News
Regattas, launches, yacht visits and changes at the marinas and ports of London, the Solent and the south west, each with its source. Rule changes that affect clearance are listed separately on the notices page.
Guides
Can a large superyacht reach the Pool of London?
Yes. Tower Bridge Upper, in the Upper Pool 300 metres above the bridge, takes yachts of up to 158 metres, with a Tower Bridge lift for any yacht of 9 metres air draught or more.
Solent pilotage for superyachts: Southampton, Portsmouth and Cowes compared
Pilotage in the Solent is compulsory at 61 metres and over for Southampton, at 48 metres and over for Portsmouth, and at 48 metres in the inner harbour and 61 metres in the outer harbour at Cowes. There is no pilotage in the western Solent or the Needles.
Bringing a superyacht into Falmouth
Falmouth is a deep natural harbour open at all states of the tide. Port Pendennis takes yachts of over 80 metres alongside, the Crossroads mooring in Carrick Roads takes yachts of up to 180 metres, and pilotage is compulsory by zone.
Bringing a superyacht into Dartmouth
The River Dart is deep at all states of the tide. Large yachts lie to the mid-river fore and aft moorings, which take yachts of up to 180 metres, or alongside the outside of the Town Jetty to 60 metres by arrangement.
Bringing a superyacht into Plymouth
Plymouth Yacht Haven on the Cattewater takes yachts of up to 45 metres at all states of tide, and the Barbican Landing Stage takes vessels of up to 100 metres alongside by arrangement with the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners. Pilotage is compulsory over 50 metres.
Do you need an agent to bring a superyacht to London?
There is no legal requirement for a private yacht to appoint an agent in London. Most superyachts do, because the pilot, the Tower Bridge lift, the berth and the report to Border Force all depend on each other and on the tide.
Provisioning a superyacht in London
For yacht chefs: British produce from our partner suppliers, prepared to your specification and delivered straight to the boat on the Thames.
Crew changes in the UK: documents, visas and travel
For captains and pursers: what joining and leaving crew need for a crew change in the United Kingdom, and what we arrange.
Engineering support and lifting in the Solent
For chief engineers: the hoists and syncrolift around the Solent, and how engineers, service agents and spares are arranged while you are alongside.
Private jet arrivals for superyacht guests in the UK
For guests and the principal's office: the private aviation terminals nearest each port, their hours, and the notice customs need.
Temporary Admission: 24 months for a private yacht in Great Britain
A private yacht registered outside the United Kingdom may stay for up to 24 months in Great Britain under Temporary Admission, free of import VAT and duty. It is claimed on arrival without a declaration.
Booking a Tower Bridge lift for a superyacht
A yacht with an air draught of 9 metres or more bound for the Upper Pool of London needs a Tower Bridge lift. It is requested in writing at least 24 hours ahead by the agent, the owner or the master, and there is no charge.
Red diesel for superyachts in the UK
In Great Britain a private yacht may take red diesel on a declaration of the share used for propulsion, with full duty paid on that share. A commercial yacht not at the exclusive use of its owner or charterer may take it without a declaration.
Where a superyacht can berth in central London
Central London has four berths for a large yacht: Greenwich Ship Tier to 228 metres, Tower Bridge Upper to 158 metres, George Stairs Tier to 120 metres, and St Katharine Docks to about 42 metres in a locked basin.
The pleasure craft report: when and how a yacht reports to Border Force
A private yacht arriving in the United Kingdom reports to Border Force through the pleasure craft report, made online between two and twenty-four hours before it sails from its last port.