Who is the Club open to?
The club is open to anyone over the age of 25 who holds an RYA Level 2 Powerboat qualification or overseas equivalent. If you do have boating experience but don’t have formal qualifications, you may still join, and we will arrange and pay for a RYA L2 course. If you are new to boating, feel free to contact the Boat Club team to talk through other options.
Do members part own the boats?
No. The capital cost of acquisition and the burden of depreciation, servicing, berthing fees, insurance, and maintenance are all carried by the Club.
Who owns the Club?
Lymington Boat Club is a trading division of Solent Rib Charters Ltd. SRC is based in Lymington and was established twenty-four years ago. SRC are the market leading Rib charter operator in the UK. SRC are masters of maintaining boats in excellent condition.
Do you offer day charter?
No. Club boats are only available for Club members.
Is there an induction when I join?
Yes. You will get a separate short induction for each boat category the first time you book. The Boat Club team would also be delighted to show you around The Solent pointing out all the best sights, restaurants, and destinations, as well as hazards to avoid.
How many people are able to accompany me?
Three of the Club's boats are coded for total of ten, four boats are coded for a total of eight, and the two Axopars are coded for six. There are adult lifejackets onboard, but you will need to provide your own life jackets for children to ensure that are correctly fitted.
There are no age limits, although all those on board will need to be in good physical health. Alas, and here there no exceptions, our four-legged friends are absolutely not allowed on Club boats - no matter how well-behaved!
How do I book time onboard?
Members book through our App which works on both Apple and Android. Alternatively, the booking system is also available through the members’ portal on the Club’s website.
The App allows you to book sessions and will show the availability of the boats. Members may book a maximum of two sessions in advance. A full day booking is two sessions. As soon as you have used a ‘session’, you may book another.
A 'session' is defined as:
- Morning – One hour before sunrise to 1pm
- Afternoon – 1.30pm to one hour after sunset.
Members also receive one ‘Golden Ticket’ per year. A Golden Ticket is a full day booking which may be made as far in advance as desired. This is perfect if you have a particular date in mind such as a birthday, anniversary, bank holiday or other special event.
Overnight bookings are also available on request providing the boat is not used after dark and is berthed in a marina/harbour overnight. Overnights require an afternoon and morning session.
Are there any cancellation charges?
No. Using the app, just remove your booking so that the boat becomes available for other members to use. You may cancel your booking at any time for any reason.
How many people will I be sharing the boats with?
The number of members is limited to ensure you receive unlimited access from your membership. Whenever capacity is reached, we increase the fleet of boats. More members allow the Club to offer an ever bigger and more diverse fleet.
Are the boats available all year?
Yes, the boats are available every day of the year. Each boat receives a full winter refit once a year, a process which will typically take a week. Refits are scheduled sequentially to maximise boat availability. The Boat Club team also fix any problems as they arise, so boats are occasionally withdrawn for servicing and upgrades.
Please note that 'Zonda', 'Diablo', 'Chinook', 'Levante' and ‘Zephyr’ are fitted with cabin heaters, which make colder days much more comfortable.
What if I breakdown?
Thankfully, this should never be an issue, but should the worst happen, the Boat Club team aim to be alongside you within an hour anywhere on the Solent. All boats are also covered by Sea Start.
What kit do I need?
A picnic, plenty of water, warm clothes, sunglasses, fishing rod (perhaps), and your snorkel! Good quality waterproofs will keep you dry and warm. All safety equipment is provided including adult lifejackets.
May I fish on Club boats?
Of course! You are allowed to fish from any boat. We just ask that members do not clean fish onboard.
What are the weather restrictions?
Weather restrictions are mostly common sense and what you feel safe operating in. It is the combination of wind, tide strength and direction of flow that matter most. Obviously, the boats are not available for use in unsuitable conditions. Visit the Club's Health & Safety page for more details.
Are there any good spectator events?
Yes – many! The Solent is home to a plethora of water-based events such as Round The Island Race, Fastnet starts, Cowes Week, visiting US Aircraft Carriers, Fleet Reviews and much more. See the Club's Events Diary for a full listing of major events each year.
Are there any additional Club benefits?
Members enjoy exclusive discounts from a range of marine based and local companies including The Harbour Hotel, Henri Llyod, and Crew Clothing. With their Yacht Haven access fobs, members also enjoy access to all Lymington Yacht Haven berth holder facilities as well as a 10% discount on both food and drink at the Haven Bar and Restaurant.
Do you offer seasonal membership?
Sadly no, the minimum period is twelve months. Payment is due at the beginning of your membership and paid in full.
Is there anything else?
If you’ve read the FAQs this far, then perhaps it’s time the Club a call? You can arrange to meet the Boat Club team, see the boats, understand how it works perhaps even go for a quick spin to see how the boats handle.
To join the Lymington Boat Club or to find out more information, call 01590 607444 or complete the form below...