ML CHARTERS SOLENT X COBRA RIBS
Ahead of the summer season, EML Charters Solent were pleased to welcome a brand new member into the growing fleet: a completely bespoke 10m Cobra Rib.
RIBELLIOUS by name, RIBELLIOUS by nature, this latest addition provides a new dynamic to the fleet, boasting the latest innovations and features rarely seen onboard a boat of this calibre.
THE DECISION
In 2023, discussions began surrounding the purchase of a new RIB. With sights set on expanding the fleet, a RIB was the obvious next step in the right direction. With the family owning multiple Cobra’s previously, there was no question: Cobra was the only choice.
The EML family had several discussions with Steve Arkell, who had guided their past purchases from the company. During these conversations, EML Charters were certain they would deliver something truly unique to the UK boating scene.
And so the highest specification Cobra Rib ever built was born. RIBELLIOUS: a full length 10m T-Top. Coded for 12 passengers, 2 crew members, and endless Solent adventures.
Based on seamless personal experiences with the company in the past, EML Charters had full faith in the Cobra RIB’s skilled team, knowing they would harness their knowledge, expertise and boat building excellence to produce something spectacular.
Although this was something very different for the British boat manufacturer, the EML Charters family remained aware that the business specialised in creating RIB’s for private and family use. Requesting a commercial design, tailored for transfers, may pose its challenges.
THE DESIGN
The process officially began in November 2023. During EML Charters visit to Cobra RIB’s HQ in Christchurch, both Josh and Steve gave the eager family a tour of the factory, showcasing the entire manufacturing process from hull moulding to final touches.
This immersive firsthand experience provided EML Charters with a thorough understanding of the behind the scenes operations that would be going into their upcoming build, inspiring ideas and providing an estimation for the timeline for their own craft.
Then the real fun began. It was time to start designing! Both parties involved in the project sat down, and using their design team and advanced CGI technology, the team were able to start dreaming up this next generation RIB.
The initial brainstorm set sights on an 8.7-meter model, but it soon became clear this length wouldn’t meet all the requirements for a sought-after charter operating in the Solent. So, in line with this, the design was extended to 9.7 metres. Despite this length accommodating the necessary needs, they remained mindful of legroom and comfort. Ultimately, and in true EML Charters style, the family unit collectively agreed to push boundaries by creating a one-of-a-kind bespoke RIB at a length Cobra had never made before: 10 metres.
This productive visit also saw the addition of curved jockey seats that included the suspension seating – another feature never seen on all of the seats on board of a Cobra RIB before this point. During this stage, the Saunders family beautified the build, deciding upon interior and exterior details.
DISCUSSIONS WITH THE MAIB (Marine Accident Investigation Branch)
Two months later in January 2024, after releasing CGI images of the RIB on social media, a representative from MAIB (Marine Accident Investigation Branch) reached out to EML Charters.
They requested a call to find out the reasons behind the design choices and safety measures we had in place, especially in light of past RIB accidents.
During the call, which included Josh from Cobra RIB’s, the MAIB member focused on the seating design, particularly the suspension system, and stressed the need to keep the front third of the boat unused at high speeds.
We also discussed in detail about cover effectiveness and potential misting.
Following this conversation, we decided to add heating to our RIB, enhancing comfort and safety simultaneously. Lest we forget, RIBELLIOUS would be operating in the chilly UK climes all-year round, so this ended up providing dual benefits!
As a business, this call proved invaluable, ensuring EML Charters Solent maintained top safety standards, whilst achieving a high-specification design – a crucial balance as leaders in the UK charter market.
THE BUILD
It was then over to Cobra RIB’s to create something that they never had before. Here is what the team had to say about the process:
“We have supplied a number of leisure ribs to the Saunders family over the past 20 years and we were naturally excited when they discussed the option of Cobra supplying a bespoke commercial passenger charter rib as an addition to EML’s charter fleet.
We worked closely with EML Charters to understand the market, integrate their vision and understand their operational challenges. Our design team were certainly set a challenge with the brief of providing bespoke seating, MCA coded carrying capacity of 14 people and an enclosure which could protect the passengers from the elements. EML Charters have been very focussed on client comfort and we have worked together to provide suspension seating, heating (when the passenger space is enclosed) and easy access for boarding.
The Cobra deep V hull design provides a soft and comfortable ride through the Solent chop and this complements the ‘client comfort first’ approach. It has been a real pleasure to combine knowledge and expertise on this project and we look forward to working with EML Charters on other projects moving forward”.
THE DELIVERY
Following a few visits back and forth from the factory to review progress, it was time for RIBELLIOUS to take her first splash.
EML Charters took delivery of RIBELLIOUS on the 7th May 2024. Just six months on from the initial conversation. Since her launch, charter guests have been enjoying everything this remarkable craft has to offer.
EML Charters Solent would like to extend our huge thanks to the exceptional team at Cobra RIB’s. Collaborating with these experts was a pleasure as always. We hope to continue nurturing this relationship, built upon years of trust.
Directors, Ollie and Victoria said “We are thrilled to have created something truly unique – something the Solent has never seen before. With fond memories from our adventures on Cobra RIBs, this was an incredibly exciting project, allowing our customers to create their own unforgettable Solent experiences. We can’t wait to continue our season with the addition of RIBELLIOUS to our fleet – she’s ready to get out on the water, rain or shine!”.
Who knows what the future holds…12 metres, Steve?