Thames Rockets is upgrading its fleet with a brand-new speedboat, christened Rocket Rebel, which launches to the public on April 4, 2025.
Rocket Rebel will be the largest, fastest and most eco sightseeing speedboat ever seen on the River Thames.
At 16-metres, 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: corporate, celebrity, family, engagement, stags, hens and kids’ pirate-themed parties.
Thames Rockets will offer sightseeing ‘history humour’. See London’s landmarks and learn fun facts from London’s finest comedic performers acting as on-board guides – when not rocketing downriver at up to 30 knots skippered by Charlene Peck, a highly qualified and experienced Thames Rocket boat skipper.
Designed for high-speed carving turns skimming over the water, the lightweight, stripped-back, aluminium design is fitted with two 725hp (1,440hp) low-emission jet-propelled engines. Five years in-planning, British-flagship Rocket Rebel is UK-designed-and-built at a cost of £1.5 million.
The speed boat departs from the London Eye Pier heading downriver, passing some of London’s most iconic sights including the Houses of Parliament, The 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 to speeds of 35mph.
Founder MD Charlie Matheson, 48, said: “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.
“She 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.
“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.”
Tell more about Thames Rocket’s Rocket Rebel Tour launching in April
Rocket Rebel launches April 4 from London Eye Pier, SE1 7PB.
Tickets cost from £54.95 (adult) and £49.95 (child) – available online and from the London Eye ticket office. Boat rides last 50-minutes and run daily, 365 days a year (family friendly – no minimum age restrictions).
To book or find out more please visit Thames Rockets T: 020 7928 8933
