yacht charter agency with more than 35.000 boat listings in 65 + countries worldwide, with boats of all styles available for rental and including peer-to-peer boat listings.

We’re on a mission at Yachtco to make boating more available and make it easier for you to get on the water. We believe that boating should be open to all, and we can support the boating industry, boat owners, marinas, and anyone who wants to go boating by offering the 21st-century boating market. Yachtco is the best place to find and hire vessels of all sizes, from a canal and a riverboat across Europe to a sailing boat, a motorboat, a catamaran across North America, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and beyond, along with some of the most spectacular superyachts and luxury yacht charters in the world.

Boats or yachts available for hire or Charter in the United Kingdom

When it comes to chartering or renting boats in the United Kingdom below, there is a list of the usual types of boats you can hire with a description of the type of boat. If you can’t find the individual boat charter, you’re looking for while searching UK, it’s worth searching for nearby places, as your preferred boat type might be accessible nearby.

When searching for a geographical area, you can filter the boat below. It is also possible to further filter the searches by price, the number of passengers, cabins or bathrooms, the year the boat or sailing yacht was launched, the length of the boat, and the boat’s manufacturer.

• Sailing Yacht (Sailboat): From €120/£100/$135 a day to whatever you can afford, monohull sailing yachts are fun to sail at all points of the wind and an affordable way to get around if your island-hops or finds its own secluded coves or sandy beaches along with longer cruises. Sizes range from those for a couple or a small family to a full-size luxury charter yacht.
• Catamaran: Luxury catamarans are reliable and spacious, with fast sailing results, and have gained popularity in recent years. Better for larger groups, they have plenty of space for water toys, and they’re big enough for a little privacy. A catamaran charter is simple and convenient for novices who are not used to healing and are appreciated by families because of their extra space instead of a monohull. Usually much more spacious than a sailboat, the larger catamarans have en-suite bathrooms and showers in the staterooms, as well as ample entertainment space in the saloon and on the deck.
• Power Catamaran: These boats are relatively recent and have also gained popularity as the two hulls hold the boat more stable than the monohull. The wider beam often means more deck space, and since they have no sails or mast, they have a lot more space on the deck than a sailing catamaran rental or a monohull. For a luxurious catamaran charter, consider a crewed charter catamaran sailing holiday with an accomplished skipper.
• Luxury Yacht: Luxury yacht charters are available for either a sailing yacht, a catamaran, or a motorboat and will have a crew and a hostess on hand to meet all your needs, along with a skipper who will have a thorough knowledge of your cruising area. On a crewed yacht charter of this type, you will be able to build your own personal itinerary and will have a much greater range than on other yachts, which will allow a great deal of flexibility in how you travel and what you do.
• Superyacht: Superyachts, or sometimes mega yachts, are vessels that are less than 24 meters (79 feet) long and up to 180 meters (590 feet) long and can be either sailing yachts (sailboats) or motorboats. These types of boats are most commonly found in the Med of the Caribbean and, due to their size, they would have a wide charter area and will normally pick you up from any place you need, rather than being needed to get to the marina to start your Charter. They are completely staffed with knowledgeable staff who will listen to your every need, along with a skipper who will have comprehensive knowledge of your chosen cruising areas.
• Motorboat: involves a wide range of boats, from a motor yacht with cabins to a private boat trip for a fishing trip, but all of these are comfortable seagoing boats with speed if you want to travel a greater distance on the day.
• RIB: Many day fishing boats and day cruises, RIBs are a lot of fun afloat day. They can be straightforward, and they’re perfect if you’re in a town on vacation, and you’re looking to see the coast or find the secluded sandy beaches to get away from it all.

Skippered charter yacht or bareboat Charter

When it comes to renting a boat or chartering a yacht in the United Kingdom, you usually have two choices: Charter a bareboat or a skippered yacht charter.

We offer boats with or without a skipper depending on what you are searching for, and below, we will cover some of the key points to remember when you hire a boat.

Skippered Charter: a skippered yacht charter gives you the benefit of being able to get afloat without having to invest in first-hand sailing skills. For a single-hull sailing yacht, you pay €120/£100/$135 plus an additional day for the skipper, as well as food and tip at the end.

When you get to a luxury yacht or a mega yacht charter with a crew, these rates will increase, and the cost will also depend on where you intend to sail along with the size and type of yacht charter on your sailing holiday.

In certain cases, skippers will also be owners of yachts or vessels (usually day trips), which means they will know all the best-secluded beaches to show you the best the region offers through their local knowledge.

