023 8023 6000
Get away from it all, supporting your passion for sailing.
Charter a yacht in the Solent , a fantastic cruising area. Gleaming, well maintained yachts and a friendly shoreside team. We are a leading UK boat charter operator.
Charter a yacht with one of our expert skippers or instructors on board. Learn as much or as little as you like. Get fully involved or enjoy the luxury of watching the world go by whilst the skipper takes care of everything.
Choose from a perfect variety of sailing yachts . All lovingly maintained and kept spotlessly clean by our shoreside crew.
Firstaway Yacht Charters offers a range of loved and well maintained boats for bareboat and skippered yacht charter from the Solent.
Based in Shamrock Quay Marina in Southampton, with yachts here, and in Town Quay Marina in Southampton and on the River Hamble we are perfectly placed for South Coast and Solent sailing. Visit places such as Beaulieu in the New Forest, Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, Cowes - also on the Isle of Wight and perhaps the yachting capital of the World (?), Newtown Creek, Portsmouth Harbour, Bembridge, Wooton Creek plus others. For cruising further afield there is the West Country, France or the Channel Islands.
In addition to bareboat and skipper charter we team building activities and corporate sailing events, for all levels of sailing experience.
We also have options to book individual berths on boats in yachting races like Round the Island Race and the Rolex Fastnet Race.
We have very close ties with First Class Sailing, an RYA sailing school, so if you want to brush up on things like boat handling skills or you just want to get some more miles as skipper or as crew before your Solent yacht charter then we can help.
From Sailing Adventures in Norway and racing across the Atlantic, to Boat Handling weekends and Yacht Management. In addition to bareboat charter and skippered charter we have lots of other options to offer on a wide variety of boats.
Sailing training, sailing adventures, yacht charter management, sailing courses.
If you need to brush up on your boat handling skills, want to get more sailing experience and miles in under the helpful eye of an instructor, need a VHF license or just want to take a sailing course, be it theory or practical, then our sister company First Class Sailing Ltd is the perfect choice to help build your skills and confidence for sailing yachts.
Also based in Shamrock Quay, Southampton they are an RYA Recognised Training Centre. They run the full range of RYA sailing courses including the shorebased theory courses - Day Skipper Theory Course, Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Theory Course and Ocean Yachtmaster Theory course; all the practical courses - Competent Crew, Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Prep; and the full range of 1 day supplementary courses - VHF Radio, Sea Survival, Diesel Engine Maintenance and First Aid.
The Solent is a fantastic place to sail. One could say the Solent stretches from Portsmouth and the forts just south of Portsmouth to the start of the Needles Channel. Within this area there are numerous places to pull into port and explore, each with something different to offer. Two big ports, charming market towns, the bustling Hamble River, the beautiful Bucklers Hard up the Beaulieu River in the heart of the New Forest, anchorages positioned to let you watch the world go by. They are all within a stone's throw (short sail) of each other meaning you can visit several South Coast locations during your charter, making it popular for a day, a yacht weekend or a week. Due to the popularity of sailing on the Solent, many people are searching online for terms such as yacht hire Solent , yacht rental Solent , boat hire Solent , boat rental Solent , and, if you're local, yacht charter near me . There is also a huge variety of craft in the Solent. It is not uncommon to see high performance racing yachts in Cowes, oil tankers, fishing boats, day boats, sailing school boats, round the world luxury cruising yachts, round the world racing yachts, old gaffers, classic keel boats, kite surfers, windsurfers, big expensive power boats, smaller expensive power boats, sailing dinghies in Gosport, ribs of all shapes and sizes, cruise ships, a hoover craft and high speed ferries. All within a day. Yet the Solent does still offer peaceful hideaways to get away from it all. There are few real physical obstructions to boats within the Solent. There is the odd ledge There is the Bramble Bank just to the north and east of Cowes but that is about it. There is a shipping channel one must be aware off and local bylaws that one needs to adhere to. Solent tides are interesting, and it is necessary to have a good awareness of what the tide is doing at all times. Due to the shape of the land and the Isle of Wight the Solent gets 'double highs'. Just beyond the Solent on the South coast there is Poole and Weymouth to the west, Bembridge, Langstone and Chichester Harbours to the East.
