Where History is Anything But Dry

We keep our heritage vessels in working order so you can become part of their stories.

Included in the charter package is the crew, safety equipment and expert knowledge of the boats and their history.

Contact us to find out how you can tailor your day to your needs, whether that is bespoke catering packages from the team at Boathouse 4 Restaurant or recommendations of places to explore in the Solent.

Our charter packages offer a unique opportunity to get on the water in historically significant craft and shouldn’t be missed!

Contact us at boatbookings@portsmouthhq.org to plan your trip, or see below for more info.

Operational Craft

MGB 81 w Spinnaker

Motor Gun Boat 81

DATE BUILT: 1942

TOP SPEED: 33 knots

MAX CAPACITY: 9 passengers

HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE: Commissioned in 1942, 81 saw action off Guernsey and Hook of Holland during the Second World War. She was also in action off Omaha Beach on D-Day, 6th June 1944. She was restored to operational condition in 2009 and acquired by the Portsmouth Historic Quarter. She is the only operational MGB in the world.

HIGH SPEED LAUNCH 102 BOAT

High Speed Launch 102

DATE BUILT: 1936

TOP SPEED: 30 knots

MAX CAPACITY: 9 passengers

HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE: Built to save lives, HSL 102 was the brainchild of air craftsman T. E. Shaw better known as Lawrence of Arabia. During the Second World War, she was based on the South Coast and North East Coast, contributing to the rescuing of thousands of downed aircrew.

F8 at Pontoon

Landing Craft F8

DATE BUILT: 1959

TOP SPEED: 10 knots

MAX CAPACITY: 10 passengers

HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE: Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel (LCVP) F8 was attached to amphibious assault ship HMS Fearless. F8 was involved in the Falklands campaign of 1982, where she saw considerable action landing troops in San Carlos Water.

Price List

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