You will also be able to use a skipper for day trips, and the rates will differ depending on the type of boat.

Bareboat Yacht Charter: for eligible sailors, the bareboat Charter is cheaper and allows you and your charter guests more privacy. Many sailors choose to helm the boat when selecting their own course, and provided you have the experience and skills. You can skipper these boats (usually up to 54 feet/16.5 meters in length) on your own.

Do you need a license to Charter a yacht in the United Kingdom?

If you are on a gulet or a skippered yacht charter, you do not need a license to sail a yacht from the United Kingdom. This is also the case where you rent a small motorboat without a cabin for a day trip around the nearby islands or beaches.

If you are on a bareboat charter, you do need a license. Here are some examples of sailing qualifications:

• International Certificate of Competence: This is issued upon request by your European Sailing Authority, and you can automatically apply for some national sailing qualifications.
• RYA Credentials: If you have the following qualifications, you will be eligible to Charter your bareboat from the United Kingdom, including Day Skipper (sail or motor endorsement), Coastal Skipper, or Yachtmaster.
• American Sailing Association (ASA): the ASA 104 Bareboat Certificate is generally recognized.
• US Sailing: The International Certificate of Proficiency is generally recognized, and the Bareboat Cruising Certificate is also accepted in many cases.

Frequently Asked Question

What should I think when I hire a yacht or a boat?

The key points to consider are what your budget is if you have the requisite sailing experience and expertise to run a boat if you don’t have a skipper that you are sailing, where exactly you want to go, and what the weather would be like on the proposed dates of your voyage.

Will you have to pay a deposit when you hire a yacht in the United Kingdom?

Currently, you’ll pay 50 percent in advance when booking your yacht charter and the balance on arrival. You may either pay a security deposit with your credit card upon departure or get insurance to cover damages in advance. In certain situations (such as the recent situation in Covid), charter companies can be more versatile, but this depends on the individual charter companies themselves.

What will happen if my yacht breaks down?

If you are at sea and risk, call MAYDAY on VHF Ch16 or ring the coast guard on your phone if you have a reception desk. If you have a technical fault and can make it or are on a mooring, you will be able to call the helpline number issued by the charter company.

What do I think about before I hire a yacht or a cruise in the United Kingdom?

It would help if you considered getting the experience of chartering a yacht or hiring a ferry before you book and where you want to go along with what the weather would be like. Bring warm weather and cold weather clothes if it looks like the weather will be cool and warm and note it can be cool on most nights at sea.

What qualifications do I need to hire a yacht or a boat?

If you want to sail without a skipper, you will require specific certificates such as the RYA Day Skipper / International Certificate of Competence (ICC)/ASA 104 Bareboat Certificate or the US Sailing Certificate. For small ‘day vessels’ or if you want to have a skipper onboard your yacht charter, you normally do not need a license.

United Kingdom Yacht Charter Planning and Destination Guide

United Kingdom Yacht Charter Guide and Destination

The United Kingdom (UK)

The United Kingdom is made up of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and are situated just off the northwest coast of continental Europe. Surrounded by four separate bodies of water, the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the English Channel, and the Irish Sea, chartering in the United Kingdom will bring some of the world’s most amazing sailings!

The United Kingdom, being an island country, has a long tradition and history of the sea-its culture is inextricably connected to it. Yacht charter helps you to discover not just the coastline but also the nature of being British (as well as a few pubs along the way). The most popular charter destinations are the Solent / South Coast, which offers access to the Isle of Wight, or the more adventurous Normandy Coast of France, just 20 miles away from its nearest point. Other common areas include the Isles of Scilly, the East Coast of England, the Channel Islands, and the Wild West Coast of Scotland.

Chartering in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has situated just under 1,000 km from top to bottom and nearly 480 km from east to west. It has almost 12,500 km of coastline to explore, from the northernmost point of Dunnet Head in Scotland to Lizard Point, the beautiful Cornish coast. If you want to experience the thrill of sailing in the Solent during Cowes Week among some of the most stunning sailing boats in the world, secretly choose to explore the delights of the rugged East Coast or feel like you’re going to discover the lovely Isles of Orkney, the United Kingdom has it all!

From the sunny south of the Scilly Islands to the coast of Scotland, United Kingdom marinas offer shelter from some of the most severe weather conditions and give first-time charterers a glimpse of the ever seductive way of life.

If you’re relaxing with a cold beer after one of the many regattas that take place – watching or competing – or indulge in some Great British Cuisine after a long day on the sea, marinas and ports around the UK provide great facilities as well as a gateway to some of the finest sailing on offer anywhere in the world! We will help you find the right charter location for you in the British Isles and make sure you make the most of your sailing experience.

