Skippered Motor Boat Charters on the Solent
Relaxed, fully hosted luxury charter experiences with a professional skipper included.
Professional Skipper Included
No Experience or Licences Required
Flexible Bespoke Itineraries
Relaxed Fully Hosted Experience
Understanding Skippered Motor Boat Charters
A skippered charter is ideal for guests who simply want to relax and enjoy the experience, without the responsibility of operating the boat.
No navigation, no licences, no pressure – just a calm, professionally skippered experience on the Solent.
Ideal for celebrations, relaxed cruising, client entertainment, family occasions, and premium corporate charters on the Solent.
The Effortless Way to Experience the Solent
Our skippered motor boat charters offer the most effortless way to experience the Solent, combining privacy, comfort, and professional oversight.
There is no need to think about navigation, tides, or boat handling. Your professional skipper discreetly manages every detail, allowing you to relax and focus purely on enjoying the Solent.
- Relax completely from the moment you step onboard
- No boating experience or licences required
- Enjoy the Solent with confidence and ease
- Flexible cruising routes and optional stops
- A polished, professionally hosted experience
Planning an Event?
Perfect for
- Birthday celebrations
- Stag & hen parties
- Client hospitality
- Corporate Events and Team experiences
- Family days out And Private Group Charters
Planning something larger? If your group exceeds the capacity of a single boat, explore our Multi-Boat Charter Experiences.
Your Day With EML
Cruise the Solent coastline, anchor in sheltered bays, swim, enjoy drinks onboard, or arrive effortlessly at iconic waterfront destinations.
Relax, socialise, and take in the scenery while your skipper discreetly manages every detail.
Your experience is shaped entirely around you:
- Flexible pickup & drop-off locations
- Timings to suit your day
- Preferred activities & pace
- Bespoke routes & optional stops
Every charter unfolds at your preferred pace.
Confidence without Responsibility
For many guests, a skippered charter offers the perfect balance of freedom and reassurance.
You enjoy the privacy of your own boat while benefiting from the expertise, local knowledge, and professional oversight of a fully qualified, commercially endorsed skipper.
The result is a day that feels relaxed, safe, and entirely stress-free.
From relaxed coastal cruising to lively social occasions, your charter unfolds entirely at your preferred pace.
Dining and Destination Experiences
A day on the Solent is often as much about the destinations as the journey itself.
Our team is pleased to assist with restaurant reservations, helping you seamlessly incorporate waterfront dining into your charter experience.
From iconic venues such as The Hut, Colwell Bay and The Garden, Cowes, to a wide range of Solent restaurants and coastal destinations, we ensure your plans unfold effortlessly.
For those extending their experience, we are also happy to provide guidance on overnight stays, including recommended hotels and boutique accommodation.
Choose your Perfect Boat
Every skippered charter begins with selecting the boat that best suits your experience, group size, and style of day on the water.
Explore our Skippered Fleet to discover the ideal setting for your Solent charter.
Skippered Charters FAQ's
Everything you need to know about your skippered motor boat charter on the Solent.
From planning your day and choosing routes to onboard comforts and guest experience, these FAQs cover the details that help you book with confidence.
Before your Charter
What is included in the price?
Your charter includes a professional skipper, host where applicable, fuel for your agreed itinerary, and full use of the vessel for your group. Our team is also on hand ahead of your charter to help plan your day.
What should we wear?
We recommend comfortable clothing and suitable footwear (non-marking soles). Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket are always advisable, even on warmer days.
Where does the charter start and finish?
Charter locations are flexible across the Solent and are agreed when booking. We’ll arrange a start and finish point that best suits your plans, with a range of convenient pick-up and drop-off options available.
How long does the charter last?
Charters are usually offered as half-day or full-day experiences. Our team can advise on the best option depending on how you’d like your day to unfold.
Can my itinerary be flexible?
Yes. Every charter is fully bespoke. Routes, timings, and stops can all be shaped around your preferences on the day.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking in advance, particularly for weekends and peak season dates. However, we’re always happy to accommodate last-minute enquiries where availability allows.
What if someone is concerned about seasickness?
The Solent is generally a sheltered cruising area, making for a comfortable experience. Your skipper will plan routes based on conditions to ensure the smoothest possible journey.
Your Experience Onboard
Do I need boating experience?
No. Your skipper takes care of all navigation and boat handling, allowing you to relax and enjoy the day.
Is the charter suitable for guests new to boating?
Absolutely. Skippered charters are ideal for first-time guests, offering a relaxed and fully guided experience on the water.
Can you help arrange catering / restaurant bookings?
Yes. We can assist with restaurant reservations, drinks arrangements, and suggested stops as part of your itinerary.
Do all boats have toilet facilities?
Most of our vessels include toilet facilities onboard. Details can be found on each individual boat page.
Can children join the charter?
Yes. Children are welcome onboard.
Can we bring dogs onboard?
Well-behaved dogs may be permitted on certain vessels – please check with our team when booking.
Comfort and conditions
Are lifejackets provided?
Yes. Lifejackets are provided for all guests onboard. We supply standard adult-sized lifejackets, which will fit most older children. However, we do not provide lifejackets for children under five or where a suitable fit cannot be guaranteed, so we kindly ask that these are brought with you.
Who decides if conditions are unsuitable?
We will assess conditions and make decisions based on safety and comfort. If conditions are unsuitable, we will work with you to reschedule to another date that works for everyone.
Are the boats comfortable in cooler weather?
Yes. Many of our boats offer covered seating areas, protection from the elements, and onboard heating where applicable, allowing you to enjoy your charter across the seasons.
Skippered Charters Testimonials
“The Fairline Squadron 50 was immaculate and really impressive, the perfect space for celebrating. EML Charters Solent was quick to respond and extremely helpful.
Matt and Nicky who were skipper and crew for us were great hosts and made us so welcome onboard. Highly recommend a charter with EML!”
“I would highly recommend EML Charters. From the initial enquiry right through to the actual charter on the RIB we received excellent customer service from EML and Matt our skipper. The RIB was really high spec and definitely one of the best we’ve used.
Look forward to rebooking with you next year.”
“We had a great time on the Solent/ the Isle of Wight onboard ‘Splashproof’.
The experience was faultless from initial contact with EML through to the day itself. We chose the skippered option & Matt, our skipper, was excellent.
I would thoroughly recommend.”
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