Top tourist attraction Thames Rockets has launched Rocket Rebel, the largest, fastest and most eco sightseeing speedboat ever seen on the River Thames. The first-of-its-kind British flagship is the latest addition to Thames Rockets’ fleet of five boats. Featuring a revolutionary, lightweight design, made for carving turns, and fuel-efficient 725hp twin-jet propelled engines, at 16-metres long and seating 26 it’s more than twice the capacity of existing London speedboat RIBS (12.5-metre Rigid Inflatable Boats). This allows for larger parties and private hire from corporate, celebrity, family and engagement celebrations to stags, hens and kids’ pirate-themed parties. The brainchild of Guernsey boat entrepreneur and speedboat pioneer Charlie Matheson, Thames Rockets offers a unique sightseeing trip taking in London landmarks and sharing fun facts courtesy of some of London’s top comic performers who act as on-board guides, while Charlene Peck, Thames Rockets expert skipper, takes the helm. Five years in-the-planning, the £1.6 million Rebel has been designed and constructed in the UK by British naval architects Chartwell Marine and built by Isle of Wight’s Diverse Marine. Matheson worked with maritime barristers to reinterpret UK licensing law to allow 26 passengers for the first time at high speed. Rocket Rebel departs from the London Eye Pier (Boarding Gate One) heading downriver, passing some of London’s most famous sights- Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Cleopatra’s Needle, Somerset House, Tate Modern, St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London Bridge, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge and The Tower of London before opening up in the ‘no speed limit zone’ down to Canary Wharf.
“Rocket Rebel is what our amazing capital deserves – an exciting, eye-catching and contemporary way of seeing our glorious city at speed, from the water, with a massive sound system, all hosted by our actor-comedian guides,” says Matheson. “Rocket Rebel has met all the passenger vessel licensing requirements whilst giving customers sensory connectivity with the elements, exciting turns and eye-watering acceleration. Rather a strong brief for British naval architects but they have delivered. We have not only doubled our capacity but also significantly reduced our carbon footprint with a more efficient engine and lower emissions, whilst carrying twice the numbers.” Andy Page, managing director of Chartwell Marine, added: “We’re excited to venture into London’s speedboat sightseeing market with the launch of Rocket Rebel. The vessel has been designed in close collaboration with Thames Rockets, and we’ve leveraged the latest innovations and design techniques to reduce its environmental impact on the Thames. Rocket Rebel features a sleek C21st lightweight engineered hull, and is the first HSC code boat of its type – significantly reducing emissions per person when compared to traditional high speed sight-seeing options on the Thames.”
Tickets from £54.95 (from May 1 £69.95) from Thames Rockets or London Eye ticket office. Rocket Rebel boat rides last one hour (Wednesday to Sunday during May, daily throughout the summer). Family friendly – no minimum age restrictions, to book, or find out more, visit: www.thamesrockets.com, 020 7928 8933