Charter of the Sailboat

What better way to explore this beautiful environment than by chartering a sailboat in a wide range of destinations around the UK? Bareboat charters are very popular in destinations where local guides can help locate the best moorings, anchorages, and points of interest.

United Kingdom Charter destinations

The United Kingdom has some of the most popular and varied sailing grounds globally, from the Solent in the South to the wild coasts in the North and West of Scotland, with almost all in between! Choosing where to charter may be a matter of choice, or you may plan to take part in some of the several events taking place on the coast of the United Kingdom. Whether or not you’re searching for the swirling waves of the Channel, the deep darkness of the North Sea, or the truly otherworldly feeling of sailing in Atlantic waters on the West Coast of Scotland, the UK will give you the ideal position and sailing ground to fit your needs.

The Southern Coast of England

Apart from the sanctuary of the Solent and the Isle of Wight, the South Coast of England offers some stunning sailing areas and suitable starting points for France, the South of Wales, and the South of Ireland, as well as great conditions for the day and weekend sailing. If you’re searching for an alternative corporate charter destination or a weekend away from it all, the South Coast boasts some of the most beautiful destinations in the UK, such as Gosport, Torquay, and Newquay, the glamorous Cornish Coast reaching out to Plymouth and the Atlantic Ocean. The breathtaking south coast of England should be a must for any charter holiday.

Apart from the sanctuary of the Solent and the Isle of Wight, the South Coast of England offers some stunning sailing areas and suitable starting points for France, the South of Wales, and the South of Ireland, as well as great conditions for the day and weekend sailing. If you’re searching for an alternative corporate charter destination or a weekend away from it all, the South Coast boasts some of the most beautiful destinations in the UK, such as Gosport, Torquay, and Newquay, the glamorous Cornish Coast reaching out to Plymouth and the Atlantic Ocean. The breathtaking south coast of England should be a must for any charter holiday.

The Solent One

The Solent is a stretch of water that separates the Isle of White from the mainland and is one of the most important sailing centers in the United Kingdom, home to the Hamble, Southampton, and Portsmouth marinas. Good tidal patterns make for fantastic sailing and an excellent place to explore, with enchanting coastal areas often only a short trip to one of the many inlets, or a short trip to Cowes, making it a perfect starting point interested in any of the Cowes Week events. Likewise, a week-long charter trip to France’s north is a perfect sailing trip from any of the conveniently placed marinas inside the most impressive sailing grounds.

East Coast of the United Kingdom

Sailing in the North Sea’s freezing gray waters from Whitby to the North is a truly wonderful experience because of the beautiful scenery and the incredibly nice people you will meet on your charter holidays. Whether you want to sail all the way to Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth or go to the mysterious castles that guarded the Northumbrian coast against Viking invaders hundreds of years ago, the East Coast of the United Kingdom has it all. Charter a yacht to explore this magnificent area and experience the delights of southern hospitality for yourself.

It’s Salcombe

Salcombe is the favorite sailing and yachting town in the United Kingdom. From boutique shops to Michelin Star Restaurants, this city has something for everyone! Spend a day on a speedboat skiing and exploring the shores or cruising along the coast for a week! Salcombe is the ideal get-away for having to charter in the UK anyway.

Archpeligos of England

Scilly Islands

The Isles of Scilly are situated off the Cornish coast in South England and provide an idyllic setting for a sailing holiday dedicated to exploring perfect ports and English hospitality while also enjoying the uniqueness of island charter. The islands of Scilly offer a peaceful refuge of peace and fine dining, even drawing royalties to their shores while also appealing to those who want a much more dynamic holiday. Combine yacht charter with some of the most beautiful sunsets, enjoy golden sandy beaches and sample local fresh cuisine – the Scilly Islands has it all!

The Islands of the Channel

The Channel Islands consist of Jersey, Guernsey, Herm, Alderney, and Sark and are easily accessible from most of the ports on the south coast of England and a great charter destination on their own. The Channel Islands are popular with holidaymakers due to their inhabitants’ relaxed attitude and the idyllic location between England and France. Rest in Guernsey or Jersey before heading for the French coast, or spend a week or two surfing these stunning islands on the English Channel.