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Fantastic days sailing with friends on a wonderful boat. It certainly helped that we had 3 very experienced sailors with us, would highly recommend Firstaway sailing if you want a day on the water in the Solent. - Clive B
Thanks Sally and Eric for great service and a brilliant day with Firstaway Yacht Charters. Excellent first experience of sailing. Skipper Eric was great and let us all take a turn at the helm. A great way to celebrate special occasions. Boat was clean and well maintained with good facilities too. Would recommend Firstaway to anyone wanting to take a trip sailing. - R & A Jenner
We were 7 onboard this Jeanneau 12.5 m and while there wasn't much wind, with what little there was we managed 7 kts. Cascadeur is a great charter boat - roomy, clean, well equipped. Eric and Sally were very helpful and clearly know their stuff. - Peter R
Wonderful people. Sally in particular couldn't have been more helpful. The skippers were professional and experienced, but also good fun and made the whole experience very enjoyable. Thanks all! - Sam N
Excellent company, with a very well appointed boat (Zara). Nothing was a problem to them, despite me chopping and changing a lot. Our skipper - Gavin - was fantastic. Knowledgable, friendly and great company. I would certainly use this company again. - ASQC
I arrived with no expectations and ended up having an amazing time on "Elissa" The Skipper was super friendly and got us involved with the sailing. Overall was a phenomenal experience and I highly recommend to anyone considering!! 5 STARS - Virginia Water
Firstaway run a great charter business: their yachts are in very good condition, always well prepared, properly cleaned; nothing is too much trouble; friendly and professional. I have been chartering from Firstaway for nearly 20 years and would always recommend them and never look elsewhere! - Mackeaj
I chartered with Firstaway 3 days a Gib'Sea 37ft yatch. Very well kept and clean. excellent service and assistance, very easy checkin-checkout process. we did some 60 miles chilling around the Solent, Yarmouth harbour was also an excellent experience. highly recommended. - Tommaso M
A beautiful day on the water around the Solent... I was slightly anxious as I don’t have webbed feet but Eric and Sally were great hosts and competent sailors... now looking forward to my next seafaring adventure. - Karen
Endeavour Building, Shamrock Quay, William Street, Southampton, SO14 5QL
023 8023 6000
The Hut Transfer Specialists
Charterdays is your gateway to unforgettable adventures on the glistening waters of the Solent, Isle of Wight, and the South Coast. Embark on a journey like no other as you explore iconic destinations such as the world-renowned yachting hub of Cowes and the tranquil beauty of the Beaulieu River.
Dining in Style after your luxury cruise to The Hut couldn't feel more perfect.
Enjoy the unique thrill of transitioning from your Charterdays cruiser to one of the Huts dedicated tenders that then takes you to shore. (weather permitting).
An experience tailored just for you.
Whether you're celebrating a milestone, looking for a unique date idea, or aiming to make a lasting impression in your professional world, we have the perfect nautical experience waiting:
🌊 expert skippers at the helm, 🌊 events & corporate packages, 🌊 luxury cruisers for business impressions, pickup & drop off locations.
Safety & excellence guaranteed.
At Charterdays, your safety is our paramount concern. We take pride in being fully MCA coded and each voyage skippered by a team of professionally qualified Captains & crew. Plus, our affiliation with the Professional Charter Association (PCA) stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence.
Every boat in our fleet will make your experience even more special. We prioritize safety, fun & personal service, ensuring your special event, be it personal or corporate, radiates a feeling of exclusivity. After all, memorable days should be nothing short of extraordinary.
Featured partner & desination: the hut, isle of wight.
Among our most popular destinations is The Hut on the Isle of Wight. A haven of scenic beauty, gourmet eating, day of fun and scenic views of the solent, this spot promises a day of relaxation, gourmet eating and scenic views of the Solent.
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Your dream voyage is just a click away. Dive into our range of offerings and set sail towards an experience of a lifetime.
...a bad day on the water than a good day in the office...
Skippered charters are ideal for less experienced crew,or those lacking recognised qualifications. Skippered charters cost an additional £140 per day
Salty Dog specialise in providing tailored sailing experiences. We run Team Building Days, Corporate Entertainment and Incentive & Reward Programmes
Salty Dog specialises in providing tailored sailing experiences. You may have a special day to celebrate or you just want to have fun on the water with family and friends. From as little as £60per person
Explore the Solent, Isle of Wight and South Coast at your leisure on a Salty Dog yacht Charters include freshly laundered pillow cases, hand towels and tea towels
Meet our yachts.
Katabatic is a Dufour 450. She sails beautifully and is easy to handle. Katabatic is 13.5m/45ft long and sleeps 10 (4 double cabins and a double berth in the saloon) and can accommodate 12 comfortably for day sailing. She comes well equipped with radar, AIS, chartplotter, autopilot and heating. Berthed at Haslar Marina which is located at the entrance to Portsmouth harbour you are just a few minutes away from the Solent.