Scotland’s

Eastern coast of Scotland

Easily reached and a brilliant sail from the East Coast of England, take the East Coast of Scotland’s spectacular scenery from Berwick-upon-Tweed right up to Peterhead, and to Inverness and the Caledonian Canal. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the East Coast of Scotland’s delights in any of its numerous inlets or harbor cities, like sailing to Granton, which gives you easy access to Edinburgh! Sailing on the East Coast of Scotland is also an amazing experience if you’re going to brave the Caledonian Canal and explore whether or not the Loch Ness monster actually exists. Wild and beautiful scenery is not going to disappoint this region of Scotland.

Scotland’s West Coast

This famous sailing ground is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful charter destinations in the world. Beautifully wild, oozing both Celtic and Nordic heritage, many islands have remained largely untouched and uninhabited, offering some of the most remote anchorages and moorings in the world. Sailing on the west coast of Scotland is a true sailor’s playground, not for the faint-hearted, but there is also plenty of space for novices to explore. Home to the Inner and Outer Hebrides taking off from the devastated Atlantic coast of the Highlands of Scotland, the West Coast provides rare and unmissable sailing opportunities! Find out more about sailing here on the west coast of Scotland.

The Islands of Orkney

Located off the north-east coast of Scotland, the Orkneys give a truly Scottish experience. The Orkneys are an archipelago of 70 islands off the North East Coast of Scotland, offering legendary hospitality, unparalleled scenery, and some of the most scenic sailing in the British Isles. This is the one destination not to be skipped!

Weather and climate

The United Kingdom enjoys a temperate maritime climate due to the Gulf Stream, which carries warm winds through the Atlantic Ocean. The summers are significantly colder than those observed on the continent, but the winters are also slightly milder.

The best months to Charter are, of course, the summer months, June-September. However, you can enjoy a charter season as long as May-October as the mild weather in those months allows for some idyllic summer and evening sailing. You can charter a yacht in the UK all year round for the stricter sailors among you, but be prepared to bring some wet weather gear!

British Kitchen

British cuisine has come a long way in recent years, offering a wide range of dishes, so you’re sure to find one that suits you. British cuisine draws on foreign influences representing this genuinely multi-cultural culture, and you’re sure to find some spectacular restaurants in the strangest and most stunning locations in the British Isles, as well as fashionable restaurants in more cosmopolitan parts of the UK. Great Britain is selling some of the freshest and newest trends alongside fresh lobster and fish and chips!

For those who want a hearty meal and an excellent pint of beer after a rewarding day of sailing, most marinas are within walking distance of a good old fashioned British pub where you can enjoy classics such as scampi or fish and chips, steak and kidney pie, or even a roast dinner with all the trimmings. But in the summer, if you’re looking for a truly British experience, there’s nothing like sitting outside with a great glass of Pimm’s relaxing after a day out on the water. Simple blessing!

Our yacht charter

The United Kingdom is truly one of the fastest-growing charter destinations globally for all the reasons set out above. Boatbookings.com knows the area and the boats, and you will find the perfect charter yacht, be it bareboat, crew, sail, motor or catamaran.

Charter for England Yacht

The Charter of a yacht in England is a very satisfying affair. Solent and the Isle of Wight are the most common charter yachts on the southern coast of England. Cowes was the home of America’s Cup race on the Isle of Wight. Charter a sailboat to celebrate the popular Cowes Week yachting festival. On the Isle of Wight, take a walk along colored sands or discover the intriguing 100-foot-high rock formations of chalk. Wildlife in the southern seas can be abundant.

The Solent area is lined with hundreds of ports and marinas to discover the creeks and ports as far as Devon and Cornwall. Cherbourg, France, is 65 miles away from the Isle of Wight. The Channel Islands are also within a cruising radius of the experienced sailor (85 miles from the Solent).

Jersey and Guernsey are entertaining and lovely. Sark, a tiny kingdom with three tiny ports abolishing vehicles, is also exciting. A little farther on is the French coast of Brittany and Normandy. Often sunny and uncrowded with lovely beaches, Brittany and Normandy are rewarding places to Charter your yacht.

Wildlife charters result in sightings of whales, sharks, porpoises, dolphins, or simply small buffaloes. Sail to the Great Orme Heritage Coast to find a lovely array of sandy beaches, inlets, and sheer cliffs.

As one of the most well-known boat building and yacht charter grounds in the British Isles, England offers all the major forms of yacht charter such as motor, sailing, bareboat Charter, skipper, crewed yachts, catamaran, powerboat, sailboat, luxury yacht charter, and off-road Charter. England also provides a wide variety of sailing schools and instructions if you want to learn about sailing or brush up on your skills.

The main yacht charter season in England runs from April to October, and there can also be some lovely warm sunny seasons. However, the weather is unpredictable, and it is worth listening to reliable weather forecasts regularly.