Our goal is to remove all the hassle from your sailing experience, and to ensure that you meet your goals and have sailing memories to cherish..
We even offer an optional photographic service, we'll capture you sailing on board Katabatic or Antara from our RIB.
Not familiar with portsmouth or the solent ...have no fear, our places to go guide has lots of suggestions & places to explore..
Click your mouse on one of the orange hotspots to find out more about that location. We will tell you a little about it and some general information on the area. You will be surprised how many interesting places there are to visit that are within easy reach of Portsmouth Harbour.
Town Quay, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7RS, UK
West Cowes - the heart of UK yachting, host to the world famous Cowes week in August. Popular both with yachtsman and tourists. Located on the west bank of the River Medina just minutes from the Solent. There are numerous shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes in the quaint pedestrianised high Street. Located 9 nautical miles from Portsmouth Harbour it has to be top of the list for a day or weekend trip.
1 Harbour View, The Duver, Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 1YB, UK
Entrance to Bembridge Harbour is not only tide dependant but requires careful following of bouys to avoid running aground. If visiting for lunch you need to make sure high water is around about then! Once there though it is sheltered. There are a rich variety of shops, restaurants and pubs in two nearby villages within walking distance. Bembridge Windmil is the only remaining windmill on the island dating from around 1700 and is generally open between April and October.
Studland Bay, United Kingdom
A visit to Studland Bay normally entails an overnight stay when travelling from Gosport. Once there the bay offers good anchoring and protection from westerlies. The 4km bay has beautiful sandy beaches that get busy in the summer. The Bankes Arms Country Inn is a short walk from the bay and offers spectacular views towards the Isle of Wight.
Poole Harbour
Poole Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in Europe covering approximately 36 sq kilometres. There are several islands the largest and most famous being Brownsea. Regular boat trips leave from Town Quay in Poole Town to visit it. There are several marinas allowing you direct access into Poole Town.
Gunwharf Quays, United Kingdom
Just across the harbour from Haslar Marina. Can be reached by the frequently running Gosport Ferry. Famous for its Outlet shops as well as it numerous restaurants and cafes along with it's multi-screen cinema. While there take a trip up the Spinnaker Tower for some breathtaking views across the Solent. Close by is Portsmouth Harbour Station with direct access to London.
Haslar Marina, Haslar Road, Gosport, United Kingdom
Home to Antara and Katabatic! As you can see we are a stones throw away from the Solent and all that it has to offer. Haslar Marina has excellent facilities with good car parking available.
Yarmouth Harbour, Yarmouth, United Kingdom
With a fair tide it is possible to visit for lunch and be back in a day. Yarmouth should be on everyone's list of places to visit. A beautiful town that is geared up for visitors. Great walks and pubs are all close by. Take a trip on the open top bus to the Needles for spectacular views towards Poole. The Wightlink car ferry from Lymington on the mainland also docks in Yarmouth.
2 Coastguard Cottages, Newtown, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 4PA, UK
A National Nature Reserve it is a beautiful harbour to stop for lunch or anchor overnight. Launch the tender and you will gain access to some wonderful walks and pubs. Access is tide dependent so a lunch time stopover would have to be around high water.
New Forest National Park, Dock Lane, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7YU, UK
Beaulieu River is owned by the Beaulieu Estate , one of only a handful of rivers in the world that are privately owned. The journey up the winding river towards Bucklers Hard is a memorable one. Although a visit is achievable in a day it does depend on high water being around midday.
1 Quay Road, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 3AT, UK
Situated on the edge of the New Forest and at the western edge of the Solent, this thriving Georgian market town is a great place to visit. There are 2 large marinas situated just before the town or if you are in Antara you could chance your luck on the Town Quay near the bottom of the high street. Katabatic is too big for the Quay but you can pick up a buoy and use the tender to get to land.
Roman Landing, West Wittering, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 8AT, UK
An area of outstanding natural beauty, it is a large natural harbour approx. 8 nautical miles from Haslar Marina. Once inside the harbour there is a choice of harbourside villages and anchorages offering good protection. A fantastic place to visit and stop for lunch.
Thank you for a very special moment! We were so happy to spend as much time as possible near our boat. Loved this experience! You were an excellent skipper! Thanks a lot!
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Email: [email protected].
For any enquiries about chartering Katabatic or to check availability or just to discuss possibilities, please contact Anton.
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